As a Baptist and Faith and Freedom Fellow with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Tennessee, Daniel Holcomb reflects on the implications of Christian nationalism in American churches, emphasizing its threat to religious liberty and gospel faithfulness. He identifies Christian nationalism not only as a political agenda but as a form of religious idolatry that merges Christian identity with political dominance, particularly seen in the Religious Right.
Holcomb shares insights from local pastors in Middle Tennessee, like Youth Pastor Tyler Waddell of Kings Cross Church, who navigates discussions on faith and politics cautiously, focusing on spiritual formation rather than political diplomacy. Waddell believes in cultivating an open community that encourages questions about faith, revealing awareness of the dangers of religious indoctrination.
In contrast, Pastor Kevin Riggs from Franklin Community Church focuses on practical ministry within the local community, prioritizing care for the marginalized rather than directly opposing Christian nationalism. Riggs emphasizes that their efforts, grounded in Jesus’ ministry, serve as an implicit resistance to such ideologies.
At the CBF General Assembly, Holcomb learns actionable ways to oppose Christian nationalism at a policy level. Speakers like Brian Kaylor advocate for using conservative language to articulate a bipartisan opposition, framing it as a safeguarding of religious freedom. Amanda Tyler from Christians Against Christian Nationalism warns that this threat transcends political lines, impacting theology and democracy.
Holcomb’s experience illuminates the dual nature of resistance needed against Christian nationalism: a prophetic voice challenging power and a pastoral focus on loving presence. He concludes that a true Baptist witness centers on soul freedom and persistent resistance to empire rather than political ambition, echoing the beliefs of historical Baptists who upheld that faith must be freely chosen.
