As the associate general counsel, Jennifer leads our lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, participates in BJC’s advocacy and education efforts, and speaks to groups about the importance of faith freedom for all and the dangers of Christian nationalism.
What does the myth of American “chosenness” mean for different communities and the rise of Christian nationalism? Episcopal Bishop and Cherokee nation member Carol Gallagher, Baptist minister Rev. Darrell Hamilton, and Dr. Michael Hoberman, a scholar of early American Jewish literature and culture, engage in a conversation moderated by the Rev. Dr. Jaimie Crumley, a minister and professor of gender studies and ethnic studies. Dr. Catherine Brekus of Harvard Divinity School joins them, too, as they react to her lecture about how the myth of “chosenness” leads to much of the religious nationalism in our country today, including how scriptures were used to justify colonialism.
How does the myth of America being a “chosen” nation lead to the religious nationalism we see today? 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 the ways that the recent surge of white Christian nationalism reflects a deep uneasiness about the loss of Christian privilege in this country.
Christian nationalism is on full display at stops of the ReAwaken America tour – conferences that fuse Christian language and symbols with conspiracy theories and election denials. Amanda went inside the most recent one at a Trump property in Miami, and she shares her experiences in this podcast – from assembly-line baptisms to the reaction of the crowd as speakers moved seamlessly from religious worship songs to calls for political violence.
Since its beginning in 2019, Christians Against Christian Nationalism has been a grassroots movement of Christians standing against Christian nationalism. This dangerous ideology is a daunting and complex issue, so BJC has identified four priority areas where we can make the most difference.
Jennifer Hawks will speak on Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
On February 2, we’ll see the 71st installment of an event that always raises eyebrows and makes news. The National Prayer Breakfast has been around since 1953, but what is it? Does it promote religious freedom, or is it yet another example of Christian nationalism? Amanda and Holly explore the legitimate questions it raises about faith in public life and the relationship between the institutions of government and religion. They also share their thoughts on what we should do about the National Prayer Breakfast and the key differences between it and the National Day of Prayer.
After our country marked the second anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, 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. Amanda and Holly also discuss the importance of Christian leaders providing an alternative witness 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.
If we care about religious freedom for all, we must dismantle Christian nationalism.
BJC staff members love visiting Baptist and other Christian churches to preach the Gospel, which we believe calls us to defend faith freedom for all. We are also prepared to lead small group or church-wide discussions on religious liberty and Christian nationalism in addition to preaching.
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler will speak on Christian nationalism during the meeting, held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.
While the mainstreaming of Christian nationalism is absolutely a threat, we can also seize this moment as an opportunity to galvanize the majority of Americans who oppose it and want to defend religious freedom for all.
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
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Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.