Let's Join Forces with Christians Who Speak Up Against Idolatry

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A United Methodist Insight Column

Like most of us, I’ve looked with growing apprehension on the videos of violence and vandalism that erupted in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13 when four historically Black churches, two of them United Methodist, were attacked by a pro-Trump mob that included members of the Proud Boys, a male chauvinist organization built on white supremacy. Their actions, and those of others, have been spurred by the rhetoric of various Trump loyalists including white evangelicals who have been unwavering in their support.

In the days since then, thankfully, some evangelical leaders have called out the violent words and actions that threaten the peace and security of our social. Among the best statements that I’ve read thus far (and yes, I read evangelical/conservative/traditionalist writing each week) comes from David French, senior editor of a conservative website, The Dispatch, and a columnist for Time magazine. I’ll let him speak for himself through the following excerpts:

“This is a grievous and dangerous time for American Christianity. The frenzy and the fury of the post-election period has laid bare the sheer idolatry and fanaticism of Christian Trumpism.

“A significant segment of the Christian public has fallen for conspiracy theories, has mixed nationalism with the Christian gospel, has substituted a bizarre mysticism for reason and evidence, and rages in fear and anger against their political opponents—all in the name of preserving Donald Trump’s power.

“… I’m going to be as blunt as possible: Language like [Eric] Metaxas’s, like the Texas GOP’s, and like some of the statements you’ll read below embody a form of fanaticism that can lead to deadly violence. There isn’t a theological defense for it. Indeed, its fury and slander directly contradict biblical commands. When core biblical values are contingent, but support for Donald Trump is not, then idolatry is the result.

“…Here’s the call to action: It’s time for conservative Christian leaders to shed any form of fear and to speak against conspiracies and against slander with the same boldness that many of them spoke for Trump. Again, this isn’t just about ‘witness.’ It’s about justice. It’s about law. It’s about peace.”

Mr. French and I, along with many other Christians of various theological persuasions, agree: the cult-like loyalty to Donald Trump, whose defeat in the Nov. 3 election was certified on Dec. 14, qualifies as idolatry, something we Christians have been warned against for millennia. I’m willing to join forces with any Christian as brave as David French to resist this evil before it results in serious harm to our nation. I encourage all of us who value the teachings of the Prince of Peace, whose coming we await, to do the same.

High court seems reluctant to tackle marriage equality

Here’s another piece of encouraging news from Slate magazine:

The Supreme Court Rejects Opportunity to Roll Back Marriage Equality

“On Monday, the Supreme Court turned away Indiana’s attempt to strip equal parenting rights from married same-sex couples. The court’s decision ensures that same-sex couples in Indiana will remain the lawful parents of their own children, ending the state’s six-year-long crusade to remove their names from their children’s birth certificates. But beyond Indiana, Monday’s order also suggests that a majority of the justices aren’t eager to roll back marriage equality.”

Here's hoping that Slate’s interpretation is accurate, but we remain prepared to stand up for marriage equality wherever it faces opposition.

More good news in COVID-19 report

More encouraging news: the first doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine arrived at health care centers around the country. Here in Dallas, the first doses went to Methodist Dallas Hospital, part of the local system that originated with Methodists back in the early 20th century. Methodist Hospital environmental worker Teresa Mata, a mother of four daughters, received the first vaccination. WFAA-Channel reported that Ms. Mata said “she got the vaccine to protect her family at home and her work family, according to the hospital.”

As we’ve said many times in these past months, essential workers such as Ms. Mata are our heroes throughout the pandemic. It’s monumentally fitting that she and other health care workers are the first to be protected now that a vaccine is available.

Meanwhile, NPR reports in FDA Analysis Of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Finds It Effective And Safe: “Two days before a panel of experts is set to review Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine and advise the Food and Drug Administration, documents show the vaccine is 94.5% effective and well-tolerated.”

At this point we say, thank God for good science.

Media Mentions as of Dec. 15, 2020

White evangelicals, don’t just condemn Christian nationalism. Own it – Religion News Service

Same-sex parents can be listed on Indiana birth certificates as petition to appeal fails – The Indianapolis Star *

Church vandalism exposes divisions over faith and politics – The Associated Press

Trump eases rules for religious social service providers – The Associated Press