The article discusses the recent U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, interpreted by various groups through different lenses. For American Christian nationalists, these attacks symbolize a chance for a revival in Latin America, despite the fact that Venezuela is predominantly Christian and its leader, Nicolás Maduro, has publicly identified as a believer. High-profile pastors like Greg Locke and Troy Brewer see the chaos as divine intervention, suggesting a revival will emerge as Christianity gains legal status in the country.
However, broader Christian and global responses to the attacks have been largely critical. The Pope and the World Council of Churches condemned the U.S. actions as violations of international law. The article critiques the Christian nationalists’ perspective, highlighting the contradiction in calling for a revival in a nation where the majority are already Christians and emphasizing the historical context of U.S. interventions which have often led to turmoil rather than religious resurgence.
The author connects the rise of Christian nationalism in U.S. foreign policy to past imperialist ideologies, suggesting these actions reflect an old belief in American racial superiority sustained by military power. As the article argues, the narrative of revival among Christian nationalists often overlooks the realities on the ground in Venezuela, including the suffering and oppression faced by civilians, particularly when those civilians are not perceived as “white” enough.
Ultimately, the intention of Christian nationalists appears to be rooted in a desire to impose a certain vision of Christianity globally, using U.S. military might as a tool, which raises questions about the implications for future foreign policy and the communities affected.
