OPINION: Divided by faith: How Christian nationalism threatens religious pluralism in America
By Sabrina Parker
Columnist
The ideology of Christian nationalism, which seeks to blend American civic life with a specific brand of evangelical Christianity, has become increasingly prominent in both conservative religious and political circles in recent years. However, experts warn that some of its core tenets promote intolerance and go against principles of religious freedom.
According to sociologist Robert P. Jones, who heads the Public Religion Research Institute, Christian nationalism demands that Christianity be treated as the national faith. This marginalizes religious minorities and is unconstitutional, as the U.S. was founded on principles of separating church and state.
Jones' research reveals wide support for aspects of Christian nationalism among white evangelical Protestants. Nearly half agree that America was founded as and should remain a Christian nation, and that judges should make rulings based on biblical principles alone. However, fewer evangelicals support statements affirming church-state separation.
Other common traits include believing the American flag and cross are deeply intertwined symbols, or that immigrants from non-Christian cultures pose a threat to traditional American values and cultural identity. Proponents tend to weave explicit religious rhetoric and imagery into arguments for conservative policies and political candidates.
Supporters claim justification in America's early religious roots. However, leading founders like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison intentionally established a secular democracy to protect individuals' freedom of—or freedom from—religion. References to God on money and in the Pledge of Allegiance stemmed from Cold War-era nationalism, not the framers' vision.
As Christian nationalism gains traction, some mainline church leaders have expressed concern over its consequences. Reverend Adam Taylor of the United Church of Christ co-authored an open letter decrying its "idolatrous distortion" of faith, which demands uniformity and "can breed intolerance."
When political positions are justified solely through narrow interpretations of Scripture absent consideration for diverse beliefs, it infringes on religious pluralism. Controversial issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and sex education are regularly addressed through biblical arguments alone.
Additionally, linking American civic identity to one creed risks incorrectly perceiving the nation and faith as interchangeable. True believers' highest allegiance lies not with any government, but with God and Christ's message of spiritual salvation.
Nationalism also poses complications for communities of faith. By promoting rigid stances, it risks making atheists, liberals, or minorities within congregations feel unwelcome or condemned rather than embraced as equal children of God.
God did not create humanity to be automatons programmed for blind devotion. Rather, in His infinite wisdom and love, He endowed each person with free will to choose their own spiritual path. God could have designed humans incapable of rejecting Him, but that would negate the very nature of free choice and voluntary love upon which healthy relationships are founded.
By granting freedom of conscience, individuals can genuinely elect to believe in and serve their Creator based on personal conviction, not out of compulsion. This autonomy to decide one's beliefs lies at the core of religious liberty. Forcing association with a single creed violates both God-given free will and America's founding democratic values of pluralism.
Nationalism demanding Christian conformity against individual preference infringes on the most personal of freedoms - that of one's theological commitments and worship. Just as God does not impose Himself but welcomes willing hearts, America should remain a place where citizens' diverse spiritual journeys can unfold unimpeded. True faith is a private matter between each soul and the divine, not something imposed through authoritarian decree by country or leaders. Forcing undemanded affiliation distorts both religion and liberty.
Rather than compulsory subscription to a single interpretation, the United States was established upon principles of voluntary faith according to conscience. This protects the rights of all citizens - including nonbelievers - to walk their own religious paths as guided by internal conviction, not external political pressure to conform. Such freedom reflects the very reason for Christianity's spread by peaceful persuasion, not sovereignty.
True faith upholds Jesus' vision of inclusiveness. The Bible depicts him ministering to and praising the faith of religious outsiders like the Samaritan woman and Roman centurion. He embodied radical hospitality by dining with social outcasts, countering hypocrisy within the religious elite.
Even while dying, Jesus prayed for forgiveness of those crucifying him. And in the Great Commission, he mandated spreading the gospel message universally across all nations and peoples. Through interactions, Jesus upheld the inherent dignity of every person and treated all with absolute compassion regardless of background.
This clashes with nationalism's tendency to conditional acceptance and division through an "us vs. them" mentality. True faith requires reflecting Christ's virtues of humility, empathy, patience and nonviolence through thoughtful dialogue and understanding different perspectives.
Promoting reconciliation by bringing together communities divided around issues, and focusing on our shared hopes, doubts and humanity are priorities over rigid stances that drive people apart. While believers maintain personal convictions, policies must respect diversity and not impose religious conformity.
As pluralism increases, unchecked Christian nationalism threatens fraying social cohesion. By distancing itself from exclusionary doctrines, faith offers an antidote by prioritizing religious unity through open and caring fellowship. Forcing beliefs on others through law undermines both spiritual freedom and democratic principles.
With commitment to these ideals, believers can thoughtfully discuss complex issues through respect, nuance and care for marginalized groups. True faith calls us to welcome all people, as Christ did, seeking mercy and common ground over condemnation. This sheds light for those exploring spirituality on their own terms.
Christianity is not defined by any one nation but is rather a universal spiritual message that transcends political boundaries. At its core, it is about bringing all people together in fellowship through shared beliefs in God's love, mercy, and justice. While America has a religious heritage, true faith recognizes that spiritual truth can be discovered across all cultures. Rather than exclusivity, Christianity teaches inclusiveness - that people of any background may turn to God.
The more I study Jesus' life and teachings, the more I see that he stood unconditionally for unity, diversity, and embracing all people. He did not promote exclusivity or rigid conformity to a singular interpretation. Rather, he welcomed everyone to God's kingdom - sinners, outcasts, foreigners - showing love knows no bounds.
Jesus scandalized religious elites by dining and ministering to those on society's margins. He praised the faith of outsiders like the Canaanite woman and Roman centurion. Even while dying, Jesus prayed for forgiveness of those inflicting cruelty upon him, exemplifying radical compassion. In the Great Commission, he mandated sharing faith's message of hope universally across all cultures.
Through his actions and interactions, Jesus upheld the inherent dignity of all people. He treated each person as equally deserving of kindness, regardless of ethnicity or spiritual background. This emphasized our shared humanity is far greater than any surface distinctions that often divide us. Such teachings of pluralism, empathy and unity still challenge nationalistic tendencies to conditional acceptance.
I've found the true identifier of a believer isn't agreement with a singular creedal statement or political affiliation. Rather, it is living according to Christ's example - embracing those different than ourselves with nonjudgmental love as fellow children of God. When we recognize our profound connectedness through faith while also celebrating diversity, we come closest to Jesus' reconciling vision of a harmonious community where all belong.
In this spirit, we can thoughtfully discuss even complex issues through respectful dialogue, prioritizing our spiritual calling to heal divisions. I believe this reflects the freedom and environment that allows individual spiritual growth - and draws those unsure to God's light of hope, mercy and peace for all people.
Sabrina Parker is a guest columnist writing about faith, diversity and equality in Jackson and beyond. Contact her at parkerintennessee@gmail.com.
