When I first started to think about engaging with the concept of Christian Nationalism, I didn’t think it would really apply to me. I had images in my mind of the KKK or, more recently, angry white young men in Charlottesville in 2017. The truth is, I didn’t think much about it, as it seemed something on the fringes and not at all associated with my understanding of Christianity or my faith. Dr. Gushee’s reframing and presentation on Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity flipped everything on its head. I saw elements of what he was talking about in my own religious and political formation – particularly that authoritarianism among Christians is “often activated by a strongly negative reaction to modernity, democracy, and pluralism, or to certain cultural, moral, political, or legal developments in democratic societies, which progressive forces treat as great advances for progress, but traditionalist Christians reject. This negative reaction can then fuel latent or open political authoritarianism.”

As a teenager and as I moved into early adulthood I would classify myself as a conservative the most narrow sense, meaning that the values we used to have were under attack and we must protect them. This defensive posture meant I, as a person of faith, and the values I hold as part of that faith, are under deliberate attack by forces that want to strip society of any moorings or social values. I searched scripture, looking for examples and parallels to make my case. While I would not cite those examples publicly in terms of my politics, it was certainly there in my thoughts and motivations. 

To be clear, I do believe, firmly believe, that people of faith should and can bring their faith to the public square. My understanding of the nature of human beings, our rights and responsibilities on this earth, and where we are going are all deeply informed by my theology and faith. These are just as valid as any theory, philosophy, or understanding in the public square as motivation for how I want to operate in, and help to shape, society. What changed for me is that my faith became positive rather than negative. Rather than a defensive, fearful, and reactionary posture, I decided I wanted to take a constructive, faith-filled, and proactive posture to the world’s problems.

Since Dr. Gushee’s presentation I’ve felt both that I’ve been awakened to how ARC informed my development, but also very disoriented. First, I felt that Dr. Gushee’s framework puts words to ideas, concepts, and thoughts that have been bubbling around in my mind. White Christian Nationalism, as a concept, seemed too broad and vague. Authoritative Reactionary Christianity clarifies the political aims and tools of such a movement. ARC framing helps me to understand the reactionary fear that I’ve seen expressed by many in my faith community and helps me make sense of political patterns that seem so out of step with what I understand a follower of Jesus Christ to be. It has been a truly eye opening experience!

At the same time, I feel very disoriented. Or perhaps frustrated. There are elements of my personal and faith formation that are important to me that seem to be woven into ARC. Must I reject them? Can I hold them and reframe them? As an example, I do believe the United States plays a role in God’s plan for the redemption of His children. That role is very specific and narrowly defined in my view, and has less to do with the United States as a nation state than it does with the ideals supported by the American founding. Before these sessions I think I would have said I recognized the irony and the tragedy of a nation founded on the notion that “all men are committed equal” but that, nearly 250 years later, still can’t deliver on that ideal. However, after these sessions, I am realizing that it is more than just an ironic tragedy, but a serious and severe flaw in the structures we have built. The flaw continues and affects millions of individuals each and every day, for many of them it shapes every day of their life. 

I don’t know what to do next. My awakening leaves me feeling obligated to help awaken others, primarily through the way that I talk about and live my faith in today’s world. The disorienting feeling leaves me wondering how I can point to the language and concepts of authoritarianism in the name of Christianity that pervades the politics and, sadly, devotional lives of many in my faith community.