In my last article, I addressed my state legislators' fear of students being "shamed" by the truth of history. Among many other things, I pointed out is that as we teach truth, we also teach kids that we study history to learn from mistakes. Then, we encourage patriotism by showing areas in which our country has improved and learned from mistakes. We who are progressive can find encouragement by looking for the areas in which we have improved, even as we work at those areas needing correction. Thanks for your passion! I agree with you that Christian Nationalism is a huge error! Let's keep praying and "preaching!"
Thank you for this very thoughtful and thought provoking article. I spent 26 years in uniform as an Air Force Chaplain (the first five in the Reserves) and have become even more uncomfortable with the wedding of the flag and the cross since retiring. At every church that I have served since retiring I have taken flack for downplaying “patriotic/nationalistic” holidays that have been turned into “holy-days” by too many in the church. While many don’t understand how I publicly struggle with this nationalism, a growing number have come to understand it a bit more by listening and engaging in positive dialogue. Since I am in-between calls right now and live on the gulf coast of Alabama, it is a relief to have been able to step away from the increasing political/religious dynamic that is the church far too often down here and around the nation.
Thank you again for your inspiration and encouragement as we walk this “interesting” road together.
In my last article, I addressed my state legislators' fear of students being "shamed" by the truth of history. Among many other things, I pointed out is that as we teach truth, we also teach kids that we study history to learn from mistakes. Then, we encourage patriotism by showing areas in which our country has improved and learned from mistakes. We who are progressive can find encouragement by looking for the areas in which we have improved, even as we work at those areas needing correction. Thanks for your passion! I agree with you that Christian Nationalism is a huge error! Let's keep praying and "preaching!"
Thank you for this very thoughtful and thought provoking article. I spent 26 years in uniform as an Air Force Chaplain (the first five in the Reserves) and have become even more uncomfortable with the wedding of the flag and the cross since retiring. At every church that I have served since retiring I have taken flack for downplaying “patriotic/nationalistic” holidays that have been turned into “holy-days” by too many in the church. While many don’t understand how I publicly struggle with this nationalism, a growing number have come to understand it a bit more by listening and engaging in positive dialogue. Since I am in-between calls right now and live on the gulf coast of Alabama, it is a relief to have been able to step away from the increasing political/religious dynamic that is the church far too often down here and around the nation.
Thank you again for your inspiration and encouragement as we walk this “interesting” road together.
Grateful to be walking with you! Thanks for your witness.