An 'imposter Christianity' is threatening American democracy

[Arkansas Granny]

Three men, eyes closed and heads bowed, pray before a rough-hewn wooden cross. Another man wraps his arms around a massive Bible pressed against his chest like a shield. All throughout the crowd, people wave "Jesus Saves" banners and pump their fists toward the sky.

At first glance, these snapshots look like scenes from an outdoor church rally. But this event wasn't a revival; it was what some call a Christian revolt. These were photos of people who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, during an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The insurrection marked the first time many Americans realized the US is facing a burgeoning White Christian nationalist movement. This movement uses Christian language to cloak sexism and hostility to Black people and non-White immigrants in its quest to create a White Christian America.

A report from a team of clergy, scholars and advocates — sponsored by two groups that advocate for the separation of church and state — concluded that this ideology was used to "bolster, justify and intensify" the attack on the US Capitol.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/24/us/white-christian-nationalism-blake-cec/index.html?utm_term=link&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2022-07-25T06%3A30%3A08&utm_source=fbCNN&fbclid=IwAR3WfEGP20-YttcOQQp1s-kbyMPry1pU1zVpliP95kUV5jhRvmy1VhaWbPU&fs=e&s=cl

[no_hypocrisy]

1. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has been warning about, heralding

the dangers of these charlatans for decades. The Foundation was concentrating on separation of church and state. Radar picked up on Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority. Mainstream America thought he was a buffoon and thought he'd get nowhere.

Look where we are now. They are making policy. They are the the ALEC of the USSC.

Give them enough time and influence and blasphemy laws will be on the books and being enforced.

[Mosby]

7. They are Christians.

Just because you don't like their theology doesn't make them charlatans. That's a "no true scotsman" logical fallacy.

I think we are starting to see the true, classic version of Xtianity. Authoritarian, judgemental, controlling.

[Ilsa]

2. It might take a decade or two for these people to 1. end up in prison,

2. die off, and/or 3. change their minds. #3 seems to be the least likely.

[Tbear]

3. "A true Christian life

is not one governed by a long set of rules without us, but led by a living and ever-present Person within us.” -RA Torrey, The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

[wnylib]

4. Liberal mainline churches are speaking to their congregations

about this as a threat within Christianity. They have not been speaking in the public arena (yet) because of not wanting to get into the political fray due to separation of church and state. But within the congregations, they are denouncing race replacement theory as racist and unChristian. They are denouncing attacks on LGBTQ communities and supporting Pride celebrations. They are denouncing hatred toward immigrants and supporting asylum seekers with legal aid and help in resettlement within the US. They are supporting women's right to choose.

They are not speaking about specific candidates or parties because their position is religious, not political, and they are committed to separation of church and state.

They are basing their actions and positions on the teachings of Jesus, not on politics. But as things get worse in the country, I expect that more will speak out publicly, beyond the congregations, about following the teachings of Jesus and not distorting them for political purposes.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. When I was growing up, the Evangelicals were considered a fringe group. Since the 70's, when they

started appearing on cable tv, they seem to have infiltrated the traditional denominations and have become much more involved in politics.

[lees1975]

5. Stay informed. It is a threat.

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/07/if-theyre-telling-us-who-they-are-we.html

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/07/why-i-am-christian-who-votes-for.html

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/06/how-doctrine-and-theology-of-american.html

https://signalpress.blogspot.com/2022/06/christian-dominion-theology-intersects.html

Written from a Christian blogger's perspective.