713: Is “Christian Nationalism” Overused? plus Amar Peterman
- Phil Vischer
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
A recent article in The Atlantic argues that we should stop using the label “Christian nationalism” to criticize the religious right because both conservatives and progressives throughout American history have been motivated by Christian faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss what the article gets right and why we need to keep talking about the danger of Christian nationalism. Phil wonders why Catholic leaders are outspoken in their criticism of the Iran war, while fewer evangelical leaders are speaking up. Kaitlyn talks with Amar Peterman about his book, Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local. Also this week—the online heresy hunters are angry, and M.I.T. creates injectable satellite mini livers.
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0:00 - Show Starts
4:03 - Theme Song
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17:45 - Christian Coverage of the Iran War
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33:07 - “Christian Nationalist” Term Unhelpful?
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51:15 - Interview
52:14 - Why Did Peterman Write “Becoming Neighbors?”
1:01:06 - The Struggles of Diverse Theologies
1:14:08 - Seeking Good Yet Disagreeing
1:26:02 - End Credits
Links Mentioned in News Segment:
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Cardinals on War in Iran:
https://catholicreview.org/white-house-gamifying-war-on-iran-marks-a-moral-crisis-warns-us-cardinal/
Atlantic article on Christian Nationalists:
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Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local by Amar Peterman:
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Skye is right that Christian Nationalism is a real thing, and that properly used the term refers to wanting Christians to dominate the country and make it so others do not belong, do not have rights, etc. And to merging devotion to country with devotion to God. Somebody like Talarico who wants to preserve separation of church and state does not deserve the label, nor do some conservatives who want to promote what they consider as Christian values without joining those like Project 2025, Doug Wilson, and Pete Hegseth who want to make an authoritarian government that is exclusively by and for Christians.
If used properly, it still usefully describes a greatly influential current movement that is opposed to the…