America at 250: The Threat of White Christian Nationalism to American Democracy

Join Dr. Peter Jauhiainen and St. Paul’s for a discussion of the pervasive hold of “White Christian Nationalism” (WCN) on large segments of the American population. WCN is an authoritarian ethno-political-religious ideology that promotes a synthesis of conservative Christianity and American identity to enforce a social order with symbolic boundaries. The strongest proponents of WCN have increasingly resorted to authoritarian measures to undermine pluralistic, multiracial American democracy.
This is part of a series of presentations that explores a range of topics related to our nation’s founding and history, providing a context for understanding our current situation as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. To what degree have we as a nation lived up to our founding ideals? Is what we believe about U.S. history more myth than reality? What does the future hold? What is the meaning of America? Come to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids for America at 250 events on Sunday, June 28; Tuesday, June 30; and Thursday, July 2. Each session stands alone.
Dr. Peter Jauhiainen (PhD, University of Iowa; MDiv., Princeton Theological Seminary) is an experienced scholar and American religious historian who teaches at Kirkwood Community College. He frequently presents at community forums and academic settings on topics related to American history, religion, and society, with an eye toward answering such questions as “How did we get here?” or “Why is this happening now?”