Atheism, Nationalism, and the Conductor of the American Christianity Crazy Train
In a recent essay, J. Basil Dannebohm examines the troubling connection between American Christianity and nationalism, as well as political extremism. He references Rainn Wilson's insight that Jesus has evolved from being a champion of the poor to a representation of gun rights and nationalism. Dannebohm associates fear with both religious and political extremism, highlighting Jonestown and Waco as alarming examples. He cites theologian Karl Rahner's statement: 'The number one cause of atheism is Christians,' and criticizes hyper-religious nationalists for their failure to embody Christlike service. He questions the male-only priesthood and ends with Godfrey Diekmann's remark on the Eucharist's importance. Dannebohm expresses his liberal stance and acknowledges possible exclusion from two Christian denominations. The essay was published on his website and later featured by Naked Capitalism.
Key facts
- J. Basil Dannebohm is a columnist, speaker, consultant, and former state legislator based in Kansas and Washington DC.
- Actor Rainn Wilson commented on the transformation of Jesus Christ into a symbol of gun rights, prosperity theology, anti-science, limited government, and nationalism.
- Dannebohm links the rise in religious extremism to political extremism, both rooted in fear.
- Historical examples cited: Jonestown in the 1970s and Waco in the 1990s.
- Karl Rahner stated, 'The number one cause of atheism is Christians.'
- Dannebohm criticizes hyper-religious nationalists for lacking Christlike service, such as volunteering at shelters or food banks.
- Blaise Pascal said, 'Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.'
- Godfrey Diekmann asked, 'What difference does it make if the bread and wine turn into the Body and Blood of Christ and we don’t?'
Entities
Artists
- Rainn Wilson
Institutions
- Naked Capitalism
Locations
- Kansas
- Washington DC
- Boston
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Oregon