The Backsliding of America’s Christian Soul

Robert P. Jones’ new book, “Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy,” has sparked a crucial conversation about the growing threat of white Christian nationalism in the United States. As a scholar of religion and president of the Public Religion Research Institute, Jones draws parallels between America’s current slide into authoritarianism and Germany’s descent into Nazi rule in the 1930s.

Jones’ research reveals that German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller, who resisted Nazi rule and was later imprisoned in Dachau, initially supported the Nazi movement before realizing his mistake. This parallel raises a haunting question: how many Christians are currently standing by as their faith is hijacked by extremist ideologies?

White Christian evangelicals have been complicit in this slide into authoritarianism through their unwavering support for policies like mass deportations and draconian immigration enforcement. Moderate Christians, who don’t identify with the MAGA worldview, often remain silent out of fear or apathy, allowing extremism to spread unchecked.

However, Jones is not simply a Cassandra warning of impending doom; he offers a roadmap for resistance. Like Niemöller, he believes that it’s never too late for Christians to take action and reclaim their faith from those who would misuse it. This requires active engagement, organizing, and advocacy.

Jones’ willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is striking. He argues that many white Christians have been silent in the face of extremism due to apathy or fear. This silence has allowed the MAGA movement to gain traction, and moderate Christians must speak up.

Critics will dismiss Jones’ warnings as alarmist or elitist. They’ll argue that white evangelicals make up a significant portion of the country (albeit a minority) and their views on immigration policy may be unpalatable but aren’t necessarily unique in the broader American context. However, Jones is writing for those who are still open to change and recognize the dangers of white Christian nationalism.

His book offers a vision of a different future – one in which Christianity is reclaimed as a force for good, rather than a tool for authoritarianism. As Christians navigate this treacherous landscape, it’s essential to remember that Jones’ book is not just a critique but also a call to action. It challenges moderate Christians to stand up and resist the extremism that has taken hold in their midst.

This requires more than passive acceptance or lukewarm support – it demands courage, conviction, and a willingness to take risks. The consequences of inaction are clear: if we allow white Christian nationalism to continue unchecked, we risk repeating the mistakes of 1933 all over again.

Jones’ book offers hope for a new era of faith grounded in compassion, justice, and democracy. As we move forward, it’s essential to watch the white Christian nationalist movement closely, monitoring its influence on policy and public discourse. We must also recognize that there are those who will not be swayed by reason or evidence – they are wedded to power and violence.

A concerted effort to out-organize them is necessary to stop their momentum. Ultimately, Jones’ book is a clarion call for Christians who care about the integrity of their faith and the future of democracy. It’s a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of extremism – and that together, we can reclaim our country from those who would seek to exploit its values for nefarious ends.