American Christians have been “manipulated” into obeying President Donald Trump “without question” – a situation that is not only counter to their own teachings, but sets them on a path to “destruction.” This is according to Catholic historian Henry Karlson, who on Monday wrote a warning to his fellow faithful in which he explained the contradiction of their Christian nationalism and worship of Trump.
“I find it extremely disheartening to see many Christians either accept what Trump does, obeying him without question, or outright promoting his agenda,” writes Karlson. “Christians are not expected to obey Trump in all things. We are expected to follow our conscience. We must recognize proper law and order follows and promotes the common good, not the personal desires and vices of one man.”
“While this is something everyone should know,” says Karlson, “I find Christians often are the ones who must be reminded of this as they are the ones giving the greatest defense for Trump and his actions. Christians have had a long history of being manipulated, being told they must do as they were told, that not even secular authorities can be questioned… It is especially the sentiment I see being stated by those promoting ‘Christian nationalism’ in the United States. The problem with Christian nationalism is that it cannot truly be Christian; Christians can be a part of the movement, but they do so against the teachings of Christ.”
According to Karlson, “Christians can and should affirm the good found in each and every culture, but nationalism, and therefore, Christian nationalism, will have us radically affirm the good in our own nation and its culture, doing so beyond the value it has, turning it into an idol for Christians to adore. What is left of the Christian faith in such a situation? Walter Wink tells us: ‘Since such nationalism cannot accept the existence of a higher power, it must destroy any form of Christian faith that goes beyond mere cultural inheritance.’”
Here Karlson calls for Christians to engage in a “limited love” for their country, asserting that “when their country promotes what is evil, or demands a love greater than is justified, they must reject what they are being told to do.” He argues that “Christian nationalism always abuses this love by suggesting if we love our country, we must love its leaders and their agendas, no matter what they do or what they tell us to do.”
“This is exactly what Trump wants from the people of the United States,” asserts Karlson. “He wants to be adored; he constantly promotes himself, putting his name and image on everything he can, trying to make sure everyone identifies the United States with him. While Christians can and should pray for him, as they should pray for anyone, they should realize how far he is from promoting justice, and with it, the teachings of the Christian faith.”
Too many Christians, writes Karlson, take the stance that they don’t need to care about Trump’s “tyranny” if it doesn’t impact them. He rejects this position, concluding, “We should care, even if we don’t think some injustice will directly affect us. We should care for and love everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of our protection. Sadly, I find, too many people shrug off the problems of the world if it doesn’t yet affect them, following the example of Cain, who suggested the affairs of his brother were not his own. They should not be surprised if such a libertarian attitude leads them down the same path of Cain, or Sodom and Gomorrah, a path which led to their destruction.”
