Leftists undermine religious conservatives by labeling them as ‘Christian nationalists
The left is increasingly fearmongering that a Donald Trump victory this November would “elevate Christian nationalism as a focal point” in his second term. This hand-wringing was reported by Politico, which defined Christian nationalism as the belief that “the country was founded as a Christian nation and that Christian values should be prioritized throughout government and public life.”
Politico acknowledged that “Trump is not a devout man of faith,” but warned that his close associates seeking to influence policy are. In fact, “[T]he effort to imbue laws with biblical principles is already underway in some states.” Trailers for Rob Reiner’s new film, “God and Country,” similarly issue apocalyptic warnings of Christian involvement in public life.
If nothing else, the left’s propaganda machine is predictable. Their wheelhouse is the subtle manipulation of language, stigmatizing words that sound positive on their own, but turn into a poisonous cocktail when blended.
I’m talking about the phrase “Christian nationalism.” The word “Christian” appears only three times in the New Testament. It is first introduced in the book of Acts as a noun — a pejorative term of mockery used against followers of Christ. But instead of running from the label, they welcomed it. They were glad to suffer derision just as their Lord had done.
The word “Christian” is now being used as an adjective to make “nationalism,” a word that already has negative connotations on its own, sound even worse. When you modify “nationalism” by “Christian,” it becomes even darker. The evils of “nationalism” are amplified in the name of God. It’s wickedness done by divine decree.
Leftists know that carefully defining “Christian nationalism” would be counterproductive. Its ambiguity is its utility. It needs to be scary enough to make people afraid of it but vague enough so they don’t know what they actually fear. Thus, “Christian nationalism” has the requisite negative associations to accomplish the desired effect: Christians are bad, they want to do bad things, and they must be stopped.
This is one of the left’s favorite plays, and they run it all the time. Here’s how it works.
Step 1:
- Come up with a vague, new label that has sinister overtones like “Christian nationalism.” Refuse to define it, only denounce it. Consider it utterly unworthy of serious discussion. The self-evident threat of Christian nationalism is a clear and present danger to all decent Americans.
Step 2:
- Target and demonize politically involved Christians, especially conservatives. Weaponize and deploy the “Christian nationalist” label to turn decent, ordinary Christians against them.
Step 3:
- Demand denunciations of Christian nationalism from ordinary Christians. Putting distance between themselves and so-called Christian nationalists will demonstrate their good faith and reasonableness. Dangle the carrot of inner-ring respectability until they comply.
Step 4:
- Slowly expand the “Christian nationalist” label like a canopy over an ever-growing number of Christians who would have previously denounced it. Any expression of historical biblical morality can be easily savaged as yet another encroachment of Christian nationalism that must be stopped. The resulting cognitive dissonance will steer ordinary believers further and further away from historical Christianity to avoid being implicated. Eventually, Christianity itself melts into the “Christian nationalist” label entirely.
Step 5:
- Bludgeon believers and terrify them with the specter of “Christian nationalism” until all conservative Christians are driven away from political life altogether. The more Christians cower in fear, the more Christians are controlled by the threat of the label being applied to them (see also “racist,” “sexist,” and “homophobe”).
We can’t stop leftists from running their playbook, but we don’t have to play their games either. We don’t have to give them the power to use rhetorical manipulation to dictate our beliefs.
It’s obvious at this point that anyone who believes the most obvious Christian teachings will be branded a Christian nationalist. It’s inevitable.
There is no agreed-upon definition of Christian nationalism. I agree with some definitions and disagree with others. Ideally, we would clearly define our terms and apply labels that accurately describe the individual. I’d prefer to choose labels that best reflect my views, but I don’t always get that choice.
Ultimately, it matters not. As a conservative Christian who loves God, believes the Bible, loves my country, and wants to see justice prevail and righteousness flourish in our society, I will be called a Christian nationalist. This label is not used to create clarity and foster reasonable dialogue, but to bully, intimidate, and shut down dialogue. Name-calling is effective; that’s why people do it. They will keep running the same play as long as it works.
I say lean into it. Sooner or later, every Christian will be lumped in with Christian nationalists. If we backpedal and become defensive every time they call us names, they become our masters and we their slaves.
So I’ll gladly accept their derision and turn it into a badge of honor. I guess I’m a Christian nationalist.
rnrn
How does the use of the label “Christian nationalist” contribute to the marginalization of individuals who advocate for traditional Christian beliefs?
Values and ideals are silenced or dismissed as extremist and dangerous. Anyone who dares to stand up for traditional Christian beliefs or advocate for Christian principles in public life will be labeled as a “Christian nationalist” and marginalized.
This tactic is not new. The left has a long history of using fear and manipulation to further their agenda. They know that by creating a vague and ambiguous label like “Christian nationalism,” they can tap into the fears and insecurities of the general public. They understand that most people will not take the time to research and understand the true meaning and implications of this label. Instead, they will simply accept it at face value and assume that anyone associated with it must be a threat.
But we must not fall into this trap. We must not allow ourselves to be swayed by the left’s propaganda machine. We must educate ourselves and others about the true meaning of Christian nationalism and the importance of preserving Christian values and principles in our society.
Christian nationalism is not about imposing a theocracy or forcing everyone to adhere to Christian beliefs. It is about recognizing the important role that Christian principles have played in the foundation and history of our nation. It is about understanding that our laws and institutions have been shaped by Judeo-Christian values, and that these values have contributed to the success and prosperity of our country.
Christian nationalism is not a threat, but rather a necessary and vital part of maintaining a strong and moral society. It is about upholding the truths and principles that have stood the test of time and have served as a moral compass for generations. It is about preserving the religious freedom and liberty that our founding fathers fought and died for.
So let us not be deceived by the left’s attempts to demonize and marginalize Christian nationalists. Let us stand strong in our faith and in our commitment to uphold Christian principles in our personal lives and in our public discourse. Let us reject the false narrative that seeks to divide and silence us. And let us continue to defend and promote the values that have made our nation great.
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