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FORUM SERIES
August 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Screening of “God and Country” with Panel Discussion
Montview BOULEVARD Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St, Denver, CO
From director Dan Partland and producer Rob Reiner, GOD & COUNTRY looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself. Featuring prominent Christian thought leaders, GOD & COUNTRY asks this question: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?rom director Dan Partland and producer Rob Reiner, October 26, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 P.M GOD & COUNTRY looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself. Featuring prominent Christian thought leaders, GOD & COUNTRY asks this question: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?
September 27, 7:00 P.M.
The Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St, Denver, CO
The Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson is the Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture at Iliff School of Theology. The Institute performs research on the ways religious histories inform political perspectives and shares that information to educate public leaders for transformative action. Before launching the Institute, Amanda served for seven years as Executive Director of The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. Amanda is ordained with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), author of Holy Chaos, Creating Connections in Divisive Times.
October 26, 9:00 a.m, - 12:00 P.M.,
Dr. Jemar Tisby
Montview BOULEVARD Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80220
Jemar Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, How to Fight Racism, and How to Fight Racism: Young Reader's Edition. He is also a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville. Jemar is the co-host of the "Pass the Mic" podcast. He speaks nationwide on the topics of racial justice, U.S. history and Christianity. Jemar earned his PhD in history and he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century.
October Book Signing with Dr. Jemar Tisby
Details to come.
Sermon Series on White Christian Nationalism
August 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. ~ The Rev. Anna Horen ~ St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 2015 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80205
September 29, 2024, 10:00 a.m. ~ The Rev. Larissa Romero, Senior Minister ~ Park Hill Congregational UCC, 2600 Leyden StreetDenver, CO 80207
October 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. ~ The Right Rev. Bishop Dan Edwards
October 27, 2024, Preaching 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Adult Forum 9:30 a.m.~ Dr. Jemar Tisby ~ Montview Blvd Presbyterian ~ 1980 Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80220
Learn More about White Christian Nationalism
“White "Christian" Nationalism is the greatest threat to democracy and the witness of the church in the United States today.”
~ Dr. Jemar Tisby, February 28, 2024
at a recent Public Religion Research Institute (PPRI) Webinar
White “Christian” nationalists have been working for decades to control all aspects of our society, from education to the judiciary. This threat requires mainline Christian churches to reaffirm Christian values of love and inclusion and to speak forcefully against the agenda of White Christian Nationalists. Below you will find more information about this movement and the treat it presents.
White "Christian" Nationalism (WCN) is more akin to a political ideology than a faith tradition.
The values promoted by the WCN movement are a perversion of our gospel values.
WCN threatens our democracy, people on the margins, immigrants, people of color, women and the LBGTQ+ community.
As Christians, people of faith and followers of the Way of Love, we have the responsibility to speak out against the WCN ideology and movement and create a counter movement grounded in love and authentic gospel values.
The following information has been summarized from a recent panel discussion on "Christian" Nationalism:
What is White "Christian" Nationalism?
WCN is a cultural framework that reflects a very particular brand of Christianity. Adherents to WCN idealize and advocate for a fusion of this very particular brand of Christianity with the American civic life. They hold that this particular brand of Christianity should be the undisputed cultural framework in the United States that the government should promote and preserve this cultural framework in America.
WCN believes that American is a divinely ordained promised land for European Christians rather than a pluralistic democracy where the inherent rights of all should be recognized. From the WCN viewpoint, the ideal American is understood to be a natural born white, Anglo, protestant. They further believe that this white, Anglo, protestant men created America and this group should remain central to America’s cultural identity and political leadership.
What Are The Characteristics and Beliefs of White "Christian" Nationalism?
They desire strong ethno-racial boundaries around national identity, civic participation and social belonging. Ideal or true Americans are understood to be a natural born white, Anglo and protestant. They believe this is who created America and this group should remain central to America’s cultural identity and political leadership.
They believe that society should be organized by traditional cultural arrangements where:
Men lead, women support.
Marriage is heterosexual.
Families have a mom and dad and are committed to procreation.
They want to reserve civil rights protection for those who adhere to the WCN view of society.
They are comfortable implementing strong social controls and prefer strong leaders who will defend this culture.
They are supportive of political violence to achieve their goals.
Multiple Surveys Indicate That White "Christian" Nationalism Is Strongly Associated With:
Supporting the second amendment;
Desiring to limit or turn away refugees;
Opposing LBGTQ+ civil rights;
Opposing abortion for almost any reason;
Denying systemic racism;
Belonging to White Evangelical Protestantism.
Why Does This Matter?
The recently released PRRI American Values Atlas Survey, measured the support for "Christian" nationalism in all 50 states. Some if the highlights include:
Three in ten Americans qualify as Christian nationalism Adherents or Sympathizers.
Residents of red states are significantly more likely than those in blue states to hold Christian nationalist beliefs.
At the national level, Christian nationalism is strongly linked to Republican party affiliation and holding favorable views of Trump.
Partisanship is closely linked to Christian nationalist views. A majority of Republicans (55%) qualify as Christian nationalists (21% Adherents and 34% Sympathizers).
How Do We Counter the Threat of White "Christian" Nationalism?
Learn about the history, values and agenda of White "Christian" Nationalists.
Recognize that the values of WCN that promote fear, hate, exclusion, oppression and racism are a perversion of the gospel that promotes love, reconciliation, and justice and dignity for ALL people.
Boldly refute the ideology of WCN.
Boldly witness to gospel values through word and action.
Bear witness to your faith in public as the source of your values.
Additional Resources and Links
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
Resisting Christian Nationalism: FAQ + Resources from Faithful America website
Time Magazine: The Roots of Christian Nationalism Go Back Further Than You Think
Documentaries and Videos:
PBS: White Christian Nationalism and why it raises concerns about threats to democracy. Feb. 1, 2024 (7:17)
White Christian Nationalism: How Racism Undergirds Christian Nationalism
