Still Searching for Christian America, Part One
Episode nine examines different roads to nowhere
In 1983, Mark Noll, Nathan Hatch, and George Marsden published a book titled The Search for Christian America. They concluded that there was nothing uniquely Christian in the founding of the United States and there is no Christian America to which to return.
In this episode, both Drs. Noll and Marsden join me to say they believe today they were right in 1983, and the same conclusions are correct today. In between comments from these illustrious historians, I interview experts regarding the various conceptions of Christian nationalism, including "secular" leaning nationalism, white nationalism, and Catholic varieties, including integralism. I also provide a brief look at the research-based approach to Christian nationalism.
This is part one of two parts. Next week, I examine Reconstructionism, Seven Mountains dominionism, the old guard moral majority Christian nationalism, and the National Prayer Breakfast movement.
Guests in today's episode: Joel Bowman, Scott Coley, Michael Coulter, Greg Forster, Goerge Marsden, Paul Matzko, Mark Noll, Matthew Taylor, Jemar Tisby.
Research by Samuel Perry & Andrew Whitehead and Paul Djupe also featured in today’s episode.
SHOW NOTES:
Produced, written, and hosted by Warren Throckmorton
Closing Song - Every Time by Roman Candle
Theme Song - The World Awaits Us All
Additional Christian Nationalism Resources:
Building God's Kingdom by Julie Ingersoll
The Flag and the Cross by Philip Gorski
Taking America Back for God by Samuel Perry and Andrew Whitehead
White Too Long by Robert Jones
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart
The Religion of American Greatness by Paul Miller
American Idolatry by Andrew Whitehead
White Evangelical Racism by Anthea Butler
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Getting Jefferson Right: Fact-Checking Claims About Thomas Jefferson by Warren Throckmorton & Michael Coulter.
For reporting on Christian nationalism, follow Jenny Cohn at the Bucks County Beacon.
Good reminder that the evangelical Protestantism I'm closest to is not the only place where this ugly stuff rears its head.
Warren, I think there is a lot of overlap in your work with a little book a pastor buddy and I wrote last year called "Christ or Caesar":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1J1WQYZ
I'd be glad to send you a copy if you send me a mailing address at steamdoc at aol dot com
There’s apparently not too much that is Christian about the American evangelical church, either. I grew up in England and hoo boy American evangelicals are heretics now.