Rev. Rick Clore, a retired Baptist minister from Orange, will speak to the LOW Democratic Club on October 9 about the rise of the doctrine of Christian Nationalism in American politics.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 9, in Classroom 2 of the LOW Community Center. The doors open at 1 p.m., and the program will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Clore is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Democratic Committee and a sponsor of the Youth Democratic Club at Orange County High School.
Christian Nationalism is a political ideology that fuses American or national identity with Christian identity, asserting the nation is or should be defined by Christian values and history. While appealing to a growing portion of the Christian community, its doctrines are often at odds with both Christian theology and the ideals of a free and independent democracy.
Christian Nationalism often seeks to impose Christian culture and values on government and society, sometimes promoting the idea of Christian rule or a distinct political privilege for adherents to the Christian faith. It often distorts love of country into a form of political idolatry, prioritizing national identity over ultimate spiritual allegiance.
At its worst it can create a framework of “Christian supremacy,” which contrasts with the Christian call to love neighbors and oppose idols.
The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality who was co-founder of the conservative activist organization Turning Point USA, appears to have stimulated interest in Christian Nationalism in the United States.