In a recent discussion at the University of California, Los Angeles, Vanderbilt University assistant professor Sophie Bjork-James sparked controversy by asserting that some pro-life advocates misuse the Bible to divert attention from critical issues like climate change while reinforcing "white political power." This statement emerged during a symposium titled “(Mis)using the Bible: White Evangelicalism and Christian Nationalism in America,” where Bjork-James shared the stage with other scholars to dissect the intertwining of faith and politics in contemporary America.
Bjork-James, who specializes in anthropology with a focus on race, evangelicalism, and reproductive politics, presented her views in a segment titled “To Be Pro-life in an Age of Extinction: Abortion, Christian Nationalism, and Ecological Denial.” She challenged the notion that the Bible is a foundational text for the pro-life movement, noting that many biblical scholars argue that abortion is not explicitly referenced in Scripture and is not a central ethical theme. She referenced Bruce Waltke, a prominent theologian, who suggested that “God does not regard the fetus as a soul, no matter how far gestation has progressed,” emphasizing that the pro-life narrative may be more about political posturing than biblical doctrine.
Bjork-James also drew attention to historical perspectives, citing historian Jennifer Holland, who likened the anti-abortion movement to a civil rights campaign for white Americans. This provocative analogy raises questions about the motivations behind the pro-life stance and whether it serves to obscure deeper societal issues, such as racial inequality and environmental degradation. “By equating abortion with historical injustices like slavery, pro-lifers create a binary narrative that lacks nuance,” she argued, suggesting that this framing inadvertently consolidates white political power.
The symposium also featured insights from political science instructor Brooklyn Walker, who critiqued “Christian nationalists” for their selective interpretation of Scripture to support various political agendas, including voter suppression and opposition to same-sex marriage. Walker pointed out that such interpretations often lead to a disregard for civil discourse, with some groups resorting to intimidation or violence, as seen on January 6, 2021, during the Capitol insurrection. She emphasized that the involvement of Christian nationalists in this event highlights a troubling trend of using faith as a weapon for political gain.
Michael Fisher, another speaker and assistant professor at Ohio State University, echoed these sentiments, linking Christian nationalism to white supremacy and critiquing former President Donald Trump for advancing a divisive agenda under the guise of faith. He raised the question of whether a distinct form of black Christian nationalism exists, suggesting that the faith experiences of many black Christians differ fundamentally from the narratives promoted by white Christian nationalists.
This symposium underscores a growing concern within the Christian community about the intersection of faith and politics, particularly how certain interpretations of Scripture can be weaponized to uphold specific political ideologies. As discussions around these topics continue to evolve, it is crucial for believers to engage thoughtfully and critically with both Scripture and the societal issues at hand.
For more insights on the relationship between faith and politics, you can explore resources from Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition. These platforms offer a wealth of articles and discussions that can help deepen your understanding of these important issues.
In a world where faith is often co-opted for political agendas, it is essential for Christians to return to the core tenets of their beliefs, ensuring that love, compassion, and justice remain at the forefront of their witness.