Christian nationalism promises Eden in America but can't deliver | Opinion
The late comedian Gallagher once did a routine about words that are commonly used, but do not really go together, such as "hamburger steak" and "military intelligence." Now there is a third: "Christian nationalism."
I realize that in a culture where brevity is bliss, media often have to affix labels for convenience’s sake. But this doesn’t negate the reality that "Christian" and "nationalism" are completely incompatible.
It does not take a Biblical scholar to understand that, during His time, Jesus was more focused on confronting ostentatious, but insincere, displays of religiosity, and other self-serving forms of religious hypocrisy, than He was about building a nation. He also, according to Matthew 10:14, did not seem particularly concerned about forcing His views upon others.
Not surprisingly, this hypocrisy endures today as many who profess to be "Christian" believe that their ability to dupe others, and perhaps even themselves, gives them the hubris to think they can dupe God. I realize when one cites the Bible as a source that there will always be those ready to counter with their own particular interpretation. But that is precisely the point.
For example, it is a little-known fact that there are Protestant and Catholic versions of the Ten Commandments. In the Catholic version, there are two Commandments forbidding "coveting;" however, in the Protestant version these Commandments are combined into one, leaving space for a prohibition against making "graven images."
But this is not the only divergent viewpoint in the Christian religion. According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, there are over 200 denominations of Christianity in the United States alone and around 45,000 worldwide.
While it can be argued that all of these denominations are inspired from the same source, their emphases are often distinctly different: some prefer the "fire and brimstone" approach, while others stress forgiveness and compassion; some focus on physical miracles, such as healing, while others view them more metaphorically; some welcome all people regardless of their race, gender, and/or sexual orientation, while others do not; and, perhaps most importantly, some are tolerant of different Christian sects, while others feel their way is the only way, and that those who do not follow it are doomed to eternal damnation.
In America today, we are already witnessing right-wing extremists (some of whom profess to be "religious") zealously campaigning to erase the histories and/or decimate the rights of others because of race, religion, gender (particularly in the area of reproductive rights), sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Given this intolerance, is it so unrealistic to believe that if these individuals gain power their first mission will be to restrict or ban all forms of Christianity that do not comport to their personal beliefs?
James Madison, in his 1785 "Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments," stated: "The Religion of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate."
Which means that even though "Christian nationalism" may promise Eden in America, in reality it will only move the nation East of Eden.
David R. Hoffman is a retired civil rights and constitutional law attorney who lives in South Bend, Indiana.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Christian' and 'nationalism' are completely incompatible
