S3:E41 How to Deal With Christian Nationalism

S3:E41 How to Deal With Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism, QAnon, and conspiracy theories are in most churches. How should we react?

The January 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol demonstrated the dangers of extreme Christian nationalism. When we allow our ideas about God and His protection to overrun the Bible, we get into serious trouble. Now, many Christians are questioning their faith. Why does the Jesus of the Bible look so different from us and our country?

In this episode, Chris discusses our strange relationship with the United States. We love it when it affirms us, but we don’t know what to do when the US behaves in an evil manner. How do we unify the Church in an era of division?

Helpful Discussion Questions:

  • How have you seen the United States tied to Christianity?
  • What do you think people mean when they say the US is a Christian nation?
  • When have you seen the US behave in a Christian manner?
  • When have you seen it wander from Christian principles?
  • Do you follow the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount, or an economic Jesus?
  • How can you love people in your local church who believe different things about Jesus than you do?

Helpful links:

  • You can learn more about the Virginia Law Codes in Rebecca Cox Richardson’s book “How the South Won the Civil War”.
  • In the episode, I reference that the US provided rebels in Afghanistan with copies of the Koran and VHS bootlegs of the movie “Rambo”. You can learn about that in Steve Coll’s book, “Ghost Wars” pages 90 and 194-197.
  • Learn about John Adam’s day of fasting
  • The Treaty of Tripoli
  • More about Dalton Trumbo
  • “Trumbo” movie trailer
S2:E35 The Faith of Napoleon Bonaparte

S2:E35 The Faith of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte. No question he was a military genius and was partially responsible for modernizing Europe. But there are some things we just aren’t sure about. Like, was Napoleon a Christian, a Muslim, or a poser?

In this, the final episode of season 2, we’re going to explore the faith history of one of the most influential men of all time. We’re joined by Pastor Justin Butler (highlandccky.org), author of Double-Sided Power: Studies in the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Our goal is to make Truce the best Christian podcast available. We need your help to do that! We’re currently over $3,000 in the hole in this project. Would you consider helping us you? Donate on our website at http://trucepodcast.com/donate.

God willing, we’ll be back with more Truce in early October.

Here are some fun bonus Napoleon Bonaparte Facts that we may not have covered in the episode. Aren’t you glad you visited the website?

  • Napoleon Bonaparte’s son was named Napoleon II, but he was often (almost creepily) referred to as “The King of Rome” even in letters from ol‘ poppa and momma.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte’s height — he wasn’t all that short. Probably 5′ 7″, which was about average for the time. The legend started from rumors as his enemies tried to make him sound weak. Did it work? Nope.
  • His Napoleonic Code was really important after the craziness of French Revolution! It established property rights and set up several branches of law… but it also deprived women of rights, and limited the rights of orphans. Oh, and it said slavery was okay in the colonies. So… important, but certainly not ideal.
  • Seeing that Napoleon Bonaparte was sick and close to death, his doctors thought it best that he get some exercise. He was exiled to the dampest part of St. Helena which may have contributed to his declining health. So they built him a seesaw in the billiards room! I would LOVE a picture of that.
  • His nephew, Napoleon III (reviled in Les Miserables), was also not well-liked by his uncle. But the man still became ruler of France… for a hot second (4 years) until he was defeated in the Battle of Sedan.

TRANSCRIPT