Religious nationalism should bother you because itâs a threat to democracy
Welcome to October, Matter of Faith: my favorite month. The weather is cooling off and the leaves are starting to change here in Tennessee. Unfortunately, that means the bugs are making their way inside.
Speaking of bugs, we should all be bothered about religious nationalism around the world. This week, we’re going deep into Hindu and Christian nationalism.
Let’s get into it:
The two far-right movements are a threat to democracy, and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is aligning himself with both. (Getty Images/Michelle Zenarosa | [email protected])
Both Hindu nationalism and Christian nationalism are based on the idea that the nation should be defined by a particular religious majority, and that this majority should have special privileges and status. This leads to the promotion of violence and discrimination against minority groups.
“Christian nationalism is not Christianity,” said Katherine Stewart, investigative reporter and author of “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism.”
Read more to learn what religious nationalism is and isn’t.
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, left, argues a point with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.,during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX Business Network and Univision, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)AP
By Emma Akpan
As a Black Christian daughter of an immigrant, watching Wednesday night’s Republican debate was nothing short of appalling. On a glaringly white male debate stage, the sleight of far-right Republicans argued– often shouting over one another– about everything from immigration to transgender children, with each comment seemingly more virulent and hateful than the last.
Polls have shown that in order to win the Republican bid, candidates will have to appeal to a voter base composed largely of white Evangelical Christians.
Read more about how two candidates of color are embracing white supremacy.
What I’m reading:
It makes my journalist heart happy to see my readers getting their news from various news sources. It’s something I try to do not just for work, but because I think it matters. That’s enough of my thoughts on the news. Here’s the stories I bookmarked in my news folder this week:
Benediction:
Thanks for joining me for another week of Matter of Faith. You can find me online on Instagram, Threads and X. You can also send your feedback on the newsletter to [email protected]. I do read my emails!
Keep wandering.
-Anna