How does the myth of America being a “chosen” nation lead to the religious nationalism we see today? In a presentation first aired in 2023, Harvard Divinity School’s Dr. Catherine Brekus talks about how the myth is a complicated mixture of arrogance, exploitation, reform, racism and violence. She looks at the roots of this myth, how it has played out through our country’s history, and how the recent surge of white Christian nationalism reflects a deep uneasiness about the loss of Christian privilege in this country.
This program originally aired on June 1, 2023, in season 4 of Respecting Religion.
“In Minneapolis and across the country, the threats to the religious freedom of all people are not the people standing up for and participating in civic life but the people who wield state power in a manner that undermines it.”
As Amanda’s sabbatical begins, we are revisiting previous episodes of the podcast. This week – in 2026 – marked the 5th anniversary of the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In today’s episode of Respecting Religion, hear a conversation two years after the attack. Amanda and Holly share their reactions to the report released by the January 6 Select Committee at the end of 2022, including the lack of any mention of Christian nationalism and why that matters. They also discuss the importance of Christian leaders providing an alternative witness in 2023 to the Christian nationalism exhibited during the attack on the Capitol. And, they review how the insurrection still shapes our world and how it – surprisingly – doesn’t shape Capitol tours.
This program originally aired on January 12, 2023, in season 4 of Respecting Religion.
This year, BJC celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BJC Fellows Program, gathering members of the 10 different classes together online to share their experiences and hear updates on things happening now in the religious liberty landscape.
“As the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary, we must remember Richard Allen and the underlying narratives about the United States’ story,” writes BJC’s Jaziah Masters.
