The U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom. How then can religious liberties for Christians be attacked? One way this can begin is to portray them as villains or label their views as a threat. To illustrate this point, I will focus on a recent opinion article in USA Today. Although the author may have good intentions, her approach includes serious flaws.
Christians must recognize how false ideas can poison the minds of the public; and they should share truth with gentleness and respect.
The January 31st opinion article (“Christian nationalism is a threat, and not just from Capitol attackers invoking Jesus”) is one voice, but also symbolic of the way Christianity can be wrongly portrayed. The author contends that a certain group of Christians are dangerous – Christian Nationalists. She alleges they can be violent, such as the riot at the U.S. Capitol, as well as a threat in nonviolent ways by trying to force their views on others. Although the author may be sincere in thinking she is bringing awareness to a threat, I believe this article is misguided on certain items and may cause spiritual harm.
First, the article implies an association between Christians and those who attacked the U.S. Capitol. It begins by referencing two members of the mob that got into the Capitol, who mentioned Jesus and God. The author says the violence was condemned, but really does not qualify them as people who may have extreme beliefs and do not represent the teachings of Jesus.
When a crime is committed by someone who may have allegiance to a different religion, the media is quick to denounce that event as inconsistent with that religion. I recognize this is an opinion in article, but where is the same treatment for Christianity? The reference is subtle, but it can convey a distorted impression of Christianity, rather than a message of hope for humankind. Separately, I think a similar approach occurs in Hollywood, as it frequently portrays Christians as characters who are extreme or crazy.
RESPONSE: Whenever you see a negative portrayal of an alleged Christian, ask yourself: Are the actions or ideas of that potential Christian consistent with the Bible?
If not, then this person is not representing Christianity. They may be genuinely misguided, or it’s possible they may not even be a Christian. Christians are followers of Jesus; and, although they will not live perfect lives, they attempt to follow the commands of Jesus. Remember His words:
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."(John 14:15 CSB)
Second, the main theme of the article portrays a certain group of Christians as villains, trying to force their views upon the rest of the country. It labels them Christian Nationalists, a person who “…idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civic life...”[1] In other words, these Christians want to make this country a Christian nation.
In one sense, I can understand how someone would have a concern if Christians were trying to force their views on everyone in the nation. But is this really what is happening?
Based on a link from the article, I looked up the following organization, Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. According to their website, the organization’s purpose is to defend Christian liberties:
“The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CPCF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to protecting religious liberties, advocating for the right of individuals to engage in public prayer and the expression of faith in God, and restoring Judeo-Christian principles to their rightful place.”[2]
While it’s possible some Christian organizations may go too far in pushing their agenda, based on what I have seen so far, the vast majority of Christians are trying to defend their liberties. Unfortunately, this is necessary. There are multiple examples of Christians in the U.S. having their liberties and religious convictions infringed upon.
What is one example?
The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic organization that seeks to help people, had to seek protection from the courts from being required to offer contraceptives and the week-after-pill to their organization.[3] It was the Affordable Care Act that had this requirement, which violated the nun’s religious convictions. Although they eventually won in the Supreme Court in 2016, it was an example of how legislation or a government authority could force their views upon a religious organization.
My fear is that this label, Christian Nationalists, will be used as a weapon to cast a wide net over Christians attempting to defend their liberties or promote an agenda that supports their views. Let’s be honest, many groups of people vote for politicians or policies that support their view. To suggest it is inappropriate for Christians to do so is hypocritical.
RESPONSE: Christians are entitled to vote for policies that are consistent with their faith as well as defend their liberties.
Third, the following quote from the USA Today opinion article, cites a core Christian teaching as a threat.
“Distracted by those ready to bring on the apocalypse, we have not adequately exposed this more resilient threat to religious pluralism in the United States.”[4]
In other words, people are distracted with the radical ideas, so they don’t see how Christians are opposed to pluralism. Does the author know what pluralism is? Pluralism is not simply treating all people with respect, which we should definitely do, but rather accepting all faiths as true.
RESPONSE: Pluralism is contrary to logic and the teachings of Jesus. It violates logic because various religions have fundamental views that contradict; and, pluralism goes directly against the words of Jesus:
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 CSB)
Should Christians treat everyone with respect and recognize their free will to determine their eternal destiny? Yes. But should Christians agree with the idea of religious pluralism? No.
In summary, we have seen examples how Christianity can be portrayed negatively or a threat. This can be the first step in Christians losing certain religious liberties; and even worse, it can leave a false impression of the truth of the Christian message.
Summary Point:
Christians need to recognize when their views are being misrepresented or labeled as a threat, and respond respectfully by sharing truth.
[1]https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/01/31/christian-nationalism-josh-hawley-ted-cruz-capitol-attack-column/4292193001/ [2]https://cpcfoundation.com/about/ [3]https://www.becketlaw.org/case/littlesisters/
[4]https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/01/31/christian-nationalism-josh-hawley-ted-cruz-capitol-attack-column/4292193001/
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