In this episode of the “Respecting Religion” podcast, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman discuss Amanda’s book, How to End Christian Nationalism, and highlight a recent book tour event featuring Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard. They define Christian nationalism as a political ideology merging American and Christian identities, arguing that it suggests being a true American requires adherence to a specific fundamentalist Christian belief system. They emphasize that this ideology fosters exclusion based on religious identity and often aligns with white supremacy, taking historical roots from colonial America and the Puritans.
Amanda points out that this ideology distorts the understanding of American history by promoting a narrative of the U.S. as a Christian nation, which contradicts the framers’ intention for a secular constitution that guarantees religious freedom for all. The conversation touches on the implications of Christian nationalism in public policy, specifically in education, where efforts to introduce religious elements into public schools threaten the foundational principle of church-state separation.
They examine the intersection of religious belief and political power, urging that while religious voices should engage in the democratic process, they must advocate for a pluralistic society that respects all beliefs, rather than promote a theocratic dominance by any one faith.
The episode concludes with a call for active participation in democracy to counter authoritarianism and uphold equitable rights for all, while remaining aware of the privileges afforded by a Christian nationalist culture. They invite listeners to remain engaged and informed, promoting a vision for a society where belonging doesn’t depend on religious identity.
