NEWFANE — Jesus Christ, we invoke your name!
Thank you for allowing the United States of America to be reborn.... In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen!
Two years ago, as throngs of supporters of former President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next, several made their way into the Senate chamber, where the sentiments above were expressed.
Nearby, rioters in the Rotunda, overcome with emotion, erupted into chorus beneath the Apotheosis of Washington, belting out the refrain of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, followed by an impromptu prayer: “Thank you for letting us stand up for our country. Guide us so that we may do your will.”
From icons to prayers to rituals, such expressions permeated every facet of the events of Jan. 6, 2021, from start to aftermath.
While it’s been clear all along that most of the rioters were Christian and expressed their motivations accordingly, coverage and analysis of the incident has largely focused on the cultural and political commitments of the rioters.
Not nearly as much attention is given to the theological and spiritual frameworks motivating so many of the rioters, both on and beyond that fateful day. (One singular exception to this has been the insightful work of the Uncivil Religion project, a joint effort of University of Alabama’s Department of Religious Studies and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.)
Yet we cannot fully understand the events of Jan. 6 apart from these motivations.
Which is why on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m., Newfane Church will host a public conversation on Christian nationalism.
We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Erica M. Ramirez, director of the Center for the Study of Theological Expression at Auburn Theological Seminary.
Dr. Ramirez’s research explores how reactionary forms of religion, especially within Christianity, both support and undermine democratic flourishing. She holds her Ph.D. in sociology of religion from Drew University and was recently named one of “15 up-and-coming faith influencers” by the Religion News Service.
This will be the first in a series of monthly discussions we’re launching called Courageous Conversations. Through these conversations we seek to create a regular space in which to engage folks in our area on a range of pertinent questions facing our country and community.
Each month we’ll tackle a different topic in the hope of creating opportunities to face hard, uncomfortable, high-stakes questions, together, in healthy, generative ways that stoke our curiosity, illumine our perspectives, and make space for real difference.
You can RSVP for the event by emailing me directly at matt@newfane.church. Attendance is free but space is limited. Masking is strongly encouraged, and masks will be available at the door. An elevator and a chair lift are available.