Christians Are Supporters Of Authoritarianism
The foundation of organised religion is hierarchical authoritarianism. It is a patriarchal construct with an imagined divine father figure at the top. Just below this comes the actual top guy in the particular church. Pope, Patriarch, or Archbishop, as there are different names for this office depending upon the brand of Christianity. In the Evangelical or Baptist churches the local pastor or minister is the head guy for each local church in this more decentralised setup. There may be less hierarchy in these instances but the authority remains with some man ministering to the flock and interpreting the ‘so-called’ word of God. Christians are supporters of authoritarianism.
Christian Nationalists Support Donald Trump
Therefore, it should be no surprise that Christian Nationalists in America are big supporters of President Donald Trump. A more unchristian type of fella holding that office is hard to imagine, but despite this plenty of Evangelicals and Baptists back Trump in his authoritarian leadership of the United States. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, sexual abuser, compulsive liar and a proponent of cruelty in the form of ICE abuses around the country. Christians like the idea that there is some definitive text, which sets out a moral code of behaviour to be followed by the flock. The fact that this was set down in the Bronze Age, some 4 millennia ago, in reference to the Old Testament and Jewish holy text, does not phase these folk.
Christian Authoritarianism Seeking Power
Around the world we continue to give established religions a pass card, when it comes to things like racial hate speech laws and hate speech directed at LGBTQI folk. We make exceptions for their quoting of religious texts, which were penned millennia ago, despite these being hurtful to those copping these condemnatory messages of damnation. The elephant in the room is that the members of these religions actually want to see a return to a world where they hold the whip hand. Although, they, often, loudly play the victim card, as to their right to discriminate according to the tenets of their religion, they are authoritarians at heart. Christians are supporters of authoritarianism. In their religious schools they teach stuff that does not fit with the more enlightened codes of modern civilisations. I know, as my daughter went to one of these schools and I heard first hand the stuff put about by teachers in relation to gay people and gender diverse individuals. When are we going to wake up to the truth that these folk want to see a return to the times when their religious world view dominated the state.
Trump Delivers For Authoritarian Christian Nationalists
In the United States, right now, during the second presidency of Donald Trump, we are witnessing this movement regaining power inside the state.
“Donald Trump announced the creation of an “anti-Christian bias” taskforce and a White House Faith Office (WHFO) in February, saying it would make recommendations to him “regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices” and consult with outside experts in “combatting anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and additional forms of anti-religious bias”.
Both initiatives are dominated by right wing Christian loyalists – a stark contrast to similar faith-based efforts under Joe Biden and Barack Obama, both of whom welcomed Muslim and Sikh leaders. This has prompted concern that a specific brand of Christianity will be prioritised over other faiths and Christian denominations.”
The Backward Vision Of America
“Pastor Wilson’s church and wider denomination practise complementarianism, the patriarchal idea that men and women have different God-given roles.
CREC constitutional documents provide some insight into its conservative teachings, including that marriage can only be between a man and woman, that there are only two sexes, that women should not be “mustered for combat”, and that only men can hold office in the church.
In the 120-page governing document for the group of churches, the word “women” appears twice.
Every reference to church leadership, elders and pastors refers to men.
In the recent CNN story on Pastor Wilson’s Idaho church, one of its senior pastors said he would support the repeal of the US Constitution’s 19th Amendment — the one that grants women the right to vote.”
One wonders why these American men do not want the women of America to have a voice outside of patriarchally controlled relationships? What are they afraid of? Are they so weak that they need laws to gag half of the country? The US is often viewed through the lens of popular culture like TV shows and this fails to recognise the many places, which are more akin to Afghanistan in terms of the patriarchal control exerted on the female populations there. Religions mired in Bronze Age values are not necessarily closer to God, rather they are a reflection of the times in which they flourished culturally. Christianity, like all religions, is ‘man-made’, and I use that term specifically, as women did not have much of a role in their makeup. Power is invested solely in the patriarchy. There has never been a female Pope or Patriarch, obviously, as these terms mean father. Men see themselves, within these religious cultures, as superior to women when it comes to being in charge and handling power. It is ridiculous really, but that is what happens when you shut your mind to progressive thought for the last few thousand years. Backward thinking is the only description for it.
Religion Is About Social Control
Christians are supporters of authoritarianism. Do not be fooled by the outer garments and placid natures of some within these religious bodies. Underneath all of the happy clapping and solemn prayers is the bedrock of authoritarianism. The fiction of religious belief creates a manufactured certainty which does not actually exist. The holy bible was not written by any God but by men. I spent many years studying ancient history at university and the facts tell us this. Religion is man-made and fundamentally about social control. Why else do Christian Nationalists want to see the United States become a theocracy?
What About The Well Meaning Christians?
Yes, there are many well meaning Christians not in this camp. However, when you are essentially grouped together under this same broad brand, what do you think will happen as the Christian Nationalists gain more real power? The amorphousness of so many Christians will adapt to the new circumstances and fall into line.
Power is a very seductive thing. Some will say, I want to be the voice of reason and be sucked into the vortex on this basis. Very few will reject the mantle outright. Remember that the structure of the church is hierarchical and patriarchal in most cases. Holding sway and being powerful will attract many Christians to positions of renewed influence and authority.
My Profound Disappointment
“I have to share with you that I am profoundly disappointed with where the world finds itself. I have been around for six decades and I must say I expected better. The rise of Donald Trump has pulled me into a deep concern for world affairs. This turn toward out and out greed and aggrandisement by the ‘so-called’ leader of the free world upsets me more than I can say. However, it is his complete disrespect for factuality and an adherence to the truth that riles me the most. If you cannot trust your leaders, then we are fucked, to put it plainly. When truth is the victim, faith in any future is lost.”
Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of What Price Life?; America Matters: Pre-apocalyptic Posts & Essays in the Shadow of Trump; and other titles. NOW AVAILABLE AT APPLE BOOKS & GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS. Google Play Books AUDIOBOOK
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