The false white gospel : rejecting Christian nationalism, reclaiming true faith, and refounding democracy

The false white gospel Rejecting Christian nationalism, reclaiming true faith, and refounding democracy

Jim Wallis

Book - 2024

""Everyone who claims to be 'Christian' or else claims to be upset by 'Christianity' needs to read this book, especially politicians using people's supposed faith for their own ends."--Margaret E. Atwood. A major new work by the New York Times bestselling author, arguing that the answer to bad religion is true faith that will help re-found democracy It is time says Jim Wallis, to call out genuine faith--specifically the "Christian" in White Christian Nationalism--inviting all who can be persuaded to reject and help dismantle a false gospel that propagates white supremacy and autocracy. We need--to raise up the faith of all of us, and help those who are oblivious, stuck, and captive to the id...eology and idolatry of White Christian Nationalism that is leading us to such great danger. Wallis turns our attention to six iconic texts at the heart of what genuine biblical faith means and what Jesus, in the gospels, has called us to do. It is time to ask anew: do we believe these teachings or not? This book isn't only for Christians but for all faith traditions, and even those with no faith at all. When we see a civic promotion of fear, hate, and violence for the trajectory of our politics, we need a civic faith of love, healing, and hope to defeat it. And that must involve all of us--religious or not. Learning to practice a politics of neighbor love will be central to the future of democracy in America. And more than ever, the words of Jesus ring, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.""--

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Subjects
Christian conservatism > United States > History > 21st century.
White nationalism > United States > History > 21st century.
Christianity and politics > United States > History > 21st century.
Democracy > Religious aspects > Christianity > History > 21st century.
Published
New York : St. Martin's Essentials 2024.
Language
English
Main Author
Jim Wallis (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
xvi, 286 pages ; 25 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9781250291899
  • Foreword: The Love Battle to Save the Soul of America
  • Introduction: Crossing the Color Line
  • 1. The False White Gospel
  • 2. Your Neighbor Doesn't Live Next Door
  • 3. Made in God's Image-Or Not?
  • 4. Lies That Demand Our Loyalty
  • 5. Jesus' Final Test of Discipleship
  • 6. Peacemakers, Not Conflict Makers
  • 7. Our Community Is Not a Tribe
  • 8. A Remnant Church
  • Acknowledgments
  • What's Next
  • Additional Resources
  • Bibliography
  • Notes
  • Index
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this ardent manifesto, Wallis (Christ in Crisis?), director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, urges readers to "dismantle a false gospel that propagates white supremacy and political autocracy" and reclaim core biblical principles. Mining six scriptural passages, Wallis utilizes the parable of the good Samaritan to lambast politicians who "deny the neighbor ethic" by vilifying immigrants; the creation story to champion voting rights, albeit via a somewhat inelegant deductive leap (he claims that attempts to disenfranchise voters are "nothing less than an assault" on the "image of God" in which all humans are created); and the quote "blessed are the peacemakers" to encourage readers to establish "right relationships" with those they differ from. Concluding that it will take plenty of "courageous good faith to help take our nation to a better place," Wallis provides readers with a handful of action steps (among them, starting dialogues with fellow congregants about inclusion in churches), but he's most focused on inspiring voter turnout for the 2024 election, which he believes may determine "whether democracy will survive or collapse in America." Wallis's passion for justice and creative interpretation of the Bible generate more than enough energy to keep readers' attention as he wends his way from Christian nationalism to the responsibilities of citizenship to criminal justice reform. This promises to be a conversation starter in church groups and beyond. (Apr.)

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