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Losing Our Religion review: Trump and the crisis of US Christianity |
Christianity has endured a tumultuous journey through history, its relationship with worldly powers shifting across time and regions. From Pontius Pilate's condemning of Jesus to Emperor Constantine's conversion, and Henry VIII's creation of the Church of England, religion's dynamics have been molded by these events. In the United States, the schisms within Protestantism have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's trajectory, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
The Rev Russell Moore's latest book, "Losing Our Authority: How the Truth Can Save," delves into the interplay between Christianity and contemporary events. The book opens with the juxtaposition of "Jesus Saves" and the events of January 6, highlighting the dual presence of salvation and a threat to democracy posed by Donald Trump and the mob.
Moore astutely observes that the coexistence of these two contrasting messages signifies a crisis within American Christianity. As the Iowa caucus looms, Trump enjoys a six-point lead among white evangelicals compared to the general population. Surprisingly, the devout Mike Pence faces unfavorability among a plurality of white evangelicals.
With an understanding of history, Moore reflects on Christianity's role in various moments, acknowledging instances where the church's stance on righteousness and justice was grievously flawed, such as the Spanish Inquisition and the acceptance of slavery. As the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, a publication established by Billy Graham, Moore's work, "Losing Our Religion," strikes a balance between lament and hope, with poignant expressions of sadness tinged with underlying anger. Drawing from the popularized phrase "losing my religion," Moore associates it with the shift from politeness to anger, particularly in the American South.
Moore's distinctive dissent against Trump's election distinguishes him from the majority of white evangelicals and eventually leads to his departure from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). In 2016, Moore wrote that the heavenly ruler is a "dark-skinned, Aramaic-speaking 'foreigner'," which diverges from the notion of chanting "Make America great again." His foresight becomes evident as Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, uses religious threats to shield Trump from criticism, ultimately forcing Moore to choose between his faith and political convictions. Moore opts for Christ and his beliefs, aligning himself with a non-denominational church.
While the book's subtitle, "An Altar Call for Evangelical America," suggests a focus on evangelicals, Moore aims for a broader audience. He weaves scripture references with insights from prominent figures such as Tim Alberta, Jonathan Haidt of New York University, Robert Putnam, the author of "Bowling Alone," and Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute.
Quoting Jones, Moore addresses white evangelicals' temptation to wield their diminishing political power as a desperate means to counter their waning cultural influence. This struggle fuels what Ron Brownstein of the Atlantic refers to as the "coalition of restoration" in the culture wars.
Against the backdrop of increasing Christian nationalism and the unsettling events of January 6, Moore identifies a concerning convergence between Christian nationalism and neo-paganism. He observes that replacing Jesus with Thor is preceded by turning Jesus into Thor. Moore expresses unease at prayers invoking Jesus's name being juxtaposed with pagan imagery, as seen during the evacuation of the United States Senate.
Moore's conclusions find resonance in the Magasphere and Twitterverse, where claims of Trump's divine significance echo. A rightwing lawyer's tweet about Trump's arrest during Lent draws parallels between Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, implying Trump's future triumph.
While religion continues to be a significant cultural force, the US landscape is changing. Over 30% of adults fall under the "religious nones" category, and only 40% identify as Protestant. The dominance of the WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) culture has given way to leisurely activities like Sunday brunch and nature walks. Trump rallies provide an alternate form of community and communion, but a younger generation of evangelicals is increasingly disengaging from traditional practices.
Moore laments the departure of young evangelicals, attributing it not to disbelief in church teachings, but rather to their perception of the church's lack of belief in its own teachings. Instances of abuse, lust, and greed have tarnished the image of religion. The Catholic church's scandalous history has left deep scars, causing Moore to draw parallels between the Catholic church's fall in Ireland and the potential backlash facing "born-again America."
In contrast, Catholicism experiences a revival among younger Europeans, contributing to the resurgence of the far right in Spain. The fusion of the cross with national symbols remains appealing.
Even figures like Jerry Falwell Jr., once a prominent Christian leader, have embraced immorality over hypocrisy, highlighting a disheartening trend. As America navigates a potential Biden v Trump rematch, the country's religious and societal landscapes remain uncertain. Moore's prayers for revival are intertwined with concerns of nostalgia, reflecting the complexity of the current moment.
