UNEXPECTED IMPLICATIONS : RACIST NARRATIVES THAT PERSIST THROUGH THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT ON WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

Analisis oleh John Blake, CNN

baca 9 menit ; Diperbarui pukul 10:00 EST, Sabtu 3 Februari 2024

In recent years, white Christian nationalism has been thrust into the spotlight, with critics decrying it as an "imposter Christianity" and a threat to democracy. However, amidst the growing concern, an unintended consequence has emerged: the perpetuation of a racist myth that associates whiteness as the default setting for evangelical Christianity.

This deviant strain of religion, which believes in the founding of the US as a Christian nation, has gained attention in the media, but the relentless coverage is inadvertently linking whiteness with evangelical Christianity. The focus on white Christian nationalists obscures a significant story: the transformative impact of millions of black, Latino, African, and Asian evangelical Christians who are reshaping America.

According to a February 2023 survey, nearly two-thirds of white evangelical Protestants qualified as sympathisers or adherents to Christian nationalism. However, this statistic overshadows the growing diversity within evangelicalism, with non-White communities challenging the narrative of a monolithic White evangelicalism.

Pastor Peter Lim, the founder of "4Pointes Church of Atlanta," a congregation of Asian-Americans, highlights the media's tendency to overlook non-White evangelical experiences. Lim, a Korean American evangelical, emphasizes the perpetual invisibility experienced by Asian-American evangelicals, both in broader society and within their faith communities.

The unintentional racism inherent in this oversight, a sin of omission rather than commission, is perpetuated by journalists, church leaders, and commentators who focus on the dangers posed by white Christian nationalism. The hyperfocus on White evangelical leaders in conferences and media further marginalises the stories and experiences of non-White evangelicals, reinforcing a harmful narrative.

As the media grapples with the impact of white Christian nationalism, it becomes crucial to recognise and amplify the voices of diverse evangelical communities. The future of the American church and its influence on national politics may well be shaped by these non-white evangelicals, challenging stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive understanding of Christianity in America.

News Sources :  https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/03/us/white-christian-nationalism-racist-myth-cec/index.html