

American Christian nationalism argues that the American state should be run by Christians and should protect and promote the concerns of Christians over others.
Beliefs:
1. I want all Americans to follow Jesus.
2. Historically, most Americans have identified as Christain.
3. America was founded on Christian values.
4. The government should recognize Christianity as the official religion of America.
5. The American government should oversee and fund the Christian Church.
6. The American government should promote Christian values.
7. The American government should enforce Christian values.
8. The American government should be ruled only by Christians.
9. God has a unique relationship with America, like his relationship with Israel in the Bible.
Leviathans Methods
1. Distorting God’s word.
2. Anxiety and rage
3. Us and them.
4. Demanding Allegiance
5. False promises
Key quotes:
“The pain of the loss of a cultural expression is real… The pain is real, even if what was lost is misremembered. Real pain invites us to real solidarity, regardless of how valid we feel the loss is.” (53)
“Conspiratorial thinking does not necessarily stem from an inability to think critically; it comes from a framework of suspicion that seeks to make sense of a complex and often confusing world… When the world, as we know, it seems to be falling apart, having “secret knowledge” can make us feel powerful and bring comfort to our worried souls, even if the sources are dubious or the ideas contradictory.” (56-57)
“When I love something or someone, but do not give it my ultimate allegiance, I am free to criticize it out of love. Because it is not the ultimate object of my affection, the core of my being is not shaken when I discovered its imperfections and impurities.” (58)
“Once a person is convinced that the American Christian nationalist organization or leader is providing them with safety, belonging, and purpose, they will look for ways to confirm the validity of their belonging. They will fall in line to remain in community. To question the organization or its leadership is to risk their safety, belonging, and purpose. Catherine Heyhoe, notes, “For most of us, the value of belonging, far outweighs the value of attaining new information, especially if publicly accepting that information and speaking up might lead to a negative outcome – an argument, the cold shoulder, or even ostracism from your social group.” (62)
“American Christian nationalism causes to take up the sword, gain more power, and use it to protect and promote our way of life. Jesus causes us to take up our cross and use our power to serve others, especially those who are not like us.” (67)
“This is the perilous road of discovering one’s own convictions. Changing our minds might cost us job offers, accolades, or even community. While they might make us feel safe, borrowed convictions do not satisfy. When the reality of life hits, when we engage Scripture in fresh ways, when a movement of the Spirit leads us to places we did not expect, we often find that beliefs we once held were arrived at second-hand, borrowed from people that we admire and respect. Borrowed convictions rarely stand in the test of time, and certainly do not nurture a deep relationship with Jesus.” (79-80)
Aunt Betty (chapter 5)
Cultivating Missional Conversations
1. Start with hospitality.
2. Lead with questions.
3. Connecting on shared values.
4. I am not your enemy: red flags, and shibboleths.
– Red flags are words to avoid.
– Shibboleths Are important words or phrases that distinguish insiders from outsiders.
5. Honor the good.
6. Humble subversion.
7. Open invitation to future conversation.
Changing Our Posture