Persuasion 201 | Taking back America for God

TTaking an active role in shaping our communities – and nation – is a valid way for us to fulfill Jesus’ mandate to love our neighbor. Such work is both Christian and political. It’s that intersection that we’re exploring in this For God and Country series. Once we establish that it is our duty to work for the common good in this way, a new question arises: what kind of community or nation are we trying to build?

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into their fall series called For God and country. Each episode will address one aspect of how faith and politics collide. In this conversation, Erin and Hannah examine the pain points Christians feel and use them to bring to light how fear can influence our political leanings. In Christian circles, there has been growing concern about religious rights and freedoms, as well as cries of protest to win our nation back to God. To help us understand the factors fueling these ideas, Hannah talks with Sam Perry, who has done significant research on Christian nationalism. Together with Andrew Whitehead, Sam has written a book about these discoveries entitled Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. Sam deals with the growing fusion of the Christian faith with nationalism, which is at its core political idolatry. Because we are so used to these messages and positions within the Church, we can become blind to how we have adopted counter-gospel ideals and positions. Is it really our mandate to take back America for God? Are Christians persecuted in the United States or is it just a loss of privilege and status? Should Christians focus on protecting their rights or is it more important to reach out to others with the love of God found in Jesus? Hear dialogue on issues like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then keep the conversation going on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Today’s episode of Persuasion is sponsored in part by Plow Publishing Housenew title publisher The Gospel in Dickens, edited by Gina Dalfonzo. CAPC members get 30% off when they shop at Plough!

GUESTS

Erin Strazza: spiderweb / Chirping
Hanna Anderson: spiderweb / Chirping

PERSUASION PODCAST

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Chirping: @PersuasionCAPC
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Facebook: /Persuasioncapc

PERSUASION 201 RESOURCES & LINKS

Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Sam Perry and Andrew Whitehead

Christians against Christian nationalism

Did you like this episode of Persuasion? Listen to the entire series:

Persuasion 200 | For God and Country? with Kaitlyn Schiess

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