Resisting Christian Nationalism
Christian Nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to merge American and Christian identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy. Nearly half of the U.S. population believes the underlying premises of Christian Nationalism, and West Virginia has already experienced its impact in bodies of elected officials across the state.
We are living in a time where the Bible is being newly weaponized, building on a long history of such things happening in our country. Many in power use the Bible to justify marginalizing already vulnerable groups of people. Perhaps you have been on the receiving end yourself. The series Disarming the Bible: Stopping the Weaponization of Scripture will equip you with knowledge of the Bible so that when you encounter family, or coworkers, or greater society attempting to use the Bible to marginalize you or others, you can have a biblical foundation for responding.
Disarming the Bible is a series of online Biblical studies modules, each of which is four to six weeks long. A module consists of one video per week, which participants watch asynchronously, and an optional Zoom class, where participants can dig further into the material that was presented in each week’s video.
Engage the material: Subscribe to our emails, where announcements will be made when the next Zoom component is offered. The videos remain on the playlist below for you to watch at any time!
“In this class I gained a deeper and more complex understanding of scripture; a community of like-minded people with whom I feel comfortable discussing these challenging topics; a clearer view of things happening in the world around me; and actionable steps I can take, along with the courage and conviction to take them.”
Curriculum
Videos
Disarming the Bible
In this ongoing series, Rev. Cindy Briggs-Biondi and Rev. Darick Biondi provide Biblical context and understanding to help non-Christians and Christians alike recognize when Scripture is being weaponized and how to respond.
Quick Guide
Identifying and Responding to Weaponized Scripture: A Quick Guide
Complete Course
Disarming the Bible
Want to watch and discuss the video with a group? We have created a free study guide for you to use. Contact us to receive a free copy.
Christian Nationalism – how did we get here? How do we respond?
Disrupting Empire: Resisting Christian Nationalism through Nonviolence is a one-day workshop that teaches people about the history of the fraught relationship between Church and State and equips attendees with practical tools of nonviolent resistance. Participants will learn about the history of the relationship between Church and State, be trained in nonviolent responses to conflict, and connect and conspire with like-minded folx.
We are available to come to your area and lead this workshop in person, or can discuss with you breaking the components into multiple Zoom sessions.
“I learned to be more assertive and brave in my commitment to participate. I am not alone! There are others who can inspire me.”
“I appreciated that we used Christian language, tradition, Scripture, and spirituality to respond to Christian Nationalist idolatry.”
Workshop Components
History
Examine key moments in the fraught relationship between Church and State, from the 4th century through current expressions of Christian Nationalism
Theology
Learn a theological framework for differentiating between Church and Empire
Practical ways to meet this moment
Engage tools for responding individually and collectively
Community
Connect and conspire with people who think like you. Walk away with action steps for resisting
Christian Nationalism – how did we get here? How do we respond?
Disrupting Empire: Resisting Christian Nationalism through Nonviolence is a one-day workshop that teaches people about the history of the fraught relationship between Church and State and equips attendees with practical tools of nonviolent resistance. Participants will learn about the history of the relationship between Church and State, be trained in nonviolent responses to conflict, and connect and conspire with like-minded folx.
We are available to come to your area and lead this workshop in person, or can discuss with you breaking the components into multiple Zoom sessions.
“I learned to be more assertive and brave in my commitment to participate. I am not alone! There are others who can inspire me.”
“I appreciated that we used Christian language, tradition, Scripture, and spirituality to respond to Christian Nationalist idolatry.”
Workshop Components
History
Examine key moments in the fraught relationship between Church and State, from the 4th century through current expressions of Christian Nationalism
Theology
Learn a theological framework for differentiating between Church and Empire
Practical ways to meet this moment
Engage tools for responding individually and collectively
Community
Connect and conspire with people who think like you. Walk away with action steps for resisting
Resisting Christian Nationalism Resources
For a comprehensive list of resources, check out national organization Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Click the button to go directly to their Awareness Resources.
For recommendations used and trusted by West Virginia leaders, check out these resources compiled by Justice & Jubilee. Click the button to enter a google folder for our most current resources.
To suggest a resource to be included this list, please email solidarity@wvfaith.org and put “Resource Suggestion” in the subject line. Thanks!
For content created by West Virginia clergy, click on the button to find links for classes, sermon series, and book studies.
Are you interested in submitting content? If you’re clergy in WV click the link below to start a conversation.
We invite you to join the movement!
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