By Matt Underwood It’s a chilling statement to hear a conservative TV host defend Christian nationalism with the argument, ‘If Hitler could use nationalism to do bad things, imagine what a good guy could do’. The mere mention of Hitler in any context elicits a sense of dread, invoking memories of unspeakable atrocities committed in the name of nationalism. The assertion that a ‘good guy’ could somehow leverage nationalism for positive ends is not only misguided but dangerously naive.
Hitler, much like many other dictators throughout history, believed he was the hero of his own narrative. Nobody perceives themselves as the villain; they always see themselves as righteous and just. To suggest that someone inherently good could utilize nationalism in a benevolent manner is a fallacy that overlooks the inherent dangers of such ideology. Nationalism has historically been a tool used to incite division, hatred, and violence, as seen in events such as the rise of the Taliban and the catastrophic consequences of the Trump administration.
The notion that a ‘good guy’ could wield nationalism for a noble purpose is a fantasy devoid of historical context. As the saying goes, “With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil – that takes religion”. The marriage of nationalism and religious fervor can be a dangerous combination, often leading to suppression, persecution, and even war in the name of faith.
Christian nationalism, or NatCs as they are called, are far from the epitome of goodness. History demonstrates the bloodshed, oppression, and injustice wrought by those who proclaim superiority based on their religious beliefs. Nationalism, when entwined with religious fanaticism, becomes a breeding ground for intolerance and extremism. The idea of a ‘good’ Christian nationalist is a paradox, as true goodness transcends the boundaries of narrow-minded ideology.
The insidious nature of nationalism lies in its allure of power and control. The desire for a strong authoritarian leader to ‘fix everything’ is a dangerous premise that paves the way for dictatorship. The belief that one of ‘us’ can lead the way to salvation is a slippery slope that has led to the downfall of nations throughout history. Democracy, flawed as it may be, remains a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the brink of authoritarianism.
The fallacy of Christian nationalism lies in its misguided belief that the ends justify the means. Seeking to uphold a particular faith at the expense of others, imposing beliefs on a diverse society, and stifling dissent in the name of righteousness are not the traits of a ‘good guy’. The dangers of religious nationalism cannot be understated, as it has paved the way for some of the darkest periods in human history.
In conclusion, the defense of Christian nationalism under the guise of goodness is a dangerous delusion that ignores the lessons of history. The rhetoric espoused by those who advocate for such ideology is a veiled attempt to seize power and control under the guise of religious righteousness. The true path to goodness lies not in the manipulation of nationalism but in the embrace of diversity, empathy, and inclusivity. The narrative of a ‘good guy’ wielding nationalism for noble purposes is a myth that must be debunked before it leads to irreversible harm. Let us heed the warnings of the past and strive for a future built on unity, compassion, and respect for all.