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Biblical reconciliation

Preaching unity in the face of Christian nationalism and political schism

Bibliographic Data

ID21380727
AuthorsA Brian Leander (Berkeley School of Theology), Annika Leander (corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume120
Issue4
Pages338-356
Publication date2023-11-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReview & Expositor (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0034-6373 • E-ISSN: 2052-9449
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00346373241263557
OpenAlexW4401180443
LanguageEN

The post-Obama era in the United States has been marked by a deepening political divide, particularly within the Christian community, influenced by Christian nationalism and its entanglement with evangelical theology. This article examines the roots of this divide, tracing its origins to the fusion of White evangelical identity with national identity and the politicization of evangelical beliefs. Drawing on 2 Cor 5:10-20, the article explores the apostle Paul’s emphasis on Christ’s reconciling love and the believer’s role as ambassador of reconciliation. Analyzing the impact of divisive identity politics and ideological polarization on the unity of the Christian community, the article proposes a return to preaching the transformative power of Christ’s love to disentangle believers from political schisms while nurturing unity. The ministry of reconciliation is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical imperative for actively bridging divides and sharing the message of unity in Christ. Through a radical shift in perspective, focusing on Christ’s love rather than ideological positions, a Gospel-centered approach enables navigating political tensions and fosters unity within the body of Christ. Ultimately, preaching unity amid political schisms is not only a theological mandate but essential for embodying the transformative message of the Gospel in a divided world

Epistemology · Gospel · Ideology · Nationalism · Pluralism (philosophy) · Political science · Politics · Schism · Sociology · Theology · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Society, and Development

Highly citedNo

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