Christian Nationalism: What Everyone Needs to Know

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, St. Peter’s hosted Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness program, “Christian Nationalism: What Everyone Needs to Know” on August 14, 2022. According to a statement on the website for Christians Against Christian Nationalism, “Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.” Proponents of Christian Nationalism assert that America was founded as a Christian nation, and therefore Christianity should be privileged by the state, and one must be Christian to be a good American.

Dr. Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary, addressed the topic that has been rising in the public eye as more and more candidates for public office, including Pennsylvania candidates, are claiming the mantel of Christian Nationalism as they campaign for office. Dr. Carey has taught at Lancaster Theological Seminary since 1999. He holds a BA from Rhodes College, an MDiv from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Vanderbilt University (1996). Dr. Carey teaches courses on the New Testament and on biblical and contextual interpretation, along with a doctoral seminar devoted to research methodologies. He is the author or co-editor of 10 books, including Using Our Outside Voice: Public Biblical Interpretation; Stories Jesus Told: How to Read a Parable. Teaching and advising students provides Greg’s primary sense of vocation. As a biblical scholar, he aims to help students cultivate their capacity as public interpreters of Scripture.

I attended the presentation which included over 400 church and community members. The information provided was interesting and well presented. To watch the presentation, here is the link to our YouTube channel.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a51SsrsRY5k&t=227s