Christian Nationalism threatens our freedoms and democracy
Re: “Coloradan on trial for Jan. 6 wanted to bring God to the Capitol,” April 7 commentary
I have to admire Krista Kafer’s comments on what she perceives as religious nationalism. Certainly, the trends that she shows of this alarming tendency in other countries are certainly rearing their ugly heads here. I never thought that the religious freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights would be under threat by a tiny, vocal minority, but yet it is. Should those of us who do not agree with the beliefs promulgated by Christian Nationalists fear for our safety? Sadly, this appears to be the case.
Clarence Colburn, Thornton
I appreciated Krista Kafer’s calling out Christofacism (my term, not hers) and other religious extremism in her recent column. It was disappointing that she didn’t mention the work of the group Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
Formed in 2019, the movement has provided a platform to combat Christian nationalism in the U.S. that threatens both our democracy and the religion itself. Church leaders from many denominations have joined the movement, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, American Baptist Churches, Sojourners and Latino Christian National Network. In addition, over 30,000 individuals signed the statement to preserve our public space as a safe place for all, regardless of their religion or worldview.
Christian nationalism seeks to threaten freedom of belief and free exercise of religion with an “our-way-or-the-highway culture.” It’s sobering to realize my faith practice could be abolished if the Christian extremist agenda plays out. (I identify as a practicing Christian of European descent).
Carlene Goldthwaite, Fruita
I’m sure that Krista Kafer has cemented her position as the conservative Republican that right-wing Republicans love to hate. She sheds light on a matter that many so-called “evangelicals” fail to understand (I say so-called because the label “evangelical” has been co-opted to serve the purposes of a political ideology and no longer, as it did in the past, define historic theological and biblical commitments).
Apparently, these insurrectionists and election deniers want a theocracy, albeit with their God and his chosen instrument (Donald Trump) in charge. They misconstrue the founding history of this country — the Puritans were seeking to escape a church-state system. And they twist (or better, they ignore) the Bible to support their agenda. Jesus said in no uncertain terms: “My kingdom is not of this world. … But now my kingdom is of another place” (John 18:36).
Kafer correctly points out the poison that Christian Nationalism poses for our democracy. In this ill-advised syncretism, character does not matter, so rallying behind Trump makes sense as long as their side wins — and sadly they have the majority of Republican members of Congress on their side.
William W. Klein, Columbine Valley
Editor’s note: Klein is professor emeritus of New Testament Interpretation at Denver Seminary in Littleton.
Though I often don’t agree with Krista Kafer’s views, I religiously read her weekly column to get her perspective on today’s political and social issues. I use the word religiously to reflect on Sunday’s Perspective on Christian Nationalism. Krista has been consistently and thoroughly sounding the alarm for the threats to our nation’s democracy.
Please do not let her be the only voice of reason! Bravo for her to take her stand both in writing and in action!
Cindy Le Coq, Littleton
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