Forgotten Luther IV

Amanda Tyler

How to End Christian Nationalism

Having listened to stories from communities across the country, Amanda Tyler will present on the dangers of Christian Nationalism. While Christian Nationalism threatens our democracy, she will also share practical insights about how Christians can resist growing Christian Nationalism. Join the growing movement and get involved in resisting Christian Nationalism together! Copies of Amanda Tyler's book, How to End Christian Nationalism, will be available for sale at this event.

Paul Wee

The Reformation Church: Responding to Threats to Democracy

The church does not need democracy for its survival. Yet democratic government "of the people, by the people and for the people," in the words of Abraham Lincoln, is uniquely congenial to the biblical affirmation of the dignity and value of every person. In its central commitment to grace and the life of faith, the evangelical Reformation of the sixteenth century re-affirmed this. How then is the Reformation church to respond when democracy is threatened, as it is today, by those who claim to be part of the church itself?

Michael Grzonka

Nazi Germany’s “Christian” Nationalists: Are we having déjà vu all over again?

As America is seriously contemplating the idea of autocratic rule, one of the most covert forces behind this is "Christian” nationalism. While this might be a new experience for 21st century America, we’ve seen this before. How, then, should Christians respond? We will review the case of the “German Christians”, the state-sponsored “movement” that hijacked mainstream Protestantism in Nazi Germany. At its 90th anniversary this year, the Barmen Declaration of Faith will help us recognize and refute that age-old heresy which, yet again, resurfaced to power today’s Christian Nationalism.

ROGER WILLER

Christian Without Christian Nationalism: A God-Pleasing Alternative

Sharp debates exist about the appropriate relationship of religious people and organizations with political authority, government. This presentation makes the case that confessional Lutheran Reformation writings provide the basis for an alternative and constructive relationship of religion and political authority. Lutherans themselves need to robustly reclaim the stance shaped by these principles, and give particular attention in these times to rejecting the theology and ethics undergirding Christian nationalism. This presentation will unpack key elements in this stance but can be summarized by the conceptual phrase that religion should "work with civil authorities in areas of mutual endeavor, maintaining institutional separation and functional interaction."

Amy Reumann

Countering Religious Nationalism through the ELCA's Public Witness

Attempts to enshrine Christian Nationalism in proposals for state and federal policy continue to grow. Texas passed a law allowing chaplains to be school counselors. Other bills encourage prayer at public events and display of the Ten Commandments in public places. Model legislation seeks to restrict access to health care or discrimination against LGBTQ couples. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been speaking to these efforts at the national and state level, and encouraging Lutherans to offer their public witness.