The first Good Faith Advocates meeting focused on Christian nationalism – what it is, why it is problematic and should be opposed, and how people of good faith can do so.
Taking place online on February 2, the hour-long meeting featured three Good Faith Media staff members – Mitch Randall, Bruce Gourley and Starlette Thomas – and special guest Matthew Dowd.
Randall provided an overview of the Good Faith Advocates program, Gourley shared a brief overview of Christian nationalism and how GFM’s A Better Way Initiative is countering it, and Thomas explained the focus and goals of The Raceless Gospel Initiative.
Dowd, a political analyst and author, offered insight on Christian nationalism, discussed why it is vital for people of good faith to counter this ideology, offered suggestions on how they can do so, and answered questions from call participants.
Describing Christian nationalism as “the gravest threat to both our faith and our country, simultaneously,” Dowd lamented that this ideology is corrupting both Christianity and the United States of America.
There is a difference between patriotism and Christian nationalism, he emphasized. Patriotism makes space for and welcomes multiple faiths, cultures and ideologies, while Christian nationalism seeks to promote a single faith, culture and ideology as the dominant and controlling force in a country to the denigration and exclusion of others.
This movement is particularly dangerous, Dowd said, because its leaders and adherents believe their cause and ideology is divinely inspired and, “therefore, you are willing to do anything in order to achieve that purpose – even if that means throwing away democratic norms, throwing away constitutionally-protected principles in our country.”
Dowd had joined Mitch and Missy Randall on the Good Faith Weekly podcast on October 21, 2022, to explore religious beliefs, including Christian nationalism, underpinning some political activity in the U.S.
Good Faith Advocates are people committed to GFM’s mission of providing reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
One of the benefits of becoming an advocate is access to monthly online gatherings where you’ll hear from experts and advocates about a variety of pressing issues and contemporary topics.
Additional details about the advocates program are available here. Details on the March Good Faith Advocates meeting will be released soon.
Managing editor for news and opinion at Good Faith Media.
