Another Gospel: The Blurring of Christian and American Identities w/Joel Looper

Faithful Politics

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In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Josh Burtram and Will Wright interviewed Joel Looper, a researcher, writer, and teacher at Baylor University. Looper, who holds a PhD in divinity with a focus on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's views on America, discussed his latest book, "Another Gospel," which examines Christian nationalism and its impact on the evangelical church.

Looper shared his background, growing up in an evangelical church in Michigan, and how his observations of political and religious dynamics, especially around the time of Trump's rise and the January 6th insurrection, motivated him to explore Christian nationalism. He argues that Christian nationalism, which conflates Christian identity with national identity, is akin to the "another gospel" Paul warned about in Galatians. Looper explained that Christian nationalists prioritize American political concerns over the universal mission of the church, which he sees as a dangerous distortion of the gospel.

The conversation also delved into the historical and theological roots of Christian nationalism, drawing parallels between first-century Jewish nationalism and contemporary American politics. Looper highlighted the importance of understanding these issues within the broader context of church history and scripture.

Additionally, the interview touched on Looper's insights into Russian Christian nationalism, suggesting that similar dynamics are at play in both the U.S. and Russia, where national identity is closely tied to religious identity. He emphasized the need for Christians to engage in politics with integrity and to prioritize their spiritual allegiance over nationalistic fervor.

The episode concluded with a discussion on the challenges facing the evangelical church today and the importance of returning to the teachings of Jesus to navigate the complex intersection of faith and politics.
Buy the book: Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity (https://a.co/d/4JrFWer)
Guest Bio:
Dr. Joel Looper is a dynamic communicator, writer, and researcher with extensive teaching experience. He holds a PhD in divinity from the University of Aberdeen, where he focused on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's views on America. Additionally, he earned dual MA degrees in theology and New Testament from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Currently, Joel teaches at Baylor University and serves as the denominational coordinator for Shalom Mission Communities.

Joel is the author of several works, including "Bonhoeffer's America: Land Without Reformation," which explores the church's role in modern society. His writings have been featured in numerous academic journals and media outlets, such as the Los Angeles Review of Books. His latest book, "Another Gospel," delves into the concepts of Christian nationalism and critiques the evangelical church's involvement in this movement. Joel brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to discussions on faith, politics, and society.

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