Christian Nationalism

Methodism & Christian Nationalism

Mark Tooley on August 9, 2022

What is “Christian Nationalism” and how should Methodists think about it? Arkansas United Methodist Bishop Gary Mueller recently commented to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette about United Methodism’s split: “There are parts of the church in which traditional Trinitarian thinking is beginning to morph into Unitarian thought. However, there are also parts of the church where I am concerned that traditional Christian orthodox thought is beginning to resemble white Christian nationalism.

(Read article here.)

  1. Comment by Jeff on August 9, 2022 at 10:17 am

    Why would I seek Christian spiritual advice from a Baal-worshipper or a UMC bishop? But I repeat myself.

  2. Comment by Jeff on August 9, 2022 at 10:38 am

    I read the article, Mark. Of course Firebrand, where Watson hates Trump every bit as much as you do, maybe more.

    Same old tired strawman arguments, pejorative definitions, and unsupported free-floating conclusions, with of course a strong dollop of anti-white racism thrown in, No Scripture though; there never is.

    Oh well. I continue to identify first as a Christian, then as an American nationalist, and I happen to identify as white because I was born that way. I am unashamed of my identity.

    For those of you not content to swallow Tooley’s strawman definitions, I highly recommend examining David Barton’s “Wall Builder” work making the historical case that America is absolutely a Christian nation. Especially worthwhile is his “Run to the Roar” dvd.

    Blessings!

  3. Comment by Stuart S. on August 9, 2022 at 10:38 am

    Jeff-please check the log in your eye!
    I know Bishop Mueller from before he was a bishop and he is a caring person, respecter of others, and a spiritual leader.
    My daughter was on his staff as a summer intern for ten weeks at FUMC, Plano, TX. A year and a half later after graduation, she had to have thyroid surgery. Rev. Mueller contacted her and had prayer with her and followed up on this.

  4. Comment by Jeff on August 9, 2022 at 11:04 am

    No log in my eye, Stuart.
    His great pastoral care for those who pay his salary notwithstanding — Bp. Mueller’s quoted words out him as a racist. I don’t sit under the teaching or administration of racists.

  5. Comment by Steve on August 9, 2022 at 11:37 am

    One of the problems plaguing social discourse today is the inability to recognize what is political and how people use language to disguise politics. The right-wing’s “for the children” and “family values” are the left-wing’s “inclusion,” “diversity” and “White Nationalism.” Just cloaks to disguise social-political activism that only benefits their agenda, not those they profess to want to help. Clergy should be above politics but like many, they can’t recognize it when they see it. Sad.

  6. Comment by Douglas E Ehrhardt on August 9, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    That was pretty bad stuff. How writing about the Church of Saint George Floyd.

  7. Comment by Mark on August 9, 2022 at 8:07 pm

    It’s bad enough we have to get pounded over the head by the left re all things Christian nationalism/white supremacy, but then to get it from the ‘orthodox’ right too… this is really becoming the ultimate boogeyman. I can hardly imagine the outrage if there really were a bunch of white supremacists running around all the time causing all sorts of mayhem. The left and establishment right have done more to promote white racists than actual white racists–whoever they are. I honestly don’t know any, even though I apparently am one. Everything is so nuts.

  8. Comment by Jeff on August 10, 2022 at 8:48 am

    Mark,
    >> I honestly don’t know any [white racists], even though I apparently am one.

    I laughed out loud at that! Same here.

    Now, here’s a question to ponder: does anyone out there know any folks that identify as Christian Nationalists who happen to be black? Or brown? Or (forgive me) yellow? I sure do! Scores of ’em. I guess I fellowship and worship (and attend political rallies 🙂 ) with the “wrong” people?

    I wonder if Mark Tooley or Bishop Mueller know any such non-white CN’s, and if so, exactly how they pigeonhole them.

  9. Comment by Katherine on August 11, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    Am I to conclude from this that Methodists are a hotbed of white Christian Nationalism? I am sorry to hear it. Can the author provide a list of these white Christian Nationalist leaders, and their denominational ties? Are there in fact any white racists (for that’s what he implies) who have any degree of influence among traditional Christians?

    I can’t grapple with this issue until I can understand WHO we’re talking about, and whether they have any significant influence.

  10. Comment by Gary Bebop on August 11, 2022 at 8:35 pm

    Relax, everybody! Mark Tooley is trying to make eye contact with progressives here. My wild hunch is that things are going so well for GMC recruitment that Mark thought he might throw a punch at Christin Nationalism in order to strengthen GMC ball control and perhaps lure a wavering moderate into the net. In that case, it’s a bit of chumming.

  11. Comment by Mark on August 13, 2022 at 10:12 am

    Good points. I just kinda figured that Mark’s proximity to Jan 6 probably clouds his reasoning. The cultural pressure in DC to buy in to the white supremacy ‘insurrectionist’ problem must be great. While I can understand it, I still think it’s a bogeyman argument.

  12. Comment by David Gingrich on August 14, 2022 at 7:25 am

    Christian Nationalism is founded on rational thought and Christian love. Because it has been successful, America is a magnet for distressed people all over the globe. We welcome them – when they come legally. But America is a magnet because we have succeeded under the rule of law (although that is sadly declining). America can best help make the world better by continuing to be America – shining city on a hill, founded on the principles of God-given rights.

  13. Comment by Star Tripper on August 15, 2022 at 10:42 am

    Oh no, the Left will call us racists!!! Oh no, the Left will call us Christian Nationalists!!!! Get over it Mark, those “cool kids” will never accept you.

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