The Holy Post 713: Is "Christian Nationalism" Overused? plus Amar Peterman
64 snips
Mar 25, 2026 
Amar Peterman, theologian and author focusing on neighborliness and interfaith civic life. He discusses why loving neighbors is hard, how local practices and institutions can build the common good, and models like diner churches that combine worship and community work. Conversations also probe when faith-based political action becomes a threat to pluralism and how to distinguish activism from exclusionary nationalism.
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Authority Shapes Public Moral Witness
- The Catholic Church is speaking out more strongly about the Iran war because it has centralized teaching and hierarchy that can issue definitive moral judgments.
- Evangelical leaders lack unified authority and depend on congregational donors, which discourages statements that might alienate supporters.
Term Christian Nationalism Is Overused
- Heath W. Carter argues the term Christian nationalism is overused because Christian political motivation spans the spectrum, not just the right.
- Carter urges critics to analyze whether specific political aims are truly un-Christian rather than labeling all faith-based activism as Christian nationalism.
Clear Definition Separates Activism From Nationalism
- Skye Jethani defines nationalism as linking people to land and ethnic identity, so Christian nationalism means privileging Christians as the nation's dominant group.
- He distinguishes Christian activism (advocating values) from Christian nationalism (asserting Christians should dominate civic life).
