Christian Nationalism
CFS-Fall 2022
Eight Weeks (9/22-11/10)
Thursdays 9am-11am
Course Title:
Christian Nationalism in America
Course Description:
In recent years an aggressively politicized form of Christianism has become more active in America. From moralistic legislation, to religious privilege, “school choice,” book bans, weaponizing prayer and an attempted insurrection, a belief in America as a “Christian Nation” has energized a sectarian movement that threatens core principles of secular democracy. We will shine a spotlight on the most egregious cases and highlight national organizations pushing back with educational, ethical and legal force.
Recommended Texts:
Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers; Andrew Seidel, The Founding Myth. The Flag and the Cross, Gorski and Perry; White Evangelical Racism, Anthea Butler
Instructor:
Chris Highland has been teaching at OLLI since 2016. With degrees from Seattle Pacific University and San Francisco Theological Seminary, he was a minister and chaplain prior to becoming a humanist celebrant. Author of numerous books, Chris writes the “Highland Views” column for the Asheville Citizen-Times. http://www.chighland.com.
Week One (9/22): What is Christian Nationalism?
On Screen:
Video: Katherine Stewart
Week Two: Is America a Christian Nation?
Keynote: Christian Nation
Video: Andrew Seidel
Week Three: Religious Privilege, Exceptionalism & Freedom of Religion
Video: JFK to Houston Ministers
Video: Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty
Week Four: The Issue of Power
Image: Trump in Iowa “You will have power.”
Fundamental Fears of Fundamentalists
“Claiming”
Paula White: White House is Holy Ground
Paula White: “Victory”
“Re-claiming” (Madison County)
Video: Anthea Butler
Week Five: Sexual Politics and Morality
Images:
Keynote: Ten Commandments (states, courts, schools)
Video: Charlie Kirk (Turning Point USA speech)
Week Six: Expanding Worldviews
Video: The Life Book (Gideons, “How To” #1)
Week Seven: Lessons from World Wisdom Traditions
Images: Crucified Liberty + Liberty with Cross + Interfaith/secular
Keynote: Blasphemy
Video: Interfaith America (Eboo Patel)
Week Eight: A Common Sense Way Forward
Congressional Freethought Caucus
Video: Kamau