The article discusses the theme of atonement during the Jewish High Holy Days, particularly through the lens of Isaiah’s message about the potential for sins to be transformed from crimson to white. It highlights how the color white symbolizes purity, a concept that has been distorted in modern times by the rise of white Christian nationalism, which is seen as a perversion of Christianity intertwined with American political ideology.
White Christian nationalism is characterized as misogynistic, racist, and anti-immigrant, promoting the idea that the U.S. should prioritize white Christians and marginalize others. The authors argue that this movement is not only a betrayal of Christian tenets but also a danger to democracy, likening its control over contemporary politics to oppressive regimes from history, including Nazi Germany.
The column calls for a modern-day “White Rose,” an interfaith coalition dedicated to resisting white Christian nationalism. It urges individuals to act against injustice, promote equity, and embrace a foundational American ethos of liberty and happiness for all, echoing Isaiah’s call to atone for present sins. The authors conclude by advocating for a commitment to justice and community action to counteract the harmful narratives propagated by this extremist ideology.
