Restore American Strengths: Authentic Faith & Vibrant Democracy

Here is a redemption for the ages. It’s for the ages because it is defining our history and is part of a changing world order. But it is also here in the moment, staring each of us in the face. American strengths come from the freedoms afforded each of us as individuals within our democratic social order. Right now, the constructs of religion and democracy are being dictated and distorted. We, individually and collectively, demand to keep all our freedoms intact.

“We” are people who accept that some things have gone fundamentally wrong and see Christian nationalism as a core problem that has weakened America. This includes metro Detroiters Against Christian Nationalism. As America rebuilds, Christian nationalism will be removed from power and American strengths of faith and democracy will be featured again. Love and understanding will light the way.

You could think of this as Authentic Faith & Vibrant Democracy 101; an introduction. This post does look at the importance of the topic, especially in relation to Christian nationalism, as well as the relationship between church and state (gives part of the reasoning why they need to be separate.)

Jim Sutton

At this point the government is no longer of, by, and for the people in an open or free sense. Bad faith Christian nationalism has usurped religious freedom and hollowed out democracy. Without a magnitude of order bigger show of resistance, America as a free country will soon be gone. We have months, not years, before American democracy, with all its freedoms, will be irrecoverable.

So, it is going to take the renowned American resolve and can-do attitude to retrieve the quality of life and social order that is being stripped away. It is a call for the people to return ourselves and our country to the most primary of American strengths. Our peaceful efforts need to show a determined mentality and response, because the actions and inactions of the government constitute an internal war on the people.

By the way, this is not the redemption that Mr. Trump advocates and says he represents, far from it. He needs our hopes and prayers.

Introductory thoughts about the redemption and clarion call at hand

This suggests what we need to consider and support, individually and collectively, to meet the moment and preserve the American way.

The redemption at hand is a matter of saving American freedoms, religious and other. It’s being responsible to our society and the world, providing workers a fair share of the country’s vast wealth, and stopping all forms of discrimination.

The clarion call is for authentic faith and vibrant democracy, returning these American strengths to prominence, which requires repudiation of Christian nationalism.

America must restore authentic faith and vibrant democracy as two distinct and primary characteristics of social order in the USA.

Easier said than done

To the people who are profiting from the new government order or the extremists’ re-defined role of Jesus, efforts as suggested here might be laughable. But it is a nervous laugh, because in truth and in their hearts they know they are wrong. And importantly, resistance to bad faith is growing.

Grace and loving care for all people is important every step of the way. Extend grace always. Two of the most difficult peoples to talk with: pastors who have made a career out of nationalist-leaning stances; folks (especially youth) whose salvation might come into question.

Un-American elected officials assume to squash all resistance. They are tearing down the country as hard and fast as they can. But we the people have power and the moral high ground in this epic battle. As thinking caring people, we must organize and use our power now.

The material herein is similar to that of many others out there answering the call. Thousands are writing this way, and millions are thinking it. This passion is gleaned from like-minded others in the metro Detroit community, and the Christians Against Christian Nationalism organizations. Real change happens in the communities where we all do our parts.

The tragedy of Christian Nationalism

The What: Authentic Faith and Vibrant Democracy

Christian nationalism took a long time to develop. It now enables fascism and oligarchy to be aggressive and in the open. This nationalism is a misrepresentation and misuse of the Christian faith. It misses and ignores Christ’s message.

There is no authentic faith and vibrant democracy under Christian nationalism. Consider these sample characteristics:

Powerful will of aggressive misguided people
Assumes to be a Christian state, a theocracy without separation of church and state
Supports white elitist tyranny at the expense of the masses
Dangerous false teaching
America’s very real enemy within

The Relationship Between Authentic Faith and Vibrant Democracy

Most of civilized mankind embraces religion and government as independent yet interdependent parts of life. If you look around the world over time, you can see that there has always been a give-and-take between governments and religion. Democracy, because of its emphasis on individual freedoms, has a keen reliance on the separation of church and state. So, as a democracy, to stay a democracy, they need to be kept separate while embracing the interdependencies. This is the grand democracy experiment that has made the United States of America exceptional.

Keeping faith and democracy independent yet interdependent

So, let’s assume we Americans want to stay a democracy, a real functioning democracy. And also, that we want freedom of religion, where we can worship or not as we see fit within social acceptability. (These conditions are lost under today’s government mandate).

Under healthy conditions, democracy and religion can function independently, while acknowledging and benefiting from the relationship and their reliance on each other (interdependence). Each makes decisions and functions without the other. When there is interdependence (as it was in our past), government and religion rely on each other for needs and outcomes (for example, rule of law, safety or mutual efforts) so each can thrive through the other.

If church and state become one and the same, or if interdependencies between the two are not honored, then freedom and diversity, along with democracy itself, are lost. It’s like going back to the Crusades.

Supporting these American strengths is a personal decision

Authentic faith and vibrant democracy made us great. However, these American strengths are now severely weakened, near to death. We, as thinking caring people, will learn and come back from this virtual coma. And when we do, we will have increased spirituality, renewed values, and loving compassion.

You might even say it’s patriotic to be on the right side of this cause.

It is difficult to comprehend the heartless ruin the government is bringing down on the people and our communities. Citizen Christians must not sit idly as both Christianity and the country are ransacked.

Be part of the growing force that is rising against pervasive evil in the USA. If you believe in the good nature of man, you are already part of the answer. Consider taking it farther.

Thank you for considering.