Faith for the Common Good
In this 4-part guided conversation, investigative journalist Katherine Stewart and pastor Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove invite church communities to consider what Christian Nationalism is, how it is impacting congregations, and what Christians can do to resist Christian Nationalism’s efforts to undermine democracy.
Discussion questions follow each video and can be used by group leaders to facilitate conversation. To learn more, read Katherine’s book, The Power Worshipers, and Jonathan’s book, Revolution of Values.
What is Christian Nationalism?
Katherine and Jonathan share about how the Christian Nationalist movement first touched their lives. What has been your experience of this movement? What questions did you have when you first encountered it?
How do you understand the separation of church and state? Why has this commitment been important for democracy in America? Why has it been important to churches?
Katherine says Christian Nationalism is a “leadership-driven” movement that is tightly networked to focus attention a narrow set of issues. What are the issues this movement is asking Christians to focus on right now? What core concerns of a biblical social vision are neglected by this narrow focus?
How has the Christian Nationalist movement promoted division in American society? What political ends does this division serve? What are its unintended consequences?
Why is Christian Nationalism in the News Now?
Symbols and practices of the Christian faith played a prominent role in the January 6th insurrection. How did you feel when you saw rioters praying after breaking into the Capitol?
White Christians have recently become a minority within the US population. How has this demographic change influenced your own assumptions about the role the church plays in your community and the nation? How has it changed the ways your interact with neighbors who are not Christian?
Who is being demonized by the Christian Nationalist movement today? How is demonization impacting groups that are targeted? How is it impacting your church?
How Does Christian Nationalism Threaten All Of Us?
Katherine says Christian nationalism is not primarily about “culture wars” but rather political power to serve elite interests. What would you say the primary social concerns of the church should be? How have so-called “culture wars” distracted the church from pursuing its social mission?
Has your church experienced an increase in requests for assistance as inequality has worsened in America? How is your direct service ministry impacted by the policy agenda of Christian Nationalism?
Why should political conservatives be concerned about the agenda of the Christian Nationalist movement?
What Can Churches Do To Resist Christian Nationalism?
How do you understand your responsibility to vote as a Christian? Can the church influence elections for the common good without practicing Christian supremacy? What does it look like to use political power to proclaim good news to the poor?
Why have many Christians been hesitant to confront Christian Nationalism? What changes in tactics or strategy are needed to meet the present moment?
What is your church’s vision for the common good in America today? What are you doing together to pursue that witness?
What organizations and initiatives are your aware of that are helping to foster a positive Christian witness in the public square? How can you join or support this work?
Audience Questions
This conversation was recorded before a live audience in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Fall of 2022. You can watch Katherine and Jonathan respond to audience questions below.