How does the myth of America being a "chosen" nation lead to the religious nationalism we see today? In a presentation first aired in 2023, Harvard Divinity School's Dr. Catherine Brekus talks about how the myth is a complicated mixture of arrogance, exploitation, reform, racism and violence. She looks at the roots of this myth, how it has played out through our country's history, and how the recent surge of white Christian nationalism reflects a deep uneasiness about the loss of Christian privilege in this country.
This program originally aired on June 1, 2023, in season 4 of Respecting Religion.
SHOW NOTES
This episode was originally broadcast as episode 23 of season 4 in 2023. To hear the panel presentation that follows, check out episode 24 of season 4.
Segment one (01:39): Presentation from Dr. Catherine Brekus Read more about Dr. Brekus on Harvard Divinity School's website. This presentation was the 2023 Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lecture on Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State, an annual lecture series sponsored by BJC. Dr. Brekus gave this presentation at Old North Church in Boston.
Following her presentation, Dr. Brekus joined a panel discussion alongside The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Ph.D.; the Rev. Darrell Hamilton; and Dr. Michael Hoberman. It was moderated by the Rev. Dr. Jaimie Crumley. You can hear their conversation in episode 24.
You can watch the full presentation online at this link, including the panel discussion that followed the talk. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.
