Rise of Nationalist Christianity Advocating White Supremacy
Already Penetrated US Religious Circles... Violence Also Justified by Religion
[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] 'Pseudo-Christianity' with white supremacist tendencies is gaining ground in the United States.
On the 24th (local time), the US CNN reported that this so-called 'White Christian Nationalism' is threatening democracy within the United States. Clergy and academic experts have recently defined this ideology as "a doctrine that prioritizes the establishment of an America dominated by white Christians." Analysts believe that followers of this ideology think that only "true Americans" should monopolize the country and enjoy all rights.
CNN criticized this ideology as violent, heretical, and contrary to the life and teachings of Jesus. Samuel Perry, a professor of theology at the University of Oklahoma, firmly called this ideology "pseudo-Christianity."
Followers of 'pseudo-Christianity' began to appear prominently in American society starting from the January attack on the US Capitol by protesters rejecting the presidential election results. Amidst the protesters assaulting police and firing tear gas, some were seen solemnly bowing their heads while carrying crosses larger than themselves.
They also held Bibles like shields or signs reading "Jesus Saves." Images showed Jesus wearing a hat with former President Donald Trump's campaign slogan "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" or wearing T-shirts with the phrase "God, Guns, Trump." Some American flags bore slogans such as "Jesus my Savior, Trump my President."
CNN pointed out that although these individuals claimed religious and historical backgrounds for their actions, all were distorted interpretations. They argued that America was founded as a Christian nation and should be rebuilt as a religious state, but Philip Gorski, a professor at Yale University, pointed out that none of the "Founding Fathers," the architects of the United States, were Christian fundamentalists.
In fact, the US Constitution does not mention God, the Ten Commandments, or the Bible. It is also reported that an official diplomatic document from 1797 stated, "The United States was not founded as a 'Christian nation' in any respect."
They also justified violence in the name of religion. Interpreting Jesus not as the "Prince of Peace" but as the judge from the Book of Revelation, they used this as a basis for the past Capitol attack.
What is more problematic is that this ideology is deeply spreading within the American religious community. Christine Dumes, a professor at Calvin Theological Seminary, said, "This ideology has infiltrated the mainstream church," adding, "If a pastor tries to speak against this ideology, they risk losing their pastoral position."
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