Claimants to the Name

Please understand that everything that calls itself Christian – isn’t.

There are, presently, two diametrically different groups claiming the name Christian.

1.The first and most aggressive group or movement to claim the name christian is known interchangeably as MAGAism, Trumpvangelicalism, or christian nationalism. It is characterized by the quest for power, privilege, wealth, control, supremacy, cultural homogeneity, and religious & racial purity. 

-It is the Church of the Empire. It is politicized, weaponized, and compromised.

-It is enamored with greatness, strength and mastery. 

-Its overarching goal is complete cultural compliance with its Articles of Faith, Project 2025.

-Its way is unapologetically violent. Its adherents are heavily armed and militarized.

-Highly exclusionary: With few exceptions only white devotees to its beliefs are welcome, deserving, or privileged.

-Highly motivated by grievance and the desire for revenge. 

-Benevolence is considered iniquitous, viciousness virtuous, and racialism righteous.

-Its core aspiration is the imposition of a christian theocracy upon citizens through fiat or force.

 2. The second coalition of claimants to the name Christian, known as ‘Jesus Christians’, is  characterized by love, sacrifice, service, and meekness.

-It is the Church of the least and the last. It is apolitical, nonpartisan and nonviolent.

-It embraces humility, weakness and service.

-Its overarching goal is the expression of universal compassion and mercy which, its followers believe, reflect the true heart and nature of God.

-Its way is uncompromisingly nonaggressive. Adherents are unarmed and peaceful, but will engage in nonviolent protest of state sponsored oppression and denial of human rights. 

-Highly Inclusive: All are welcome. All are deserving. All are loved. It expresses a preferential option for the poor.

-Highly motivated by the desire to foster justice.

-Compassion, mercy, welcome and love are central to its core aspiration-Christlikeness.

-It aims to convert hearts as it advances both the good news and the common good. 

-It does not install or enforce a visible, physical kingdom. It incarnates the invisible, spiritual one that Christ already inaugurated. 

-The kingdom it promotes is built by devotion not decree, inspiration not imposition.

While the first group wields the sword, the second washes feet.

While the first group is willing to kill for their beliefs, the second is willing to die for theirs.

Big difference.