Over much of this year, I’ve been engaging with the topic of Christian Nationalism. I’ve reached the stage where I think it is time for me to stop at least for now (with the exception that I’ve got a podcast video with David Robertson, aka the Wee Flea booked in for the new year) and I thought it was worth explaining why.
First of all, some of you may be wondering why I’ve kept with it so much. At times I have too. Anyone who engages with theology and ethics in the public domain will tell you that there are things that talk about that result in everything from subtle signs to overt pressure on them to be quiet. And I’ve certainly been aware that Christian Nationalism has been one of those things for me. I’ve described previously how responses started as “why are you talking about this” but became “be careful what you say about…”
Yet, I felt that it was worth continuing and I did have some encouragement from a few key people. There are a few reasons for that. Firstly it reflects the nature and purpose of Faithroots. The aim is to train and equip by going in depth. That’s why I stick with subjects that others night give one article to.
Secondly this particular outworking is something I’ve been tracking from its roots 20 years ago. So it was neither new to me, nor is the direction it has taken a surprise.
Thirdly, this matters. Whilst there is an element of training and teaching on public theology here, there is also a sense that it matters. It matters because this strain of false teaching affects the very kind of people we want to reach with the Gospel. That includes young white men who are being encouraged to sign up for baptised ethno-cultural Nationalism.
It also affects people from immigrant backgrounds, first, second and third generation in our churches. It affects them because the form of Christian Nationalism we are seeing creates space for horrific racism to happen. People are given permission to act their worst. And (this is important) our silence on these things as church leaders amplifies that. It increases the permission and it gives the impression that we are complicit. At best we don’t mind this particular sin and idolatry, at best maybe we are compromised by it.
Fourthly what this means is that we are seeing the fruit of this movement already. I know some people are saying we should not judge just yet, we should wait to see the fruit in the lives of individuals like Tommy Robinson or from large scale events like that UTK Christmas rally happening today. But we are already seeing the fruit whether it’s racist assaults here in Birmingham of gangs gathering around hostels to intimidate asylum seekers. We can see the fruit because we know what is being preached week on week in churches led by the so called patriot pastors. I’ve interacted with that teaching in detail over the past three months. I wonder if we should conclude that those still not seeing it are choosing not to see it?
So, it matters that church leaders and national leaders speak. This is one of the things that our congregations need and are looking for.
That’s why I’ve kept talking about this. However, it’s time for the particular series of articles to come to an end. That’s not because the subject is closed but rather I think that I’ve contributed what I can by these means. I don’t think that people are going to change their minds. In fact people like me speaking has at times simply created a new forum for them to repeat their claims. Nor are leaders going to start speaking if they haven’t already.
So I think I’ve done what I set out to do here. If you search on the tag, I think you will find a full and comprehensive analysis and response here.
Just some quick responses to a few groups of people to finish. First, for those that are still worried that it might be divisive to talk about this, I want to reassure you. The division is caused by those who make something else other than Jesus an offense. They have drawn the dividing lines. Moreover sometimes something matters because it is seriously wrong, seriously false. It’s not divisive to stand firm against false teaching
Secondly, to those of you who have been promoting Christian Nationalism, the offer I made three months ago for dialogue is now ended. I hope that Christ through his Spirit will speak into your hearts but there is a limit to human capacity.
Thirdly, I would appeal again to evangelical leaders, particularly those from Reformed Evangelical and charismatic contexts and especially those with a national voice. The temptation is to see Christian Nationalism as something that isn’t our problem, if it is a problem at all. It’s something out there, a bit messy, something we don’t really understand and something that we are wary about coming down on one side or the other on. We think we have no control or influence over it and it is not our responsibility. However, unfortunately, we do not have that luxury. The reality is that the roots of the toxic poison we see at the moment come from within our own movements. It’s not something at a distance, it’s something that originates right here at home. It’s our problem, We need to put our own house in order.
Finally, to my brothers and sisters, especially in our church who have been on the receiving end of fear, hate and racism, I continue to stand with you and will not stop.
Faithroots 