Power-over-others Christianity repeatedly drives believers toward atrocities
Evidence
In my first year of graduate school, I read Greg Boyd’s book The Myth of a Christian Nation. This work crystallized so much of what I had been considering for years. It delineated the differences between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. It pointed out how the temptation to exercise power over others has consistently led Christians to commit all sorts of atrocities. Rather than seek power over others, Boyd argues, Christians should imitate Christ and his “upside-down” kingdom, where power under others is the way. It felt like I could finally put my finger on why culture-war Christianity felt so hollow and devoid of the fruit of the Spirit. Christianity was not about culture-warring or dominating the public square. Thanks to Boyd and a new understanding of historically marginalized communities, I began to see how Christians are called to serve, give of themselves, and leverage their power and privilege for the common good. — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 65
Categorization
- XREF: Connects to the book’s own thesis in the reader’s stated interest — small acts of decorum toward corpses mattering more than power logic — since Boyd’s kingdom contrasts power-over with service. — connects to: Theological idolatry of power, fear, and violence motivated the January 6 rioters — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 218; The distinctive sin of Christian nationalism is selfish in-group power. — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 230; Christianity’s perceived enemies were increasingly linked and persecuted together — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1368 (+11 more)
Broader Connections
- Power, fear, and violence function as idolatrous substitutes in Christian nationalism
#corroborates(0.88) — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 99 - Crusading justified violence through divine authority and faith as cause
#exemplifies(0.87) — Norman Daniel, Islam and the West, 644 - Centuries of Christian violence served protecting power and privilege
#corroborates(0.86) — Andrew L. Whitehead, American Idolatry, 447 - Persecuted victims reproduce the power they fear against others
#corroborates(0.85) - Modern theology’s casuistry legitimizes state violence while preserving Christian status
#corroborates(0.85) — Fredric Jameson, Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic…, 835 - Church institutional power disciplined believers into accepting the Muslim monster
#expands(0.84) - Christian nationalists subordinate personal morality to political power restoration.
#corroborates(0.84) — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 231 - Christianity creates a new enemy by collapsing neighbor into enemy
#expands(0.83) — Gil Anidjar, The Jew, the Arab, 151 - Christianity’s perceived enemies were increasingly linked and persecuted together
#expands(0.82) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1368 - Medieval enemies were institutional constructs tied to Christian power
#expands(0.82) — Sophia Rose Arjana, Muslims in the Western Imagination, 101 - Crusade defenders justified violence by power replacing miracles as Christians gained strength
#exemplifies(0.80) — Norman Daniel, Islam and the West, 648 - Believers exercise delegated authority by speaking God’s words against the enemy
#expands(0.78) — Chuck Missler, The Kingdom, Power and Glory, 1382