Persuasion 201 | Taking America Back for God

Taking an active role in shaping our communities—and nation—is a valid way for us to fulfill Jesus’ mandate to love our neighbor. Such work is both Christian and political. It’s that intersection we’re exploring in this For God and Country series. Once we determine it is our duty to work toward the common good in this way, a new question arises: What kind of community or nation are we trying to build?

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into their fall series called For God and Country. Each episode will tackle an aspect of how faith and politics collide. In this conversation, Erin and Hannah look to the pain points Christians are feeling and use them to unearth the way fear can sway our political leanings. In Christian circles, there has been increasing concern about religious rights and freedoms, as well as rally cries to take our nation back for God. To help us understand the factors feeding these ideas, Hannah speaks with Sam Perry, who has done significant research on Christian nationalism. Together with Andrew Whitehead, Sam authored a book of these findings titled Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. Sam addresses the growing conflation of Christian faith with nationalism, which at its core is political idolatry. Because we are so accustomed to these messages and stances within the Church, we can become blind to how we’ve adopted ideals and stances that are contrary to the gospel. Is it truly our mandate to take America back for God? Are Christians under persecution in the United States—or is it just a loss of privilege and status? Should Christians focus on protecting our own rights or is it more important to reach others with the love of God found in Jesus? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Today’s episode of Persuasion is sponsored in part by Plough Publishing House, publisher of new title The Gospel in Dickens, edited by Gina Dalfonzo. CAPC members receive 30% off when purchasing from Plough!

HOSTS

Erin Straza: Web / Twitter
Hannah Anderson: Web / Twitter

PERSUASION PODCAST

PersuasionPodcast.buzz
Twitter: @PersuasionCAPC
Instagram: @PersuasionCAPC
Facebook: /Persuasioncapc

PERSUASION 201 RESOURCES & LINKS

Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Sam Perry and Andrew Whitehead

Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give the entire series a listen:

Persuasion 200 | For God and Country? with Kaitlyn Schiess

Theme music by Maiden Name.