Christianity Hijacked: The Right-Wing's Hostile Takeover

by Michael Smith

In my Years, I've seen the beauty of Christianity and its many forms. However, the recent hijacking of this faith by right-wing extremists has distorted its core values, turning it into a political weapon. This is my take on how Christian nationalism is reshaping Christianity, and why it's time to reclaim the true essence of our faith.

Personal Journey Through Diverse Christian Traditions

My upbringing exposed me to various Christian traditions. From Catholic roots on my mother’s side to Baptist and non-denominational influences on my father's side, I’ve experienced the spectrum of Christian belief. Later, my own spiritual journey led me to explore non-denominational and Pentecostal churches. This diverse background has allowed me to appreciate the depth and breadth of Christian teachings centered on love, compassion, and justice.

The Rise of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism is a dangerous mutation of faith. It replaces the teachings of Jesus with a militant ideology that seeks to dominate rather than serve. Tim Whitaker, founder of the New Evangelicals—a community that holds space for those marginalized by the Evangelical Church—brilliantly summarizes this: “Jesus teaches us to bear a cross for our enemies, while Christian nationalists want to build a cross to crucify theirs.” This strain of Christianity is more about power and control than about embodying Christ’s message of love and inclusivity.

The Decline of Traditional Religious Affiliations

According to the Pew Research Center, the largest religious group in America is now the "nones"—individuals who identify as atheists, agnostics, or unaffiliated. This shift is a reaction to the politicization of faith, as people reject a Christianity that preaches intolerance and exclusion under the guise of moral superiority.

Hypocrisy Among Evangelical Leaders

The support for Donald Trump among evangelical leaders exposed a glaring hypocrisy. Raised in a tradition that emphasized moral integrity, I found it baffling when these leaders endorsed a man whose actions starkly contradicted Christian values. The Access Hollywood tape, which should have been a dealbreaker, didn’t deter their support. Instead, they contorted their teachings to fit a political narrative, revealing a disturbing alignment with power over principle.

Weaponizing Faith for Political Gain

Christian nationalism uses religion to justify discrimination and authoritarianism. It’s not about faith but about wielding control. The push for laws that restrict reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and even voting rights demonstrates this. It’s an effort to mold America into a narrow vision that serves a specific ideological agenda at the expense of others.

The Impact on Women and Minorities

This twisted ideology poses a significant threat to women and minorities. Advocates for Christian nationalism push policies that limit women’s autonomy and reinforce patriarchal norms. Leaders like Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, who claim divine guidance above democratic principles, are particularly alarming. Johnson has stated, “I try to do what my constituents want, but sometimes what they want doesn't line up with the principles of government as designed by God.” This isn’t just anti-democratic; it’s a direct assault on personal freedoms.

Personal Encounters with Distorted Faith

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how deeply entrenched this politicized faith has become. Friends I knew from church circles I had during my time in Tallahassee promoted conspiracy theories and rejected public health measures. This wasn’t the Christianity I knew—it was a faith hijacked by political extremists using religion to push dangerous, divisive agendas.

The True Essence of Christianity

True Christianity is about love, compassion, and justice. It’s about caring for the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. Christian nationalism, however, seeks to enforce a narrow, exclusionary vision of society. It’s time to reclaim our faith from those who use it as a tool for oppression.

Affirming True Christian Values

Christianity teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to seek justice, and to walk humbly with our God. These values are at odds with the militant, exclusionary tactics of Christian nationalism. The real teachings of Jesus emphasize inclusion, mercy, and love. Jesus reached out to the marginalized, healed the sick, and challenged the powerful. These are the principles we need to reclaim and highlight in our fight against the distortion of our faith.

Call to Action

Reclaiming Christianity from nationalist rhetoric is crucial. True faith is about love, compassion, and justice—not wielding power to oppress others. As we approach this election, staying informed, engaged, and voting is essential. Your vote is your voice—use it to shape a future where faith is a force for good, not division.