Overview

Michael W. Austin shows how nationalism is contrary to American values and Christian virtues--and offers us a better form of civic engagement. In this brief, thought-provoking book, Michael W. Austin turns his keen mind for ethics toward the crisis currently facing our democracy: the rise of American Christian nationalism. Austin first accessibly explains the meaning and history behind nationalism. He then systematically shows how the ideology contradicts American values like liberty, equality, and justice as well as Christian virtues like humility, faith, hope, and love. Ultimately, he argues that the Beloved Community, first developed by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, offers a better model for an authentically Christian and American community. Readers frustrated by partisan strife will find a faithful guide in Austin's thoughtful volume.

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9780802884350

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Reviews

"""Michael Austin's American Christian Nationalism is what the ancients would have called an enchiridion: a clear, concise, and incisive handbook for anyone wishing to understand the conflict and rancor about Christian nationalism. Until Austin, no one had matter-of-factly set out the political and theological problems with Christian nationalism while avoiding any hint of a polemical tone. In this, he has succeeded admirably. We need this book."" --Joel Looper, Baylor University ""Christianity loses its bearings when it is made to serve nationalist interests. In this concise and accessible book, Michael W. Austin rightly raises the alarm about the role of the faith in US politics, especially since 2016. American Christians who don't want to go down in history as a cautionary tale will take heed."" --Christopher B. Hays, Fuller Theological Seminary ""For those who are troubled by the growing use of Christian language to support nationalism and exclusion, Michael Austin has the real Good News. His careful study of Christian faith and American values helps us see our nation and the world in a more constructive, loving way."" --Robin W. Lovin, Southern Methodist University ""Michael W. Austin's American Christian Nationalism is not merely another condemnation of Christian nationalism--although it certainly offers compelling biblical, theological, and political arguments to show why Christian nationalists misread scripture and misunderstand American values. But it also suggests a thoughtful alternative form of faith-based political engagement that is Christ-centered, compassionate, and pluralistic, and that places a primacy on Christian virtues rather than political power. For Christians who are dismayed by the contemporary state of American politics, Austin offers a hopeful vision that draws on the best insights from the prophetic Christian politics of the past and applies them to our pluralistic context today."" --Daniel K. Williams, author of The Politics of the Cross: A Christian Alternative to Partisanship"

""Michael Austin's American Christian Nationalism is what the ancients would have called an enchiridion: a clear, concise, and incisive handbook for anyone wishing to understand the conflict and rancor about Christian nationalism. Until Austin, no one had matter-of-factly set out the political and theological problems with Christian nationalism while avoiding any hint of a polemical tone. In this, he has succeeded admirably. We need this book."" --Joel Looper, Baylor University ""Christianity loses its bearings when it is made to serve nationalist interests. In this concise and accessible book, Michael W. Austin rightly raises the alarm about the role of the faith in US politics, especially since 2016. American Christians who don't want to go down in history as a cautionary tale will take heed."" --Christopher B. Hays, Fuller Theological Seminary ""For those who are troubled by the growing use of Christian language to support nationalism and exclusion, Michael Austin has the real Good News. His careful study of Christian faith and American values helps us see our nation and the world in a more constructive, loving way."" --Robin W. Lovin, Southern Methodist University ""Michael W. Austin's American Christian Nationalism is not merely another condemnation of Christian nationalism--although it certainly offers compelling biblical, theological, and political arguments to show why Christian nationalists misread scripture and misunderstand American values. But it also suggests a thoughtful alternative form of faith-based political engagement that is Christ-centered, compassionate, and pluralistic, and that places a primacy on Christian virtues rather than political power. For Christians who are dismayed by the contemporary state of American politics, Austin offers a hopeful vision that draws on the best insights from the prophetic Christian politics of the past and applies them to our pluralistic context today."" --Daniel K. Williams, author of The Politics of the Cross: A Christian Alternative to Partisanship

Author Information

Michael W. Austin is Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University and Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership of Hebrew College. He has published twelve books, most recently Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ and QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross: Christianity and Conspiracy Theories.

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