TX Observer: “Plenty of Texas Christians are appalled by the hateful comments and violence of Christian nationalists. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin proudly proclaims their progressive Christian values through wonderful messages on the sign in the front yard, such as “Jesus Was a Liberator of the Oppressed, Not a Mascot For the Powerful,” and “Jesus Trusted Women.” I’m always grateful to see their messages when I drive by. According to the the congregation’s website, they follow the teachings of Jesus “by championing universal human rights and courageously acting to overcome injustice.”
Unfortunately, other Texas Christians who agree with those statements and oppose Christian nationalism choose not to publicly share their beliefs. Some pastors stay silent because they don’t want to create conflict, cause members to leave, or be forced to resign. Some Christians are afraid they will be rejected by friends, family members, or fellow church members. They have people in their lives who don’t see (or don’t care) that Christian nationalism clearly contradicts Jesus’ teachings and the way he treated people. Others fear they will be harassed online or physically assaulted if they express opposition to Trump, Abbott, or many other far-right bigots who embrace Christian nationalism.
While those fears are understandable, the trauma Christian nationalism has already inflicted on individuals and our country and the ongoing threat it poses is serious enough that remaining silent is not a morally defensible choice.
There are many ways you can take action to oppose Christian nationalism. The nonprofit Vote Common Good offers a free online course on the subject, which you could share with your friends or faith community. On social media, avoid engaging with cruel and insulting individuals; either block them or “turn the other cheek” by replying with verified facts from credible sources.
Support independent media outlets that tell the truth about the violent attacks Christian nationalism encourages. Vote for candidates who oppose the unjust laws and policies Christian nationalists embrace and report all threats and other attempts to intimidate voters you witness to the national voter protection hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE. If you can safely do so, record video as they occur.
Whether or not they’re religious, the opponents of Christian nationalism outnumber its supporters. If we work together, we can counter that ideology and limit its ability to do further damage. As Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel said during his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in 1986, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.” This is one of those times.”