The REAL Problem with Christian Nationalism
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- Опубліковано 25 лис 2024
- Christian Nationalism has been in the news a lot lately, but what exactly is it, what's the real problem it poses, and what does pudding have to do with it???
Skye Jethani answers these questions and shows that Christian Nationalism and the Prosperity Gospel have a lot more in common than what we might think - Jesus isn't the goal, but a means to receive what they really want.
For more information about Christian Nationalism, check out these past Holy Post episodes
Episode 442: Christian Nationalism & the Good Life with Derwin Gray
• 442: Christian Nationa...
Episode 498: Making Christian Disciples or Christian Nationalists? with David Kinnaman
• 498: Making Christian ...
Episode 531: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism? with Paul D. Miller
• 531: What’s Wrong with...
Episode 572: Christian Nationalist Hospitality & Atheists Get Political with Ryan Burge
• 572: Christian Nationa...
Never trust a religious leader who tells you how to vote, or a politician who tells you how to pray.
This is why I stop going to church. I am a Christian and I stay home and read my Bible and pray to my God! The shit that baffles me is how these religious leaders tell these incompetent Christian that some fucking political leader is from God
I concur!
If your religion is true, you must follow it to the ends of the Earth, that includes the voting booth.
@@jacobpottage6938 As long as your religion doesn’t take away God given rights from others.
@@jacobpottage6938 If Jesus wanted countries to be run by religion he would have mentioned it
I am now an atheist, but was a devout Christian for much of my life. It was the prevalence of the Prosperity Gospel, and by extension, Christian nationalism, that made me start questioning Christian institutions. I could not understand how someone could read the teachings of Jesus, yet still believe these very non-Christian ideals.
I've never been a believer but I was a bit more of a "Militant" anti-theist. That changed after learning about the Christian-led orgs. that are fighting to keep the wall of separation intact. Groups like Talk2Action, who have been pointing out the ties from Former Gov. Rick Perry and the Seven Mtns. movements, for example, when he was governor and had the utterly reprehensible Christian nationalists on stage with him to pray for rain during an extended drought. So, knowing how few nonbelievers there are in the US, it behooves us to recognize the believing people in our corner.
Yeah, and yet all of them believe that Jesus is communicating with them.
Jesus would be hung for being a communist in a Christian nationalist america.
@@floydthibodeaux1844 You have to wonder though. The cynic in me says that a whole lot of them lost Jesus when they twisted his teachings. I'm an atheist too, but I do believe the social teachings of Jesus are worthwhile.
Sincerely asking why you listen to this podcast? 😊
One of the best explanations for this movement that I’ve heard. I have been telling my Christian friends that I’m having a crisis of faith because I didn’t know how else to explain it. My faith in God is just as strong and powerful as it ever was. But I go to church with people who voted for a man because he claimed to be a Christian. And yet they cannot point out one loving act of Christianity that he did. Where as I can point out many un-Christ like things that he and many other political leaders have done while claiming that they’re doing it in the name of Jesus. It’s shameful and I don’t know how to continue to walk in love with people who claim to love Christ and do nothing to protect their neighbors rights.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
Well said. I have the same dilemma with my own Christian nationalist family. It boggles my mind how they have gone so far astray from true Christian beliefs and values that we all grew up with. As far as they are concerned, I am the one that has gone astray.
The term "false brethren" is in the King James Bible. Everyone professing Christ doesn't really know Christ. They are counterfeits!
The Christian ideal is to love EVERYONE, as God does (I put this as “I hope Hitler, Stalin, and Mao are in Heaven; improves my odds!”), but we also have a right to protect ourselves from anything toxic to us by separating ourselves from it. Not in a hurtful, hateful way; but in a way that creates a boundary and distance; not out of anger, but out of self-love. After all, how can we love our neighbors as ourselves if we don’t practice loving Christian charity towards ourselves? 🤔
I'm so glad I found this video and these comments. As a former Christian (ironically, the Jesuits opened the door that allowed me to conclude that "I don't have any idea," is the only reasonable answer if asked whether god exists), I often advocate for the teachings of Jesus in atheist groups. Many there have never read the Gospels, so they have no idea that the beliefs of the most vocal Christ-ians are not Christ-like. In fact, the core values that the evangelicals claim separate the righteous from sinners, wheat from the chaff, are exactly opposite what Jesus taught not only through his words and actions, but also through what he did not say or do.
He certainly never raged against sinners, occasionally telling someone he'd forgiven to "go and sin no more," but if he had negative feelings for anyone, it wasn't sinners, but the rich and the "righteous," both promises the church makes to those who believe. For a guy who included prostitutes as friends in the age of primitive birth control, he was conspicuously silent about abortion, and it's inconceivable to me that he would engage in politics to steer policy on that or any issue.
He didn't speak out against homosexuals, though it was not nearly as in the open as today. In fact, he was pretty clear about what to do if you saw your neighbor in sin - he said that judging people was his dad's job, so go clean your own house in case we stop by later so you can explain to him why you think you'd do a better job.
And in all the world's holy scriptures, which are characterized by parables, and vague, esoteric language, maybe the most plain-spoken, unambiguous instructions on what to do every day to have a closer relationship with God, Matthew 6, stands out as unique. Yet evangelicals are determined to, "practice righteousness in front of others," to "be like the hypocrites," praying in church and on the street, and "keep on babbling like pagans." I've been subjected to several essays full of scripture references to prove that Jesus got it wrong on this by people who truly "have received their reward in full."
To the church of my youth,
What the hell did you expect me to do?
You told me to love my neighbors, to model the life of Jesus. To be kind and considerate, and to stand up for the bullied.
You told me to love people, consider others as more important than myself.
You taught me to sing "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight."
We sang it together, pressing the volume pedal and leaning our hearts into the chorus. You said that “He loved all the children of the world”.
You told me to love my enemies, to even do good to those who wish for bad things. You told me to never "hate" anyone and to always find ways to encourage people.
You told me it's better to give than receive, to be last instead of first. To help the poor, the widow, the stranger at the gate.
You told me that Jesus looks at what I do for the least-of-these as the true depth of my faith. You told me to focus on my own sin and not to judge. You told me to be accepting and forgiving.
So I paid attention.
I took in every lesson.
And I did what you told me.
But now, you call me a libtard. A queer-lover. You call me "woke." A backslider.
You call me a heretic. You make fun of my heart. You mock the people I’m trying to help.
You say I’m a child of the devil.
You call me soft. A snowflake. A socialist. You shun the very people you told me to help.
What the hell did you expect me to do?
I thought you were serious, but apparently not.
You hate nearly all the people I love. You stand against nearly all the things I stand for. I'm trying to see a way forward, but it's hard when I survey all the hurt, harm, and darkness that comes in the wake of your beliefs and presence.
What the hell did you expect me to do?
I believed it all the way.
I'm still believing it all the way.
Which leaves me wondering, what happened to you?
God bless you and thank you for saying that. I have felt this way for so long and it has led to so much confusion about religion. I now have to look at it as Love. God is Love. The damage so many x-tian churches have done, none in the name of Love, makes it so much harder for us to see that this Love is here and has been all along. Loving our neighbor, feeding the poor, being careful with the gift of a beautiful planet. I am ready for the x-tians to wake up and get back to the truth.
The faith is right again, If anything smacks of universalism avoid it like the plague, their towns are still in very good shape, low crime rates. Good birth rates, noncorporate and very pale with a good standard of living for the sizes of their towns.
Spencer this makes me cry every time I read it. You put into words how I feel and how I see what happened to the church and the people in it. May I post this poem in other similar discussions with your name attached?
@@anthill1510 I copied pasted from somewhere else. You can share it without my name.
@@spencerbrown3875 Good to know, thanks!
Deeply un-American and dangerously un-Christian. The pudding metaphor was a spot-on tool! Well done.
Doesn't the fact that the majority of evangelicals and Americans voted for someone who was clearly a Christian nationalist make it actually quite American?
@@markuswmenezes Give a single one of Trump's policies that's "Christian-nationalist."
@@andyderksen8455 Moving the US embassy to Jerusalem would qualify. Using the Bible to attack protestors in Lafayette square after the George Floyd lynching would be another. Installing exclusively Federalist Society Catholics on the Supreme Court via Leonard Leo "recommendations" qualifies as using Jesus for power.
Trump is highly transactional. He goes thru the motions of faith to validate to gain entrance to conservative Christianity. He takes conservative positions to purchase their allegiance to CN (insurrectionist) principles.
Anti-CRT, anti-masking, barely concealed support for bigotry and violence, and the insurrection itself. Love-Your-Neighbor Christians reject all of these positions as completely anti-Jesus.
@@andyderksen8455 you mean like all of them?
@@andyderksen8455Christian Nationalism isn’t a policy. It’s a philosophy of national identity and cultural dominance. A person can be a Christian Nationalist, a policy cannot. 2 people might both be Christian Nationalists but hold different policies.
Christian Nationalism can be something which drives policy for someone, or for a group of people. But it is not a specific policy. Your question doesn’t really make sense. It isn’t Trump’s policies that are Christian Nationalist, it’s Trump himself.
He flat out called himself a Nationalist back in 2018. His rhetoric has been largely Christian Nationalist, clearly because that’s what helps him win. I don’t believe he himself is a Christian, or that he even understands what Christianity is. But the rhetoric gets him votes.
That’s the thing: you don’t even have to be a Christian to be a Christian Nationalist.
You mean to tell me the people who built a literal golden idol of Trump and worshipped it aren’t following the gospel? Who’d have thought!
Fantastic video, and not because it "sticks it to the Trumpers" or anything. It's a fantastic video because it turns a mirror on us. I came away feeling, not angry at Christian nationalists, but embarrassed and repentant for all the ways I'VE used Jesus as a means to some other end than Jesus Himself. And a little self-reflection could go a long way with all of us. I do think Christian nationalism is more dangerous than just about any American movement right now. But I also have to recognize the idolatry in my own heart. Thanks as always, Holy Post team.
Wow. Very thoughtful.
There’s a reason why everyone else sees Christians as selfish, callous, and hateful.
Yeah, sure. How much are you REALLY willing to reflect on your own idolatry and hypocrisy? As a "developmentally disabled", nonbinary transgender Christian, who was literally driven to ruin and self-torture and demon-possession, by trying to live up to "Moral Majority" Conservative Evangelical sectarian doctrine for over 30 years, ... I've heard that sentiment before. 😾
You hit the nail on the head. Nothing changes out there (in the world) until things change in here (my own heart).
Good job. When I first heard about the prosperity gospel I couldn’t believe it. How in tarnation could anyone take such a snake oil seriously. Aren’t we supposed to help the poor and the downtrodden?
At about 9:48
"Any message in which Jesus is the means but not the goal is not true Christianity, it's idolatry."
Like worshiping a cross with a dead piece of beef jerky hanging from it.
Given the quotation marks I'm assuming this is a quote.
I get the intent, but the language isn't clear. I'm just annoyed that I can't think of a better way to say it.
Also, the crucifix analogy was almost apropos, but the beef jerky part was a weird turn. ???
It is pure idolatry. Patriotism is idolatry. Jesus's image is idolatry because it's not really him, it's most likely Cesear Borgias. And the image of Jesus keeps getting Caucasianized to suit the racist tendencies of white people and make themselves the superior race. Muslims are right with not allowing images of Muhammad, and Allah has no identifying characteristics other than the Black Cube.
Not sure how I got recommended this, as I'm far from religious even though I was raised Catholic. But it warms my heart to hear Christians seeing Christian Nationalism for what it is. I hope your words are spread far and wide, so many people need to hear them.
You recommended this because holy post is a liberal outreach
There is another babysit preacher who says it’s bad too
@@hgservices5572You don't support freedom of religion?
Are you okay forcing religion on to people?
I'm just curious..
"They worship me with their mouths, but their hearts are far from me." Raised catholic but atheist now....thank you for recognizing Christian nationalism for what it is.
@@user-qx7qk6qi5x no thank you.
Catholicism is not Christianity. It teaches that faith + works = salvation
@@doctordubspt91 what is your definition of Christianity? I'd always figured anyone that believed in Jesus Christ could claim the title.
@@jb71488 It’s not my definition. It’s what the Bible says. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Doing good works does not and cannot save you. Only belief in Jesus Christ saves you. Jesus has done the work, we can’t add to what he’s done. We simply need to believe in him. And that is actually so hard for us because every single person is hard-wired for works righteousness.
@@user-qx7qk6qi5xStfu how about that?
As a Christian it is so refreshing to hear the truth. Thank you for your courage to call out Christian Nationalist and expose what they are really about!
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
The goal is to instill fascism. "When fascism comes to America, it will be dressed in a flag and carrying a cross." -Sinclair Lewis, American novelist (1885-1951)
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. Highly recommended reading.
Under no circumstances should Trump be president!!
That is a good and valid quote, but it's not by Sinclair Lewis, and it's unknown who first said it
Wasn’t he a communist?
Not a pride flag?
"In no instance have the churches been the guardians of the liberties of the people" - James Madison
Amen. Most churches are temples to Baal and Asherah and Mammon and the Roman Emperor.
@@ChristianCatboy why don't you stop being so prejudiced against non-xtians?
Who imagines that the churches could be guardians of liberties, anyway? Is not their chief aim to promulgate restraint of human behavior, for all that they may promise ultimate liberation? They serve us best as guardians of values, of that which has the potential to lift us higher even as their individual traditions mark our societal individualities. 😏🧐
@@goldenager59 What the US Founding Fathers were saying was exactly that - the churches only care about their dogma rules, whereas they fought a war not only for independance from a tyranical monarchy, but also from his right-hand religious Bishop/Cardinals - henceman whom would declare someone, or something heresy, or heretic, and just like that the king's men would pick that person up for either or all - torture, imprisonment, or execution!
Yup, the USA, WE THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, self-ordained no God involved) to form a more (Godless - secular) union, did not want churches treading on Freedom, in the USA, like they did in Europe for centuries...
And, if Christian's believe in trial by combat, then the USA already won a war against theology when the Federal Union Armt beat the Confederates who wrote into their Constitution that they has God's grace and blessings to wage that war and enslave people all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and failed - by combat!
@@ChristianCatboyindeed. And churches for Jesus are arguably more dangerous.
I am a Christian.
I never felt quite right about Christian Nationalism.
I couldn't put my finger on why though.
Thank you answering my questions and solving my confusion.
Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
It’s what held me back from being a Christian. I was looking for earthly flawed men to determine my salvation instead of having a personal relationship and finally realizing that Jesus is the way and it is through him and only him that we have victory over sin and death. His kingdom is a multicultural kingdom and it is not based on worldly possessions and desires.
Me too. Christian but anti-Christian Nationalism.
It’s racist. That’s it.
Christian Nationalism is heresy. It won’t send you to Heaven. It’ll send you to Hell.
I'm not a Christian, but I respect one who sees "Christian" nationalism for what it is.
The USA was founded on the Model of the Constitution of Medina, with was created by Mohammed, the Islamic Religions Prophet circa 500 AD!
Yup, Thomas Jefferson was a scholar of Christianity, and Islamic laws, history, etc in Law School...proof, his Koran is in the Library of Congress, and look up the "Jefferson" Bible, which shows he was a Christian unlike all others of his time!
In fact, the Founding Fathers were Deist Christians, believing a realtionship between a person and their creator should be private, not public, thus a wall between church and State.
The war of Independance was also from the tyrannical kings right-hand Christian man, who could accuse people of heresy, and the King would get rid of them, get rid of the competition, gain power and control!
"In no instance have the churches been the guardians of the liberties, of the people" - James Madison
Read their warning about factions/ religion getting power to forward their own agenda, and destroy Democracy in Federalist Papers #9 & #10! Nope, the Founding Fathers were very specific about keeping religion out of their new, hard fought for, land of Liberty, free of Religious control!
The ChristianJudeo God is basically a Fascist, has to be worshipped, obeyed without question, the ultimate power in charge of everything, ACTS 5:29 ONLY OBEY GOD, NOT MEN.
Well, the Founding Fathers created a more perfect union, self-ordained (no god needed), Of the People, By the People, For the People - WE THE PEOPLE, Republic of Laws, we decide upon, as men thru Democracy - no Gods involved!
So, America is not a Christian Nation, intentionally not rooted in religion, and modelled after an Islamic form of government anyways!
Keep your Religion Private, to be a good Patriotic American, instead of a Fascist " We tolerate no one in our ranks who critisizes Christianity. Our movement is Christian" - Oct 27, 1923 Adolph Hitler, silently partnered with rhe Holy Roman Christian Catholic Headquarters/Vatican to finally solve their Jewish problem - Holocaust!
The Founding Fathers did not trust the Vatican, even busted up a stone they sent to include in the construction of the Washington Monument, and tossed the pieces into the Potomac River!
Let FREEDOM Ring!😅
👍🏼 i still listen to Sam Harris to hear Objective Dynamics.
(Omaha N.E.)
Sincerely asking why you listen to this podcast?
@bman11714 I'll answer...
...knowledge is power. Knowledge of how "evil" germinates, grows, and trives by spreading is key to living in a world of Liberty and Justice for all.
Know they enemy, watch videos that teach about him/her, learn, and develop counter actions!
Keep your friends close, your enemies against Democracy and Freedoms closer!
Religion in itself is bat-shit crazy stuff, religion on the march to replace the US CONSTITUTION with Christian Nationalism - is war! Hitler did that to 92% Christian populated Germany in the 1930's "We tolerate no one in our ranks who Chritisizes Christianity. Our movement is Christian" - Oct 27, 1923 (100 years ago) raised a nice little Roman Christian Catholic Alterboy! Who got a silent partner, the Vatican - and conducted the Holocaust to rob them, and help finally solve the Roman Christian's Jewish problem simultaneously!
Christian Nationalism is a cancer, and progressive people need to cut it out!!!
@@friedmac7146isn't he the guy who claimed knowing martial arts can protect you from a gun? (Since Maine is quite a pro gun state yet there was still a deadly shooting there)
This was the first “Holy Post” video I have seen and I am 100 percent impressed! Mister, you hit the nail on the head! This modern transactional religious practice is reminiscent of many ancient religious theologies - offering something good (prayers, tithes, sacrifice) to gain more possessions or to avert disasters (famine, plague, death). Humankind is still looking to the divine and trying to buy something.
Well said.
I have found it deeply disturbing to watch all these people claiming to be "Christian" forcing their beliefs on everyone in a country that was built on the wisdom of protecting religious freedom for everyone. Thank you for making such a clear explanation of what they really want so that people will not be deceived.
Forced belief isn't belief, it's makes liars not believers.
How do they force their beliefs on everyone?
I have no problem with the core teachings of Jesus having a strong influence on the government. I have a problem with highly flawed, sinful, arrogant, distorters of Gods truth telling us what should be done or thought.
What does the Bible actually say?
“Let all men (and women) be equal under God”. versus Republican talking points about Black Lives Matter?
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” versus hatred of people seeking safe asylum at the border?
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” versus Republicans media and politicians regularly sowing seeds of hatred and division.
“But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?” versus Republican senators and members of the Supreme Court regularly taking money from lobby groups on behalf of rich clients.
“You shall not lie to one another” and “you shall not bear false witness” versus the Republican sham hearing faking evidence against the US President.
“You shall render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s “ versus Trump being prosecuted for false tax returns.
“How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” versus the relentless verbal attacks on a small number of men who choose to wear a dress.
I think many quiet and faith full Christians would paraphrase this biblical prophesy about judgement day:
“Many (Christian Nationalists) will say ….. `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' (But God will reply) Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
@@andrewgeissinger5242Lets start with trying to label us a Christian nation.
Trying to put "God" back into schools.
Trying to put up 10 commandments in government buildings.
There are plenty more examples of forcing religion onto people.
@@andrewgeissinger5242 By establishing under penalty of law, what are their religious doctrines.
When you really, really think about it...what has been the goal of Christianity in the US for the past 50 years or so? With all these things we pursue: money, power, perfect kids, perfect marriages, etc....we have gotten it all wrong. We have taught this over and over to USE Jesus and not SEEK Him. He's been our tool and not our Lord.
This!
So true!!!
This. ALL of this!
Since the breakaway from England, Protestant Americans have acknowledged no earthly lord save those who are self-made, be they statesmen, merchant princes, or what have you. Perhaps since victory in World War Ii put America at the top - and these days particularly - it seems difficult for Americans to acknowledge a spiritual Lord who should be heeded. For those who do hold Christ Jesus dearer than most, it would seem we are headed pell-mell for Hell in an Adidas bag - or at the very least for a humbling of (Biblical) epic proportions. Then, too, those citizens who cherish the romantic American myth that begins at Plymouth (that is, those who trusted their school textbooks) observe America's apparent teetering, and may fear our displacement from a position of advantage (forgetting the ways in which we yet remain strong and inspirational). And there are all too many of WASP heritage who are down on their luck and perceiving their country as in the same straits - and anxiously witnessing an explosive influx of darker-skinned folk who tend not to use English as their first language. These good-hearted people seem the most in danger of being seduced by Christian Nationalism, which seems such a natural outgrowth of, let's admit it, traditional WASPish homespun views and a logical path to pursue the goal of cultural consolidation and recovery to some rose-tinted vision of the ideal American nation, where people sang lusty hymns on Sundays and listened to Lawrence Welk's cultural kin the rest of the week, but evinces a most un-Christian hunger for power and an un-American desire for exclusivism. And I'm just embarrassed as all get-out by the way that sentence done run on...but I figured I'd best get it all out in a rush before the lynch mob reaches me.
✝️😕🇺🇸
@@goldenager59 excellent response.
This video is just so good. I am a Christian & know that Christian nationalism is the biggest threat to Christianity not atheism that I was told growing up the daughter of an evangelical Christian. We are not & never have been a Christian nation and we have to fight CN with all we have!
You are absolutely 💯 correct ✅ and the Holy Bible Scriptures are being fulfilled right now as was foretold by the Prophet Daniel “The 4th and Final Beast a diverse nation led by the Little Horn” Trump short for trumpet 🎺 a horn and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior said “One will come in his own name and the truth was never in him and you will accept him even some of the elect (Christians)” the Great Apostasy and Falling Away from God and his Commandments of Love ❤️ kindness and compassion oh yeah Trump the Father of Lies 😮😊❤Read Matthew 25:31/46 THE FINAL JUDGMENT in reference to the Wall proof that Trump is Evil 👿 especially a man who married 2 European women and brought their families to America 🇺🇸 truly Evil 👿 Hypocrites who Worship Money 💰 and Power 😮😊❤
Exactly, most atheists don't care one bit what religion you follow or what you believe, we only care when someone's religion starts to dictate our lives. I often feel like the nationalists are trying to start some holy war that will force us to fight your faith in general and that's just dumb.
It's likely the biggest corruption of th church in its entire history; the bribe of worldly power Jesus rejected.
Folks have to realize that most Christian nationalists are well meaning and honestly believe we would be much better place if we were (or remained) a Christian nation. You can be well intended but also completely wrong at the same time. They simply don't realize how Christian nationalism undermines both the nation and genuine Christian faith. They also tend to be folks that believe it is impossible to have morals apart from God, and that our laws should reflect good morals.
Atheism the biggest threat to Christianity? You've been brainwashed into thinking there is such a thing as Christianity in the first place. There is no such thing as 'god'
Amen. I was not expecting you to knock down so many sacred cows in one 10 minute video 😮 but you did amazing! Keep preaching!
This is a SHOCKING about of honesty and morality to be coming from a Christian source. Kudos to you sir.
As an atheist I want to say thank you for your video and your take on christian nationalism, and denouncing it. The movement is deeply concerning and maddening. I far too often find myself immediately defensive and mistrustful whenever interacting with christians and since I live in TX that's almost always, I hate that about myself but not enough politicians speak out against it nor do I see many chriatians taking any issue with it so I tend to lump every christian into this camp and I know that's not what your faith teaches.
I am a Christian that is so skeptical of anyone that says they are a Christian because I live in a red state that supports beliefs that align with Christian Nationalism. I grew up with these people but have been ostracized because I do not agree with them.
I moved fro Texas to maine. Christianity is prevalent everywhere. Even here its too intense for my liking. I grew up in the Dallas area and I didn't know agnostics or Muslims existed until I was ready to leave texas. Which is pathetic. Thanks bible belt.
Oh shut up judy. The not a true Christian cop out is old hat. Put a sock in it
Sincerely asking why you listen to this podcast
@@bman11714 If I take "this podcast" to mean this particular UA-cam video, I'm watching and listening because it was on my UA-cam front page and I find the subject of Christian nationalism very troubling. Simple as that. I do not know anything else about the channel and I likely will not (at least not right now) check out other videos on this channel nor subscribe to any podcast.
(I'm not the OP, but I assume you would have asked the same question of every atheist and as I am one - meaning that I'm not convinced that any god or gods exist - I gave you my reason for watching this video.)
I appreciate this video as an atheist who understands the need to unite with moderate Christians/theists against extremism.
What I wish you would have mentioned, is how much overlap there is with white supremacists. They don’t just want a Christian nation, they want complete white Christian dominance. No one should want that, so I hope we can look past differences in belief for the sake of humanity and everyone who would not fit into their ideal and ever-narrowing in-group.
9
Wow, atheists used to be smart, educated people. Not anymore, apparently.....two sides of the same coin.
Maybe he just doesn’t have the range to talk about that and chose to stay in his lane.
@@craig6363 that’s fair. But I hope they revisit this topic with someone who is knowledgeable because it is so important for moderate Christians to understand how closely intertwined Christian nationalism and white nationalism are.
@@katelynnehansen8115 I definitely agree.
Very powerful analysis. As I watched, it occurred to me that in each case brought up, whether Christian Nationalism, Prosperity Gospel, or any of the rest, the focus is selfish. It is supposed to make the life of that individual better. But Christianity is supposed to be directed toward others, showing God's love and Christ's healing power to the world, sometimes at the expense of the individual Christian. Would any Christian Nationalist be willing to be put in prison for the Gospel, as Paul was?
Exactly, the narcissism is so palpable. I hated when I was in the Chinese evangelical churches, they would thank god for every little personal benefit, it was ghastly and super cringeworthy (I’m a Chinese immigrant). Almost everything they support is the opposite of what people feel universal goodness is. It only makes sense that Christianity is a readily available cloak to put on to mask their wickedness.
Looking at the comments I can see that I'm not the only atheist on here who respects the way that you call out what can be best described as toxic religion. I hope your message gets to those who need it the most as you are a rare bridge in humanity
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
"Any message in which Jesus is the means but not the goal is not true christianity." This is it in a nutshell. Great video!
So, most evangelicals use escape from certain hell/eternal punishment as motivating factors for conversion. I don't see how this is any different.
then f v ck xtianity! i have no love for this prosperity crap, but i am no xtian. if jesus does not serve us there is no reason to serve it
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
It's "No True Scotsman".
As an atheist, the way this guy talks is much more approachable than the way I see many Christians speak and the way they're portrayed in the kind of videos I watch. Not knocking faith, but I like this more analytical approach. Seems more accessible to Christians as well since he is Christian and cares about his faith.
Spain under the rule of Franco 1939-1975 was a Roman Cathloc fascist republic, anti-communist but also anti non-Cathloc Christian!!
Thank you for your words. I have seen Evangelicalism's rejection of the real gospel of Jesus the Lord for over 55 years (I am 72). This Holy Post is totally in line with this real gospel.
Christian nationalism is another name for the kkk. It's the exact same rhetoric. Listen to a KKK speech and then a Trump speech and see if you can tell the difference
Excellent explanation of this movement that is sweeping the Nation. Thank you for setting it straight and telling it like it is.
I am a Christian, and I thank you for making this beautiful and spot-on message known. It poorly impacts nonbelievers and believers a like when Jesus is used in such a way. We must be wise enough to see these false gospels by spreading the word! Thank you for your excellent video
I'm trying to recall a time when Jesus wasn't used in such a way
Thank you 🙏 Christ spoke of many false Prophets . Christ is LOVE, PEACE AND BLESSINGS giving of yourself to help others.
I feel bad that your religion has been hijacked so viciously by these evil people. It's hard to remember sometimes, when combatting this evil, that good Christians are still out there and many of them are victims of relentless propaganda funded by giant corporate empires
@@MarthaSalinas-y5i WRONG Jesus said he would turn families against each other
I’m an atheist now, but grew up in a devoutly Christian small town, was even convinced to get baptized when I was 14 or so. Left the church bc of a lot of Christian Nationalist-esque vibes I was getting from the people around me. But damn, if this guy was my pastor and the rest of the congregation followed his example, I may not have left. And I mean that in a good way. He’s making sound philosophical arguments in this video that even I, an atheist, can’t find any true fault in.
With all due respect, you didn’t leave because of Christian Nationalism and your disagreement of it. You left because you didn’t know the Lord. If you had, you would have done either one of two things.
1) Corrected your “pastor” or anyone else teaching this garbage. Or
2) Found a more biblically sound church with biblical teaching.
It’s sad that there are so many people such as yourself that blame church “pastors” and/or teachings as to why they are now atheists. You never had a relationship with the Lord. That was the true problem. And it stems from desiring all that the world has to offer. And that offer is sinful.
@@heir_to_the_promise - I’m not saying it’s the pastor’s fault that I left the church. I was saying that if this guy had been my pastor, I might’ve stuck with it longer than I did. My aversion to Christian Nationalism just gave me even more of a reason to leave when I did.
I think Christian Nationalism has pushed more people out of church than just about anything else. But I personally don't blame God for things humans do in His name. I don't go "to church" since COVID but I still do what I can to try and follow the Golden Rule and treat others with live and respect. I feel that Christianity should be about a personal relationship with Christ vs telling others how to live. I have friends who are atheist and that's fine with me. A tiny part of my heart wants them in Heaven but I don't know all the answers. I'm hedging my bets here. I believe but if I am wrong and all it did was make me a nicer person, no harm, no foul.
@@heir_to_the_promise Ah yes, the classic Evangelical gaslighting phrase.
_"Oh, you were never really a Christian... even though you prayed, attended church, and even got baptized. But you were never a Christian. I don't care what reasons you had for leaving, I'm saying it was your fault, therefore it is!"_
I hate to break it to you, but the judgement you are making of this complete stranger online is ill-informed. You don't know who they are, you can't see inside their head, and there's no way you can possibly discern the actual desires of their heart. So why are you writing to this person as if you know them more than they know themselves?
And if someone did that to you even though they'd never met you before in their life, wouldn't you find that to be arrogant on their part?
@@eliesh3833 Didn’t you just do it me with your judgmental rant? Hypocrite. I don’t know him, and you don’t know me, nor my motives. The irony. Think before you write anything from now on.
and now we understand when Christ will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Well done video.
No that is what Jesus is going to say to all the hatemongers on this site. Their is no such thing as Christian Nationalists. It is a made up word by those who hate There is no love in this man, nor anyone who goes along with him. He wants God to be in his image and likeness and not the other way around. He is wolf in sheep's clothing. There are so many nowadays and the demons are crawling around looking for the ruin of souls. They are calling evil good and good evil. Jesus said it would be like that before His coming.
I'm late to the party, but so thankful I came across this video. It really opened my mind and helped me understand what Christian Nationalism really is - a form of idolatry. As a Christian, I have always been uncomfortable with it's manifestation and I knew that the end goal was cultural and political domination, but I didn't recognize the idolatry aspect.
It’s hard to find a moderate Christian with a platform these days. Thank you for using your platform to stand up against this.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
Very insightful, you are right. I am a Christian and have been researching the phenomenon Of Christian Nationalism in the US. your video was beneficial for understanding the core point, thank you!
Sky, this is such a great analogy for Christian nationalism. I hope this reaches millions of people. As an atheist, this has been a concern of mine for years. I would not like for anyone to be under a very narrow religious view and not let anyone practice their own religion and what works for them. I watch the Holy Post regularly and appreciate you, Phil, Kaitlyn and the others who are still moral, good people.
@itkirk I'm a Christian and agree with you wholeheartedly. But probably for slightly different reasons. I don't want us to be under the control of some people with very narrow religious views either. But also for me, from a Christian standpoint - this corrupts Christianity itself! Christianity isn't about political power. (If you read the New Testament looking for any hints of it - you won't find any). So, I'm with you on how damaging it would be to the nation and people's freedoms, but I also have a Biblical reason for opposing it - which is simply that it's not Christian!
Skye had it exactly right when he said, "Any message in which Jesus is the means but not the goal - is not true Christianity. It's idolatry." And that's exactly what CN is all about... the idolatry of nation and power.
The Bible would agree with you:"Choose whom you will serve"/ "If they will not hear you , shake the dust from your feet and move on", etc... Nowhere are we commanded to force our views on anyone, rather, we are told to "let your light so shine" so as to draw others to Christ through love, patience, caring, etc... The folks they present in 'cristian Nationalism' look more like what you'd present if you were trying to draw people to the devil- full of hatred, racism, xenophobic, mysogynistic and narcissistic not the qualities of Christ.
Thank you!
Mark 8:36
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
We need to start referring to individual Christian Nationalists as "The Pudding Guy." This needs to become a meme.
Someone else did something better IMO. They inverted the term into Nationalist Christians and then abbreviated it: Nat-Cs.
@@DavidRichardson153 I like it!
hmm, i just refer to them as hatemongers... or better yet, not at all
Nah...pudding is a gift from God...better not to give it a bad name😂😂
@@DavidRichardson153hmm. I did nat-c that one coming. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
As a Christian who lives in Australia, I see this occurring here, not to the same degree, though definitely within conservative groups and persons who are also influenced by Murdoch Media, who would be horrified at the suggestion that any form of this is just a reskinning of the prosperity formula.
it's the same in New Zealand 😢😢
Putin works a lot harder in the US than in Australia. He is KGB and he learned many years ago to use religion to control people
@@kle0patr0s oh yeah, that one day it was almost like you were in american, no?
Same here in Canada though it’s mostly coming from the evangelical community and not the old denominations like Anglican or RC
Murdoch is honestly the worst Australian to have ever existed and he helped destroy America
Thank you Skye. I remember back in 2016 hearing the Christian case for "why Trump's election was good, actually" that it sounded exactly like prosperity gospel applied to politics.
It helps me to remember nothing happens w/o God's rubberstamp on it. And to think about the fact that God appoints all nations leaders for his purposes & fulfill Biblical prophecy.
EG: May 14, 1948 the state of Israel was established. Guess what happened EXACTLY one Biblical gen/70yrs later...TO THEE DAY? The embassy thing & a bunch of other related stuff prophecy (excuse my elementary articulation). So God DID use Trump (or Jared/Trump adjacent), as he's used many DEPLORABLE ppl, for his purpose(s)...FOR A SEASON. "for a SEASON" is one of the many things that Trump worshippers posing as Christians seem to blantantly ignore...and hate.
As much as it appears that DT will be potus again, it seems to me that if God wanted DT to be in office any longer, he'd have let it happen, but even all the demons/demonic forces seeking to deceive, destroy & murder (successfully) didnt stop God's will that DT is DONE.
It's true that God could bring him back. I hear
Trumpers say God just wants us to know how blessed we were to have DT vs Biden & will not let us suffer (with all this calm & maturity???...I guess is what theyre referring to), for any longer than '24, but I hope & pray my thought is correct.
The Holy Post has truly given me a "home". I left my long time local church fam in 2017 bc i just couldn't take all the (imo) Trump worship. No politics/politician had ever bn so much as mentioned prior to DT. Then suddenly it was all about respect, honor, obedience to the potus. & I may never forget an elder's closing prayer one morning. He was so intense.with white-knuckle prayer...practically in tears "and ty Lord for blessing us with a president who has the GUTS..." i think I went comatose for a min. I felt SO ALONE in the world as a CONSERVATIVE who does NOT placate the glaringly obvious, abhorrent sin being normalized by society, incldg Biden, but thats alot easier to deal with bc, unlike Trump stuff its not in my face all the time, nor does it affect the state of the Union. God Bless you dear sibling ❤
So, you'd prefer living under a government with bad policies?
@@andyderksen8455You're missing the point.
@@andyderksen8455you think Trump had good policies?
@andyderksen8455 that's a false dichotomy.
Wow, the pudding metaphor was actually spot on. Good job.
It's so rare to see a Christian who gets this core problem of Christian nationalism. Thank you for saying this in a way that I would never be able to as a nonbeliever
I get it. I saw right thru it right from the start. And I am a Christian.
This guy isn't a true believer no True believer of Christ would argue against a nation committed to loving and respecting God.
You've been played my friend.
@@thegreatid3595 Christ never taught nationalism, so who's been "played" here, friend? Not even one time did the Lord EVER teach nationalistic thinking. He also never taught forceful ways that would have forced those who did not choose to follow Him into behaving as if they had chosen to.
Instead, He taught LOVE and ACCEPTANCE of differing opinions and to ALLOW others to NOT behave as if they had chosen to follow Him. We see that in the text:
Matthew 10:14
"And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town."
So, why did Jesus tell the disciples to shake the dust off their feet?
In Biblical times, when leaving Gentile cities, pious Jews often shook the dust from their feet to show their separation from Gentile practices. If the disciples shook the dust of a Jewish town from their feet, it would show their separation from Jews who rejected their Messiah.
You nationalists have forgotten Christ's tolerance of differences.
@@rosemcguinn5301 Because very clearly the argument against Christian nationalism
Is done by secular leftist who are primarily atheists that have an ulterior agenda to spread their own leftist propaganda.
"Love and acceptance" another common trend from secular leftist that never read the bible or twist the Bible to fit their political acceptance.
God is not loving and accepting matter of fact he knows how dark the human race is in the beginning of the Bible in Genesis matter of fact.
Also Christianity has always had a nationalistic presence "One Nation Under God" only until recently has that changed because of the far left.
I'm a Non-Christian who has no use for the church, but holds Jesus in some regard. I gotta say, this man seems to get it!! He seems to be an example of what a Christian *should* be like.
I'll deff give a "sub" to him.
the faith is right again, If anything smacks of universalism avoid it like the plague, their towns are still in very good shape, low crime rates. Good birth rates, noncorporate and very pale with a good standard of living for the sizes of their towns and is overpopulated for its size. No room, no available land, homes, Movement of its population seem to flow out more than in with the few homes coming up for sale being sold before being put up for sale. Who are against apartment buildings being in their main town to make it harder for the criminal elements to move in.
You're absolutely right. As a Christian preacher I find the rhetoric coming out of Christian nationalists deeply unChristian
Do you mind sharing what type rhetoric you are referring to do you mind giving some examples I would love to know and look forward to hearing ? That is a big statement to make would love to hear your facts to back up your statement thank you ?
Same, if Christian Nationalists had their way. Not only would people's freedoms be put on the line, but the name of Christ would be tarnished.
The irony being that the bible does basically tell them various ways to keep power through oppression. You've just been fooled by cherry picking pastors into believing it is a 'good book'.That is absolute BS. It is actually a desperately morbid ocultist book. And the fella that the christ narrative is based on was actually a symbol of oppression by the religious establishment. He was killed along with many others like him (he was not The son of god you idiots) for trying out philosophy that contradicted religous beliefs. He was among many who questioned religion and then turned into a religious symbol. Do you understand yet?
What exactly is “unChristian” about bringing kingdoms under the rule of the kingdom of Heaven, and holding kings to the authority of the King of kings? Jesus used spicy rhetoric too.
@@davidlee4281Well it's what all Christians seem to want even though they don't understand how messed up and totalitarian it sounds. A magical being forcing everyone to live under their rule? JFC! If you can't see the arrogance then you will clearly never understand. Thankfully it is never going to happen bc it's all made up bs.
I so agree!! There's a great deal of this kind of thing out there! I love Jesus🙏
I wish there was an extra like button. Well said and succinctly put. Emerson left his post as pastor of his congregation because he believed people were obsessed with the person of Jesus rather than what he stood for. They didn't want the values or to live a Christly life, they only wanted the pudding cups. I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.
that's when he started emerson, lake and palmer at emerson park on owasco lake while drinking an arnold palmer
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
I lost my faith in religion altogether, primarily because of what I see religion as; greed, racism, sexism, division and war. Why do I see it that way? Because of all of the things you talk about in this video. Thank you for laying it out in a way I can explain it to others.
Don't let the actions of people who claim to be Christian rip eternity with Jesus away from you. Remember the Lord himself said
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Seek the Lord while HE still may be found, not seek true Christians while they may still be found!
13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15>>Beware of false prophets
While I'm no longer a practicing Christian, I think it's important more Christians see this video.
Mark 12:30-31 (KJV) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Please don't leave the person who told us to love everyone, even our enemies
This is a brilliant video!!!
Thank you VERY MUCH 👍
That's what most politicians do when they use faith as an excuse for their manipulation to achieve power.
Thank you. I have been struggling with my faith, but this helped me see that my problem isn't with God or Jesus, but with the institution of "churches". Maybe not all, but more than we want to admit.
I am questioning a lot of institutions like government and this need for evangelicals to be connected to it. Clearly, my issue isn't with God. Great comment!
From an agnostic atheist I find your viewpoint accurate and informative.
Ditto!
Thank you for making this video. It was recommended to me at the right time. I am in a heartbreaking inner struggle on how to continue a healthy, positive relationship with members of my family. Most of them have been overtaken by the Christian Nationalist mentality. My parents are under the spell more than any of them. I have done my best to remain calm and remove myself from such discussions, but recently I'm being pushed more and more to the point I have to speak the truth. I think they have been too brainwashed at this point to see how they have been deceived. It's deeply disturbing and I really can't allow them to drag the teachings of Jesus in the mud any longer.
Then the messages from actual ministry and not from conmen is much needed.
I'm sorry you're facing this with your parents. What a heart breaking situation.
the faith is right again, If anything smacks of universalism avoid it like the plague, their towns are still in very good shape, low crime rates. Good birth rates, noncorporate and very pale with a good standard of living for the sizes of their towns and is overpopulated for its size. No room, no available land, homes, Movement of its population seem to flow out more than in with the few homes coming up for sale being sold before being put up for sale. Who are against apartment buildings being in their main town to make it harder for the criminal elements to move in. A pro-abortion, Anti-migration town with very few abortions.
I'm an agnostic/atheist and you hit the nail on the head. If I did believe in a God I would believe in him for me, not as a means to control someone else. Keep up the great work!!
Don't do that. Hyperian is the way to go
The people who really get the most out of being Christian are the ones who use the example of Christ to make their own life better and put some good out into the world. To me, that is what people should do in Jesus's name. Live your best life, keep reflecting and improve yourself and do something good/nice for someone else every day. Can't hurt, might help. But a person doesn't have to be a Christian to act this way. Peace!
@@mamiemartinson4649How would you know if they are living like Jesus if you don’t know Jesus and what He’s about?
@@heir_to_the_promise I am a Christian and have read the Bible, gotten additional education about the life of Christ and that time period in general. When I wonder what I should do in a situation I ask myself, "What did Jesus say or do in similar situations?" An example is what he said about the "good Samaritan". At that time Jewish people viewed the Samaritans as barbaric. But Jesus spoke about the deeds done as showing the goodness of that persons heart. So that tells me to not judge people by outer impressions or racial prejudice because how a person treats others shows you more about them than the color of their skin or culture they grew up in.
@@heir_to_the_promise Oh and many people now days have learned to behave with ethics and kindness. A person doesn't have to be a Christian to be kind and treat others with respect.
Anybody else wish they could go back in time and buy a lot of Healthy Choice pudding cups? 😂
Fantastic message. “Any message in which Jesus is the means but not the goal is not true Christianity-it’s idolatry.” -Skye Jethani
Question #1: Is it legitimate for Christians to serve as politicians?
Question #2: If your answer to #1 is "Yes," then do you want those Christian politicians to enact policies that reflect the Biblical worldview?
Yes!
@@andyderksen8455 Here’s a “Biblical” world view on the subject.
Please read and meditate on these verses. I believe that they speak directly to this current trend of Christian Nationalism.
JOHN 13:30,
JOHN 15:19
JOHN 18:36
1 CORINTHIANS 5:12
PHILIPPIANS 3:20
no. those are gross, and i don't need a specific brand of product to be happy
f v ck jesus! isn't he who said let the dead bury themselves? well, if the sandal fits
Very well put. I think this is something many Christians have struggled with over recent decades and has caused them to question the reasons for their faith.
Thanks for sharing and helping to put some context in to the discussion
I am a Christian ✝️ but I accept all faiths! The separation of church and state prevents a theocracy
Christian Nationalists do not recognize you as a Christian.
Outstanding video, great analogy.
I was raised Catholic but these days my faith dances between agnostic and atheist, mainly because nearly every Christian I talk to wants Christian Nationalism or shrugs off the heresy saying,
"It's better than the other options". I refuse to be a part of a tribe that the ends justify any and all means.
Great analogy. Thank you! I'm a Christian, and I support this message. Separation of Church & State!
Some Christians can inspire me as well as demonstrate that there is hope for Christianity. A great critique.
Amen! Jesus and being with him in paradise should always be the goal!
Superstition... SHEESH!
Wow! Thanks. I am in the UK, I am a Christian and I just love what you say. In a word Christian Nationalism is idolatry!
Thanks a million and God bless you in so many ways because people like you are setting the record straight!
(I’m sure God is onto this one personally. Think they are kind of sad that this stuff is really just stopping people from really knowing Him and really trusting him in everything both good and bad.).
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
I haven’t been a Christian since I was an elementary school. I’m in my 20s now and a large part of my life has been in opposition to Christianity because of Christian nationalism and the damage it has done (I also dislike the patriarchal nature of Christianity but that’s another conversation). I am so thankful there are more Christians speaking out against Christian nationalism. I had a religion professor in college who was a UCC preacher and he really showed me there are Christians out there who don’t desire domination over all. Thank you so much! I hope more Christians learn from people like you and professor Rodkey.
I'd actually like to throw out a counterpoint to this, as an atheist myself (born and raised, I was never religious or spiritual in any sense at all) - Christianity is actually quite egalitarian for a religion. Keep in mind, most of the first Christians were women and slaves seeking a more equal religious system compared to the Roman cults. The patriarchal element originates more from classic European patriarchy, as Constantine's efforts to normalize Christianity ended up mixing the cultures of Rome and the culture of Christianity.
The video does hit a sweet spot for me though, so I do agree on that end. I have Christian friends that seem like cool folk, and I went to Italy this summer and saw so many artifacts of the Catholic Church that seemed downright metal at times (they preserved the fingers of Saints, how awesome is that?). Christian nationalism and prosperity theology seemed incredibly...what's the word? Cringy? I already always thought that spirituality was just a bunch of hokey wishy-washy nonsense, so to see such naked greed always seemed idiotic.
@@lolmeme69_ Paul and Peter in the Bible are definitely sexists.
This is such a clear, excellent explanation and warning about the different ways the ‘American heresy’ -specifically Christian Nationalism currently - manifests in evangelical Christianity. Your point that Christian Nationalism ISN’T the *surrender of power* that we see in the cross was so profound and spot on. Jesus asks us to lay down our lives and die to self if we’re serious about following Him. You don’t see that message filling stadiums like Prosperity gospel “events” with celebrity Christian speakers do! I just found your channel and greatly appreciate what you’re doing here.
Christians 'lay down their lives' while taking power...and have had it for over a millennium.
I often heard it preached in church that I should "die to self" by "faithfully submitting to the authority of Scripture" and "being conformed to the likeness of Christ". Conservative Christians use this language all the time. And then they go right back to persecuting prophets and refugees and "sinners", supposedly in the name of that very principle.
@@ChristianCatboythey know Jesus would be for helping the poor and giving aide to the sick for free right, he also healed the sick and fed the hungry at no charge while opposing violence, he also only really lost his temper at those who would make profit at temples to his father and such. Yet so many Christian organizations sell his likeness and promote things he would almost certainly oppose, they talk their people into thinking Jesus was wrong and those people don't even seem to notice what's happening, like whenever it comes up what they are doing is against what Jesus says they are more likely to forsake Jesus then their beliefs at this point.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
So stoked about this channel; a lot of places have the same level of production; but the reasoning and delivery-and nuance
-are unique. Seriously I hope you guys make it far. 🙏
This is the best and precise definition of Christian Nationalism I have heard.
SAME!!
Weird because it's so far removed from the actual definition, desire, or goal of any christian nationalist I've ever heard speak on the issue. Maybe you like watching straw men burn?
@@kylej.d.who do you recommend to watch or listen to in order to learn about Christian Nationalism?
@@makejesusgreatagain7220 James White, Jeff Durbin, Voddie Baucham, Doug Wilson (yes I know he's a controversial figure, try to lay prejudice aside and hear him out though.) Joel Webben, probably more I could list. Please prayerfully consider hearing these men speak on this issue :)
@@kylej.d.thanks.
It may be hyperbole to refer to "Christian nationalism" as the "American Taliban", but the end result is similar to the effect the Taliban has had on Afghanistan. It uses the illusion of faith in God as a means of imposing a very specific moral and political agenda on the entire nation. America is a diverse nation with dozens (or possibly even hundreds) of religious and spiritual beliefs. Our founding fathers recognized the peril inherent in this view, and specifically outlined a plan to ensure freedom of religious beliefs was enshrined in our Constitution. That Constitution is the moral and intellectual foundation upon which the republic was built. Christian nationalists would, by imposing their values upon the entire country (even those who choose to avoid organized religion entirely), deny freedom of religion to millions of Americans. This would be a social, political and moral disaster for the millions pushed aside by this harsh and narrow "spiritual" path.
"Moral disaster", indeed. It does not take a giant leap of logic to see the potential for mischief. If the Christian Nationalists attain their fondest desires, perhaps America might just as well have never prevailed for its principles in World War II, or fought its Civil War to determine the extent of its hypocrisy. But, then, the Civil War has never really ended, has it? The guns ceased their mocking laughter long since, but the firearm remains a favorite American comrade; and the emotions that triggered their use have been kept largely in effective check to this day, but said emotions are part and parcel of living and therefore indispensable, and may yet again be summoned into existence by the unscrupulous to snare the simple-minded, the sick, the misinformed and misused. Those who we of today consider history's greatest villains invoked national heritage, destiny and a purported responsibility of the latest generation to keep things on the proper course, just as the great heroes have had to on occasion - and, but for fortune or divine dispensation, those villains would themselves be hailed as heroes across the lands.
Know that I, too, believe I can recognize the red-white-and-blue peril being incubated. Know also that I acknowledge responsibility to use my voice in countering it, just as have you yourself in this very forum. Justice and righteousness shall prevail, indeed - but are we yet again to divide ourselves into "us" and "them" in fighting the good fight of that worthy pursuit?
✝️😟🇺🇸
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
@@goldenager59 The South never really stopped fighting the Civil War.
This video explains EXACTLY why so many millennials, myself included, left the church. It also explains why so many of us still stan Phil Vischer. 😂
eek barba durkle! millenials, millenials. it's okay, i mcbo0223 speak for us all and our one collective brain
omg! that was supposed to be a joke... but then i realized where i'm saying this. all hail mcbo, in'net emperor of the millenials!
@@intellectually_lazyat least your username fits
@@intellectually_lazysomeone triggered
@@intellectually_lazyShe actually said,
" so many of us", not "all". Please hold the undeserved sarcasm! 🙄
Frank Schaeffer, son of the renowned Francis Schaeffer, strongly denounced his evangelical heritage, calling for “real family values as opposed to fake family values.” He said, “What we were pitching in the 70s was really just repackaged misogyny. Women had their role, men were supposed to be in charge, no to abortion, contraception, childcare; women were supposed to stay in the home and not have careers… That was the view to which we contributed a huge impetus.”
Another focus was Schaeffer’s frustration with the culture of popular evangelicalism that he was raised in. He mentions by name Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson, and alleges, “All these luminary pastor-leader evangelicals were so uncharitable and such unkind people and such fraudulent folks in the way they dealt with people, raised money, and so forth.” It was their way to gain money, power and influence.Regarding his upbringing, he adds that he is “someone who comes out of a domineering, testosterone-driven background, a male raised to be an asshole by divine right because my Reformed theology demanded that I be ‘head of the home.
As a practicing witch and pagan, my ‘people’ have long been ostracized and even murdered by fundamentalist Christians, just because we practice spirituality differently. We’ve been told we worship the Devil (we don’t, the Devil is a Christian concept, one that I don’t believe in). It’s healing to hear a person who is attempting to actually walk the talk according to the example of Jesus, call out the dangerous rhetoric and actions of his brethren.
To fundamentalist Christians, anything not explicitly Christian is of the devil and a form of satan worship.
Blessed be sister, he hit the nail on the head with this video. ❤
As someone who believes in deism, thank you for saying this. It is easy for people outside to see how the church is being distorted but from the inside I can see how hard it can be to see it.
Man, I think a lot of churches could use this kind of insight. I haven't been able to bring myself to go to one for some time, and was afraid that I was one of very few people who felt that many things preached were just... off. I want to believe in the love and respect we should have for each other, not just how that makes a country better than the rest.
@NunsandMoses I am trying to wrap my head around this reply. Are you saying that I can expect to know just how Godly a message is by how hated I am for believing it? That sounds like very flawed reasoning to me. Just because I claim to preach something in Jesus' name and people don't like me for it doesn't mean that it's right. I should think there are other criteria with which to determine accurate Christian doctrine. I also decided to go and read the whole chapter to get context to that quote (Matthew 10 by the looks of it) and Jesus was giving instructions to his 12 disciples at that time, and those instructions seem pretty specific to them. I am not convinced that these are meant to be a message to all Christians for all time that boils down to "anytime you talk about me or claim to side with me you will incite hatred from absolutely everyone". Showing respect for others and demonstrating love for your neighbor is something I think most can get behind so long as that's what you actually do.
@@justcallmexenit is hard being a Christian, to love your enemy, to turn the other cheek to befriend the rapist and the thief and you feel like a fool forgiving a fool to know it will never be enough and to wrestle with thoughts wondering if your saved and loving life but wondering if you love it too much and Satan thinking God is stealing your joy when it could be him or maybe God testing you and failing it and falling into a rabbit and going to hell because Jesus Christ never knew me, but at least I tried and won't hinder anybody trying or trying to aspire to be Him and cheer them on knowing if I go to hell but others are in heaven that would be ok for me❤️
@@justcallmexen I highly doubt Jesus ever said anything to the Disciples that he did not intend for us to also hear. Jesus did not have respect for the money-lenders in the Temple, and destroyed their stalls, and chased them out with a bundle of rope functioning as a crop or whip. Jesus did not have respect for people who destroy or corrupt the worship of God, and His teachings.
Fornication for example (sex outside of marriage) is a sin. We should love everyone, obviously this definitely includes fornicators. This does not change the fact that fornication *is a sin.* That means you do not endorse it, you do not entertain that it is good and moral, you do not lie to them and feign ignorance. You can accept it, just as I can accept someone who has a gambling problem, or drinks a bit too much. You can seek to not try to change someone because of it, that's fine. But do not lie and say that Jesus "loves that about them." He does not. Jesus hated *sin* not *the sinner.*
Of course, it's easier to just fornicate. And lie to yourself that it's normal, and that "maybe Jesus didn't know what society would be like in modern times" or other such delusions. But that is *not Christian, that is pure absolute COPE.*
So yes, many things in this world and society at large considered "normal" or "healthy" which they are in-fact not. Fornication creates a sexual addiction, which can created unwanted children as well as spread sexually transmitted diseases, and corrupts the image of a wife and husband that is a sacred union under God in the Bible.
If you say "Sex before marriage is immoral and sinful" and someone *hates you for that, then they are not worth respecting or listening to, because their body rules their mind.*
Alot of people *like* doing whatever they want, and they *especially like* being told they won't have any consequences, the only thing they like *even more* than that is being told that not only are there *no* consequences, but that it is *REWARDING* to do sinful things.
Lying to them and validating their sin in the name of Jesus is not Christian. It's the epitome of blasphemy.
I feel so alone being one of the few Christians in my inner circle who sees Christian nationalism as dangerous.
Thank you for pointing out how Christian Nationalism is doing the opposite of what Jesus stood for. "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Matt 15:8. And to add, "It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Matt 15:11
And let's not forget that the "founding fathers" were against this country being a "Christian country"...😑 Jesus loves ALL and died for ALL.
I usually think about Matthew 4 : 8 - 10 where the Devil tempts Jesus that he can rule all of the kingdoms now as long as he bows down to him. While Jesus declines the offer in the story, I find it ironic that lots of people don't realize that hamfisting Christianity to "win" is antithetical to the gospel.
EDIT: and now that I'm getting more of the analogy in the video, I can see the passage as the Devil offering power (ruling the kingdoms) as an offer while sacrificing one's own faith and values (Jesus counters by saying "it was written" and denounces Satan attempting to get him to commit idolatry whether it's power or Satan himself)
@@cuckoophendula8211Your second paragraph makes me think of the verse where Jesus talked about "gaining the world and losing one's soul". It'd be so easy to, like you say, sacrifice one's faith and values for the "bowl of pottage" of temporal power and wealth, and to think that Jesus is like a gumball machine that's supposed to give you what you want (or maybe even need) if you do all the "right things". Really, we should be looking to Him as the ultimate "Prize" to be gained - our relationship with Him. I speak from experience - I know it's easy to be so focused on what you want, you almost forget the One who loves you! I hope I have since grown in that regard!
@@denisemayosky1955 Yes indeed! I definitely think about Matthew 16:26 as well when thinking about the Matthew 4 passage :)
I keep trying to tell people, our second president and arguably one of our most important founding fathers, John Adams, signed off on the Treaty of Tripoli that states in black and white "the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." Like it's right there. Black and white. Clear and plain as day from the horse's mouth. They still don't listen.
As a nonbeliever, I am pleased there are Christians out there calling out Christian nationalism. My reasons for it being bad are different from the believer in this video, but I appreciate the message being put out there to other believers.
Thank you!!!
Thank you.
Thanks for shining a light on it this way dude. Too many people who aren't Christian are unfortunately left to see the worst of the worst people who call themselves Christian doing and saying deplorable things. As such, too many people who aren't Christian actually believe that people like the politicians on capitol hill who support such movements are actually Christian and representing Christ. The hypocrisy and blatant contradictions need to have a light shined on them.
Im an atheist. I applaud you for your commentary on this subject. Love ya.
Ex-Mothodist here. I absolutely love your anaolgy with the pudding cup. It is spot on with a few things I found off with evangelicals but couldn't put my foot on it. Thank you the amazing video.
When we learned of the Prosperity Gospel when I was getting my bachelor's in English, the reverse of the Prosperity Gospel is more insidious: if you are UNsuccessful in life, you're likely going to Hell. In the olden days, people actually believed this. #terrifying
With God All Things Are Possible
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
I just stumbled on this channel. What a blessing and so refreshing to hear the truth being spoken. This is what I've sensed about white evangelical rhetoric and you just put it in the right words. You've gained a new subscriber in me! May the Lord keep you as you continue in His truth!
They forget that the greatest gift is LOVE..God's LOVE..
Oh yeah, look at the love God shown the Cannites.
I love you guys' boldness to stand on the unpopular truth and to uncover hidden lies!
While I agree with much of this video, this isn't "unpopular" every mainstream outlet would agree with this.
Pshaw. Kind of a basic take, if you ask me.
I think that it is more complex, than saying it's about lies, in most cases. I think a more accurate term would be 'misdirection'. One could, for an example raise more successful children by giving them certain core values. But the goal should be to make better humans, such as being compassionate and loving towards others, along with other things Jesus taught. So, a way to judge the message, is what are the ultimate goals, in the message? Certainly political power, and physical control of others should not be the goal of a christian denomination. Jesus himself, criticized the class of people called Pharisees, who thought themselves better than others.
I hope this helps with your understanding.
You need to remember that for conservative Christians, Jesus is the mascot not the coach.
That applies to all that believe in mythology/magic regardless of political affiliation.
@@remoevans7847 Except that conservative Christians are the actual subject of the video being commented on.....and NOT red herrings posted by assholes trying to derail the thread. Stay on topic or GTFO.
Painting with an oversized brush don’t you think?
It appears part of the problem is Americans either conveniently for their detractors or otherwise have forgotten their own history with faith.
You actually have 3 streams of Christianity. 1 mainline protestants (your Lutheran, united, Presbyterian sort of branch) then you have 2 that split off 1. The neo evangelicals (harkening back to the Wesleyan great awakening thinking) their main school of though was fuller seminary in California. And you had the fundamentalist’s which were basically the reactionary’s to Darwin the literalists 6 day creation, segregationist south that founded bob Jones university. To conflate the latter 2 would be wrong. But it seems people use evangelical to mean fundamentalist
@@davidabramyk2999 Yawn. If the brush fits take the paint. Conservative Evangelicals ARE fundamentalists and they're all Christofascists. Spare us the angels dancing on pinheads bullshit.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
Thank you. I'm an atheist myself and I must admit that I wish more religious people could see your message
Great video! As a Baptist, my Christian tradition has historically been anti-theocratic because of all the persecution from theocrats in England and other parts of Europe. I find it appalling that so many churches (particularly Independent Fundamental Baptists churches that have Bill Gothard-like teachings) don't see the dangers in this.
I'd also like to add that many of the Christian leaders promoting Christian nationalism believe in an extreme form of post-millennial eschatology, where Christ will only return if Christians take over every sphere of society. This goes back to the 1860s, where people believed that the Civil War was the vehicle to make the a US Christian nation and bring about Christ's return. Did people in the past and do Chistian nationalists presently not realize that making the nation a Christian theocracy won't make people love Christ or believe in His Gospel? Do people still not understand that controling behavior will not make people have faith in Christ? You'd think the Middle Ages, Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Counter-Reformation would teach them this lesson, but people never learn.
Not sure how or why this showed up in my feed (former Pentecostal turned agnostic) but wanted to say, spot on. Great video. Always appreciate those who take their faith seriously rather than simply a means to an end.
I am a Christian, and I must say this: We are not all like this! We are not all Christian Nationalists! There are those of us who are open and inclusive because we understand that God and the church should be for everybody, but not all will come. And our job is not to force others into our religion, it is to live well and love those around us regardless of who they are or their religion or their sexuality or whatever.
You need to understand something to people who aren't Xtians.
All your post is saying is "We aren't all like this"
And in the end, you fighting against the idea of being lumped in with Christian Nationalists, says that you are more concerned with appearances, than you are with actually telling off the people who make your religion look like nothing more than a cudgel.
You don't get to say "But, we aren't like the other ones," if you are doing absolutely nothing to differentiate yourselves, other than saying "Trust us, we aren't the people that Jesus told us to fear, really!!!"
Right. You’ve got to go back and tell this to the others who are Nationalists.
Glad to hear. But CNs have given Christianity such a bad name that I for one and too wary to associate with Christians in any way.
@@Naedlusthank you. Very well put. They , the Christians who aren’t Trump Cultists and not White Supremacists need to take on the evil within the WCN movement because they want to take away the rights of all who aren’t white straight males and install Trump as the King of America. If they succeed, and Trump gets back the President, he promises the Christians “Oh I love my Christians, you’ll never have to vote again”. The end of Democracy. Instigated by WCN.
@@shelleyrusnell155 i can understand that. Even I'm wary of interacting with Christians, and I am one. It's why I felt I needed to speak out so that at least one voice is saying it.
“Any message with Jesus viewed as the means, but not the goal is not Christianity; it is idolatry.” Skye Jethani - thank you for clarity, hope you share it with leaders in your area of influence.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
I have been writing a book on this subject. One of the most chilling statements I noted was from a pastor who said the phrase, "Freedom to choose Christ." The question is, what if you don't want to?
First of all, I choose Jesus. I am not sure at all about the word, Christ , which seems to be bandied about to fit almost any wishlist title some of us choose to call ourselves.
I always appreciate Skye's teachings and writing. This is excellent and I am going to recommend it widely. Thank you Skye and Holy Post for keeping the truth the main thing!
I think I can say that most people that have walked away from Christianity have figured out the whole treating faith and worship like some kind of mystical vending machine where you think that if you insert prayers God will give you what you think you deserve, when in fact it just enables you to do whatever you want because in your mind your prayers are being answered.
Great message. This is confirmation of what God put in my heart and that is to know Him. Currently reading the book "Knowing God".
Same
I did not expect pudding as an illustration of Christian Nationalist Machiavellianism... Nicely done.
Right on Skye! As Christians, my wife and I have always been leery of these movements and we thank God for that! Thank you for bringing this to light in such a clear and simple way.
This laid out the truth about "Christian" nationalism more perfectly than I have ever seen it done before. Just fantastic.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
While I know the purpose of this video is to debunk Christian Nationalism with Christianity, however I think it is also important to point out that, while almost all of the founding fathers were Christian, they very specifically made the United States a secular nation, for the freedom of all people living in our country. (It can be debated just how successful that idea of freedom is, but in this instance it's the intention that is important.)
One of the reasons the founders wanted a secular country and a separation of the church and state was because the King of England was also the head of the English Church and the founding fathers saw how absolute power corrupts absolutely. It goes back to what this video is saying about power and the reason people trying to grab more than their share of power must be stopped.
I think the U.S. has been fairly successful in maintaining the freedom of religion while at the same time maintaining a separation of church and state. I just wish more non believers would be elected to public office so that the voices of other non believers can be heard.
Bravo! Well said. I'm not Christian, but if that is what you choose for yourself, I would support you in being a good christian. As I recall, the man preached for love and tolerance and against judging others. It's not about imposing your will upon others. Christian Nationalism is antithetical to Christianity. Live your own life and let others live theirs.
I am not religious at all, but I appreciate the honesty with which this channel seems to present itself. I have some friends who may benefit from seeing this.
As one of those non Christians Americans it's refreshing to hear this from Christians since the Christian nationalists are usually so much more vocal.
Christian nationalism began with fake Christians, i.e. the Puritans killing Native Americans to steal their land! Just as America was built by African slave labor, America will be destroyed by Africa empowering Russia and China with resources to destroy the West! America has one last chance to pay reparations to African-Americans or be destroyed!
One of my church's Pastor's recent sermons was on how we sometimes love the things Jesus offers us more than him, which this video reminded me of the whole time I was watching. All I gotta say is yes. More people need to understand this, both Christians and Nonbeliever alike.
I knew where he was going and it *still* ended up better than I thought. So many have been hoodwinked.