White Evangelical Racism: Anthea Butler

This weekend, movie-goers across the country are making their way to theaters for the new film “God & Country,” the latest project from Rob Reiner exploring the role of Christian nationalism in American society. Among the experts featured in that film is scholar and author Dr. Anthea Butler, who provides an important academic perspective on this anti-democratic ideology that is quickly permeating all corners of society. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Anthea Butler to dissect the intersections of white Christian nationalism in both religious and political spheres, so that we can work towards fostering a society that values religious diversity and upholds the principles of equality and justice for all.

“I think the first thing people can do is to not say ‘vote,’ but to actually participate. What I mean by that is that it’s important to vote. It’s important to get people registered to vote. But if you think voting is the only thing that’s going to do it, you are sorely mistaken.” – Dr. Anthea Butler, a leading scholar of African American religion and history, nationalism, race, politics, and popular culture. The author of White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, Dr. Butler sounds a warning in “God & Country” about the direction Christian nationalism is taking this country – and how hard it may be to ever come back. Dr. Butler is the Geraldine R. Siegel Professor in American Social Thought and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.