Dear Editor:

There are many who falsely posit that America is a “Christian Nation” built on Christian values. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of our clearest declarations of the intent to separate religion and government is stated in Article 11 of the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli. “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” From a biblical standpoint, in John 18:36 Jesus states, ““My kingdom is not of this world. …”

Christian nationalism is not based upon faith, but is a betrayal of Christian faith and doctrine. People who agitate for a “Christian nation” are turning away from Christ centered faith to the idolatry of temporal power. Let’s make no mistake, Christian nationalism is fascism in dressed religious garb. This is an ideology of hate and fear that needs to be recognized as the serious threat it presents to our democratic society.

One need only to read the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025 Mandate for Leadership” to see what Christian nationalists are planning for America. It is a scary enough read that many conservative politicians seek to distance themselves from this treacherous plan. And details of the plan are little discussed in the authoritarian propaganda that poisons our political dialog. Yet the Trump administration has appointed many of the authors and advocates of the plan to positions of high office within our government and has already implemented much of Project 2025’s policy goals.

Not only is this a threat to our religious freedom, but also all of our most basic freedoms. Religious pluralism and toleration protects our freedom of religion. In Paul’s letter to the Romans 16:17; “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

There are many Christians who are concerned about this political hijacking of the symbols of their faith and the creation of a theocratic dystopia. Please consider supporting the work of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and Christians Against Christian Nationalism.

Fred W. Nehring

Boothbay