[Vision2020] Christian nationalism is dangerous, anti-democratic

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today’s Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks to Luke Premo of Pullman

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Christian nationalism is dangerous, anti-democratic


Dale Courtney’s anemic, misleading defense of Christian nationalism (Daily News, Sept 28) provides useful context for another recent column in which he seemed to reveal a soft spot for the prospects of a second civil war.

Despite what Courtney wants you to believe, Christian nationalism is as dangerous as it is un-American. One of the great things about this country is that everyone is free to worship any deity (or deities) one fancies. There are plenty of religions to choose from, and you have the freedom to take your pick, or to ignore them altogether.

Christ Church’s publicly stated desire “to make Moscow a Christian town” is antithetical to religious freedom. But that irony doesn’t matter to people like Doug Wilson, whose anachronistic writings and statements extolling the “blessings” of U.S. slavery and the subordination of women at home and in public have earned him a national reputation as a bigot. Wilson follows in the footsteps of Rousas Rushdoony and Robert Dabney, both of whom were Christian nationalists and white supremacists who fought to impose an extremist “biblical” ideology on the rest of the country through minority rule.

With their antiquated beliefs too vile to gain majority support, Christian nationalists have long taken aim at the very heart of America — democracy. Those who want to learn more about the holy battle for which Christian nationalists seem to be pining should check out “The Power Worshippers” (2019) by investigative reporter Katherine Stewart. Freedom requires tolerance and understanding, both of which are embraced by many religious and nonreligious people alike.

Because Christian nationalism embodies intolerance, rage and contempt for democracy, it will beget neither freedom nor liberty, but rather a cage (see: Iran, Afghanistan, Russia). A better way: be kind to all kinds and reject bigotry and authoritarianism.

Luke Premo

Pullman

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.net

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”
- Roy E. Stolworthy
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