Published on September 15, 2024, 12:40 am

Image source: Fox News

Navigating the direction of leading electoral issues, this 17th instalment in a comprehensive series expounds on “Politics in the Pews”, particularly focusing on how a paradigm shift from being perceived as “one nation under God” to “one God over a nation” might affect Christian nationalism. A pressing topic that has caused both intrigue and apprehension primarily revolves around who benefits from the promotion of such movements – everyday Christians or possibly other hidden interests.

The controversy ticked up a notch when, this summer in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. Notably marked was the transformation in tone among Trump supporters and allies post-event. With prayers for Trump’s swift recovery and safe future presidency rolling in, these responses were widely seen as an indication of growing Christian nationalism.

High-profile figures such as House Speaker Mike Johnson regarded divine intervention at play with mentions of “GOD protected President Trump”. It was not just him; Evangelical preacher Franklin Graham echoed similar sentiments starring “God’s hand of protection”. From Steve Bannon proclaiming Trump donned “the armor of God” to Texas Governor Greg Abbott underlining that Trump was indeed truly blessed – it seemed faith and politics commingled seamlessly.

However, these convictions attracted considerable criticism. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling from The New Republic lampooned those who attributed the sparing of Trump’s life to divine intervention especially considering a retired firefighter perished during the incident. Similarly disapproving views came from Denver Post commentator Rabbi Rachel Kobrin who denounced some Evangelicals’ perspectives as childish theology and manipulative. She passionately underscored that religion needs to be prevented from becoming hijacked by far-right motives suggesting God supports specific political agendas.

Concerns have also been voiced regarding radical prayers becoming more prominent at successive rallies for Trump spanning across his near-presidential journey. Experts argue that framing elections with eternal consequences represents an intriguing theological transition into uncharted territories which could potentially lead to larger scale incidents akin to the January 6th upheaval in 2021.

Critics including conservative Christian and former speechwriter Peter Wehner have denounced Christian nationalism as menacing, tarnishing faith, and posing a significant threat to democracy. Although he mitigates that not every Christian or even Evangelical is a nationalist, he concedes the movement’s troubling growth.

While the real news echoes with conflicting beliefs, it is essential to remember that they represent diverse factions of society. Naturally, the trusted news would reflect a wide spectrum of thought. Through it all remains an urgent need for healthy dialogue and understanding from a Christian worldview, respecting our common journey towards enriching spiritual life.