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.
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.
This ceremony celebrated some of the best of our country’s commitment to freedom and the ability to bring one’s faith into the public square without demanding conformity.
How can we best understand the overlap of white supremacy and Christian nationalism? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. “Jay” Augustine joins Amanda and Holly for a wide-ranging conversation during Black History Month as we explore the way Christian nationalism devalues Blackness in our country. A pastor, preacher, lawyer and author, Dr. Augustine shares the differences between racial discrimination and ethnic discrimination we see throughout American history as well as the polarization and “otherism” we see today. He also reviews the various methods of reconciliation and what we all can learn from the Black Church as we seek to envision a just society and embrace a fuller understanding of religious freedom, including its ability to liberate.
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.
Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons is the communications director at BJC, leading the organization’s marketing and media strategies to grow, diversify and inspire BJC’s audience to advance faith freedom for all.
Issues surrounding the intersection of religious freedom and public health dominated the religious liberty news in 2021, and it was impossible to miss the display of Christian nationalism at the Capitol insurrection on January 6. Here’s a look at 10 of the biggest religious liberty developments of 2021.
President Biden announced his intention to nominate Rashad Hussain to be U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He would be the first Muslim to hold the State Department position.
In addition to the passage of the NO BAN Act, here is a quick roundup of bills progressing in state legislatures and other state actions that caught my eye.
How can we respond when we see our faith and democracy under siege? Four leaders explore ways to combat the dangerous ideology of Christian nationalism.
With the world changing rapidly and emotions flaring quickly, our task now at hand is to re-imagine BJC’s mission at the intersection of racial justice and religious freedom.
In one of his first official actions, President Joe Biden reversed one of the most troubling, controversial, and highly litigated policies of his predecessor: the Muslim and African travel ban.
