... I am constantly dismayed at the vehemence of the anger, and yes, hatred, I see toward Christians.
I've found that some people "on our side" who wouldn't hesitate to condemn those who would profile all Muslims as terrorist or supporters of terrorism are just fine with expressions of hatred toward Christians, as if they all subscribe to a Christian Nationalist agenda.
I understand the anger at Christian Nationalism, but somewhere along the line many -- way too many -- on "our side" started operating from the assumption that all Christians are Christian Nationalists.
What I've learned in participating in Braver Angels workshops is that knee jerk assumptions lead to dismissing people and their concerns in a way that alienates them further -- and leaves "us" stressed and angry. Just as "they" are stressed and angry. Assumptions not just about religion, but that is a big one. Getting passed the assumptions and actually talking and connecting is possible. And I've learned that many of "them" have rejected our party simply because they feel so hated and rejected by "us."
I will never forget a Christian woman whose stances turned out to be actually quite progressive. At one point in the workshop, she started crying as it became clear to her that the "blues" in the workhop were very accepting of her Christian beliefs. She had believed that we hated her as a Christian. Period. She had been incredibly afraid to participate in the workshop because of it. She had been afraid to even admit she was a Christian.
It broke my heart. It was a shock. The notion that we, who believe ourselves to be inclusive, had failed to convey our acceptance of faiths of ALL types. Yes, we simultaneously believe that imposing religious beliefs in law is anti-American (and Un-Christian). A sentiment she agreed with. Since I've been on the look out for it, I find that bad mouthing Christianity is rampant among Dems.. It has become so commonplace that the notion that "we" hate all Christians has become part of our "brand" in a way that alienates people who would be natural allies. It is incredibly damaging. Somehow we need to detangle our opposition to Christian Nationalism from our acceptance of Christianity -- and every other faith or non-faith out there.
Last thing. I've found that when talking to Christians who appear to be slipping toward Christian Nationalism, it can actually be helpful to remind the person that the opposite of faith isn't doubt -- doubt is a normal part of faith. The opposite of faith is control. When we start deciding it is up to us exert control over the lives of others, we have clearly lost all faith.
= new reply since forum marked as read