Who Is a True Christian?: Contesting Religious Identity in American Culture

Conservative Christians have sought security and stability by retrieving historic Christian doctrines, reconceptualizing their faith as a distinct culture, or reinforcing a political vision of what it means to be a follower of God in a corrupt world. This has led to the "Make Christianity Great Again" religious project, which explores why the question of what defines Christianity has become so damagingly vexatious and how believers might conceive of it differently in the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 404 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

No true Christian could vote for Donald Trump.

In the realm of politics, a profound divide emerges between those who identify as Christians and their support for Donald Trump. It is widely believed that genuine followers of the Christian faith hold pro-life values and cannot reconcile their beliefs with the Trump administration's stance on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. This assertion highlights the growing religious polarization in modern American society, where conservative Christians seek to assert their identity and uphold traditional doctrines in the face of societal changes.

Conservative Christians have responded to this anxiety by engaging in various strategies. Some have sought to reclaim historical Christian doctrines, while others have reimagined their faith as a distinct cultural entity. Additionally, some Christians have reinforced a political vision of what it means to be a follower of God in a corrupt world, where they believe that supporting Trump aligns with their religious values.

This concerted effort, often referred to as "Make Christianity Great Again," predates the corresponding political movement "Make America Great Again." While the political initiative aims to restore American greatness, the religious project seeks to redefine Christianity and reclaim its traditional values. The book explores why the question of what defines Christianity has become so vexatious over the last century and proposes alternative ways for believers to conceive of their faith in the future.

Through an intellectual history and nuanced argument, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics between religion, politics, and social change. It challenges the notion that Christianity is inherently conservative and suggests that believers can embrace a more inclusive and progressive vision of their faith. The author argues that Christianity has the potential to be a force for good in the world, but only if it is willing to engage with the challenges of modernity and redefine its principles in light of contemporary values.

In conclusion, the assertion that no true Christian could vote for Donald Trump reflects the growing religious polarization in modern American society. Conservative Christians have sought security and stability by retrieving historical doctrines, reimagining their faith, or reinforcing a political vision. However, this effort has led to a concerted effort to "Make Christianity Great Again," which predates the corresponding political movement. The book explores why the question of what defines Christianity has become so vexatious and proposes alternative ways for believers to conceive of their faith in the future. By embracing inclusivity, compassion, and social justice, Christians can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 236 x 162 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009428996