Podcast Summary
Understanding the Role of Religion in the Capitol Insurrection: Examining the transformation of American evangelicalism is crucial to understanding the Capitol insurrection, as prayers and religious symbols were used to justify the violent actions. The episode explores the intersection of religion and politics, drawing on personal experiences and historical context.
Key takeaway from this episode of The Run Up is that the events of January 6th, 2021, cannot be fully understood without examining the transformation of American evangelicalism. The episode explores how religion played a significant role in the Capitol insurrection, with prayers and religious symbols used to justify the violent actions. The discussion also touches upon the background of American evangelicalism and how it intersects with politics. The speaker, Aest Ed Herndon, shares his personal experience growing up in an evangelical household and attending an evangelical college. He also references Donald Trump's infamous 2016 speech at Liberty University, where he quoted 2 Corinthians, and the shocking reaction it received from the evangelical community. Overall, this episode highlights the importance of understanding the role of religion in American politics and how it shapes the actions and beliefs of certain groups.
Evangelicals and Trump: A Transactional Relationship: During the pandemic and racial justice debates, grassroots evangelicals increasingly identified with Trumpist worldviews, bringing their political beliefs into the church and expecting leadership to reflect that back, making them the de facto leaders in the evolving religious landscape.
The relationship between American evangelicals and Trump was transactional, with the promise of political gains outweighing any concerns over his lack of religious fluency. However, a more complex shift was taking place at the grassroots level. During the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, many evangelical pastors found themselves navigating politically charged decisions, while the racial justice conversation added another contentious issue. Amidst these challenges, churchgoers increasingly identified with Trumpist worldviews, bringing their political beliefs into the church and expecting leadership to reflect that back. This trend paralleled the Republican Party, with grassroots members driving the direction of American evangelicalism. Churchgoers, as consumers, held the power to choose where they attended and who they listened to, making them the de facto leaders in this evolving religious landscape.
Evangelicalism and Politics: A New Relationship: Traditional church leaders struggle to keep up with evangelicals' increasing political alignment, leading to the emergence of new voices and an 'alternate religious world' outside the church.
The relationship between American evangelicalism and politics has shifted dramatically in recent years, with many churchgoers following political leaders like Donald Trump rather than being led by their pastors. Traditional church leaders have struggled to keep up with this trend, and new voices have emerged to fill the gap. The political sphere has become a primary source of discipleship for many evangelicals, with some even being excluded from their churches for voting for Democratic candidates. This has led to the rise of an "alternate religious world" outside the church, where politics and faith are intertwined. As a religion reporter, the challenge is to determine where to focus reporting on American Christianity – in churches or in the political arena.
Belief in America as a Christian Nation and Dominion Over Seven Areas: Approximately 20% of Americans strongly identify with Christian nationalism, a belief system advocating for dominion over government, arts, education, family, media, entertainment, and business in America.
There is a segment of American Christians who deeply believe that America is a Christian nation and feel a responsibility to assert that belief in various spheres of society, a belief system known as Christian nationalism. This belief includes the idea that Christians should take dominion over seven areas of influence: government, arts, education, family, media, entertainment, and business. This movement is a significant part of the broader evangelical conversation, with approximately 20% of Americans identified as its strongest supporters according to recent research. However, it's important to note that not all Christian nationalists advocate for violent or extremist actions.
Growing trend of Christian nationalism in American politics: The future of American Christianity is uncertain as some politicians and figures push for closer church-state ties, potentially reducing the role of formal churches in people's lives
There is a growing trend of Christian nationalism in American politics, with some politicians and public figures openly embracing this term and promoting a closer relationship between church and state. This new kind of evangelical Christian politician challenges the traditional separation of church and state and questions the validity of this concept. The future direction of American Christianity depends on who will emerge as the leading voices and institutional leaders in the next decade. The formal church may play a less prominent role in Americans' lives as this type of faith and politics become more intertwined. However, the outcome is uncertain and will depend on the success of figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Doug Mastriano, as well as the desire of most Republicans and American Christians for this kind of political alignment.
The role of the church in navigating cultural shifts: Church leaders like Al Mohler are adapting to navigate societal changes, training future pastors to address moral issues in a secular society, while acknowledging the religious foundations of American values.
The role of the church in people's lives, particularly in relation to their faith and understanding of the world, is significant. The shift in societal values and the increasing secularization of American culture has led to a divide between church leadership and the wider society on moral issues, such as sexuality and abortion. This divide has created a sense of urgency for church leaders like Al Mohler to adapt and train future pastors to navigate this new cultural landscape. The Democratic party's embrace of LGBTQ politics and pro-choice positions has moved it away from a position that is compatible with some Christian faiths. However, it's important to note that Mohler does not advocate for a Christian church in charge of the government, but rather acknowledges the religious assumptions upon which the American republic is based. These assumptions include the idea of human dignity and human rights, which are rooted in the Christian belief in a creator.
The Complexity of Evangelical Christianity and Politics: Christian symbols in politics have diverse interpretations, not all expressions represent mainstream evangelical Christianity, and the term 'Christian nationalist' is not well-defined, but Christianity's influence on the nation is important.
The relationship between evangelical Christianity and politics is complex and nuanced, and the use of religious symbols in political contexts can be subject to various interpretations. The speaker, a Christian theologian, expressed disapproval of the way some symbols were used during events like the January 6th Capitol attack, but emphasized that not all expressions of faith in politics represent mainstream evangelical Christianity. The term "Christian nationalist" has been used to discredit Christian influence in politics, but the speaker believes that the term is not well-defined and should not be avoided simply because of negative associations. Instead, the speaker believes in the importance of nation and the role of Christianity in influencing the nation, but distances himself from extremist groups or actions that misrepresent the faith.
Christian voters prioritize human life and marriage: Christian voters prioritize the sanctity of human life and marriage over other issues, even if it means supporting imperfect candidates who uphold these principles and constitutional values.
For the speaker, upholding the sanctity of human life and the integrity of marriage are the most important issues for Christian voters in politics. They believe these principles should come before other issues, even if it means supporting candidates who may have other views that are concerning. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of making decisions in a fallen world and the need to support genuinely conservative candidates who uphold these paramount issues, even if they are not perfect. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of constitutional upholding as a non-negotiable factor in voting. The discussion revolves around the issues of abortion and LGBTQ rights, with the speaker expressing disagreement with the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage and the potential consequences of codifying it. The speaker also acknowledges the presence of difficult decisions and the need to be intellectually honest.
Christian voting priorities: human life and family: Christians prioritize human life and family in their voting decisions, emphasizing the importance of these issues in their political compact
The sanctity of human life and the strengthening of marriage and families are top priorities for Christians when it comes to voting. These issues are non-negotiable and form the foundation of their political compact. The speaker also emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between Genesis and 1st Kings, and training pastors to teach and preach the word of God. However, he clarified that he is not training presidents or primarily talking to them about politics. He is more concerned about the city of God than the city of man, but because he loves God, he is also concerned about the worldly city. The speaker acknowledged that there might be inconsistencies in his past actions, but he is focused on his current responsibilities as a seminary president and a pastor. Ultimately, he believes that Christians should prioritize these core issues when exercising their political responsibility.
Evangelical leaders face new challenges in politics: Evangelical leaders now grapple with supporting candidates who hold religious beliefs but also campaign on election conspiracies, attack democracy, and advocate for a government in service of Christianity, shifting the political landscape during midterm elections.
Learning from this discussion with Dr. Mueller is the significant shift in the political landscape for evangelical leaders, particularly during the midterm elections. The transaction between religious leaders and politicians has changed, moving beyond the compromise of supporting a candidate who may not fully align with their values but could potentially help overturn Roe v. Wade. Instead, leaders are now faced with a multitude of candidates who hold religious beliefs but also campaign on election conspiracies, attack democracy, and advocate for a government in service of Christianity. Dr. Mueller, a resident and parent in the district, expressed his concerns about this situation and his belief in the importance of the United States' constitutional order, which he feels cannot exist if cut off from its foundation. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful and plans to work through these issues. This conversation highlights the importance of grassroots conservatives and their impact on local races, which have often been overlooked by Democrats. The Run Up podcast explores these issues further, shedding light on the complexities of the current political climate.
