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A Theological Response to Political Characterizations of Christian Faith: Defending Biblical Christianity Against Misrepresentation
Author’s Note: This response addresses certain political characterizations of Christian faith and white Christian men that have appeared in recent media commentary by Hillary Clinton.
DailyMail: Hillary Clinton slams Christian white men on Morning Joe two weeks after Charlie Kirk assassination
Hillary Clinton hit out at white Christian men just two weeks after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The former first lady found fault with Christian conservatism during an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe Wednesday, saying she disapproved of the ideology because it promotes division.
The movement has picked up momentum thanks to people like Kirk, whose evangelical faith shaped his politics. He was killed earlier this month while speaking at a college campus in southern Utah.
Clinton began by telling hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski: ‘You know, I love my country, and I love it, you know – warts and all.
‘And I’m proud of the fact that we have always been a work in progress. You know, we haven’t gotten to the more perfect union,’ she continued, adding that freedom of speech and the ability to protest is what ‘makes us so special as a country.’
‘And the idea that you could turn the clock back and try to recreate a world that never was dominated by – you know, let’s say it – white men of a certain persuasion, a certain religion, a certain point of view, a certain ideology – it’s just doing such damage to what we should be aiming for.
‘And we were on the path toward that – I mean, imperfectly, lots of bumps along the way.’
Introduction
In recent political discourse, Christianity—particularly as practiced by white Christian men—has come under renewed scrutiny and criticism. Claims have been made suggesting that Christian conservatism “promotes division” and that efforts to maintain traditional Christian values constitute an attempt to “recreate a world that never was” that causes “such damage” to American society. These characterizations demand a serious theological response, not merely for the sake of political debate, but for the integrity of biblical truth and the proper understanding of Christianity’s role in American public life.
As a biblical scholar and theologian, I find it necessary to address these claims through the lens of Scripture, historical Christian doctrine, and the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. This response aims to clarify what authentic Christianity truly teaches about unity, social justice, and the proper relationship between faith and civic responsibility.
The Biblical Foundation of Christian Unity
The accusation that Christian conservatism “promotes division” fundamentally misunderstands the nature of biblical Christianity. The New Testament presents a radical vision of unity that transcends racial, ethnic, and social boundaries. The Apostle Paul declares in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse alone demolishes any notion that biblical Christianity endorses racial supremacy or exclusion.
Furthermore, Jesus Christ himself prayed for unity among his followers in John 17:21: “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” The Christian faith, properly understood and practiced, is inherently unifying rather than divisive.
The early church demonstrated this unity in remarkable ways. Acts 2:44-47 describes a community where believers “had everything in common” and “enjoyed the favor of all the people.” The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addressed the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community, establishing that faith in Christ, not ethnic identity, was the basis for acceptance into God’s family.
When modern Christian conservatives advocate for traditional biblical values, they are not promoting division but rather calling society back to the unifying principles that Scripture teaches. The confusion arises when political opponents conflate the defense of biblical truth with social exclusion, failing to understand that Christianity offers a universal invitation while maintaining moral standards.
Historical Christianity and Social Justice
Critics often present Christian conservatism as an obstacle to social progress, suggesting that Christian influence seeks to “turn the clock back” to an oppressive past. This characterization ignores the profound role that biblical Christianity has played in advancing human dignity and social justice throughout history.
The abolition of slavery in both Britain and America was primarily driven by Christians who understood that Scripture’s teaching about human dignity as being created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)1So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. was incompatible with the institution of slavery. William Wilberforce in Britain and the American abolitionists were motivated by their Christian convictions. The Underground Railroad was largely operated by Christians who saw helping enslaved people escape as a biblical imperative.
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s was deeply rooted in Christian theology. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister, drew extensively from Scripture in his advocacy for racial equality. His “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is filled with biblical references and theological arguments for why Christians must oppose injustice.
Christian organizations have historically led efforts in education, healthcare, and care for the marginalized. The establishment of universities, hospitals, and orphanages throughout American history has been primarily a Christian endeavor. These institutions were built on the biblical understanding that every human being has inherent worth and dignity.
To suggest that Christian influence has been primarily oppressive ignores this extensive historical record of Christian-motivated social reform and advancement of human rights.
The Fallacy of Racial Christianity
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of recent criticisms is the implication that Christianity is somehow inherently tied to whiteness or that “white Christian men” represent a monolithic political force seeking dominance. This betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of both Christianity’s global nature and its core teachings.
Christianity is the world’s most diverse religion, with the majority of Christians globally being non-white. The faith originated in the Middle East among Jewish people and quickly spread to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Today, the fastest-growing Christian communities are in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The largest Christian churches in the world are found in South Korea, Nigeria, and Brazil.
In America, Christianity has always been multiracial, though tragically, sin and cultural prejudices have sometimes created artificial divisions. However, these divisions represent failures to live up to Christian teachings rather than the natural outworking of biblical faith. The Bible explicitly condemns partiality based on appearance or social status (James 2:1-9).
The characterization of “white Christian men” as a singular political bloc also ignores the tremendous diversity within American Christianity. White American Christians span the entire political spectrum and hold varying views on numerous policy issues. Many white Christian men have been leaders in progressive causes, civil rights, and social justice movements.
Biblical Principles and Political Engagement
When Christians engage in politics, they do so not to impose a theocracy but to live out their biblical convictions in the public square. The Bible provides principles that inform Christian political engagement, but it does not prescribe specific policy positions on most contemporary issues.
Scripture teaches that government has a legitimate role in maintaining order and justice (Romans 13:1-7). Christians are called to be “salt and light” in society (Matthew 5:13-16),2You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. which includes working for justice and the common good. This may lead Christians to different conclusions about specific policies while sharing common biblical principles.
The accusation that Christian political engagement represents an attempt to “recreate a world that never was” misses the point entirely. Christians are not trying to recreate some imagined golden age but rather to apply timeless biblical principles to contemporary challenges. These principles include:
- The inherent dignity of every human being
- The importance of justice and mercy
- Care for the vulnerable and marginalized
- The sanctity of life
- The value of marriage and family
- Personal responsibility and community support
- Stewardship of resources and creation
These are not the values of a bygone era but eternal truths that remain relevant in every generation.
The True Nature of Christian Division
While Christianity itself promotes unity, following Christ can indeed create division—but not the kind that critics typically have in mind. Jesus himself said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). He was referring to the inevitable conflict that arises when biblical truth confronts sinful human nature and unjust systems.
Throughout history, Christians have found themselves in opposition to various forms of injustice and immorality precisely because their faith compelled them to stand for truth and righteousness. This has sometimes made them unpopular with those who benefit from existing unjust systems or who prefer moral relativism to biblical standards.
The division that Christianity brings is not based on race, ethnicity, or social class but on the fundamental choice between truth and falsehood, between righteousness and sin, between submission to God and rebellion against him. This type of division is necessary for moral progress and social justice.
Addressing Specific Claims
The suggestion that Christian conservatism causes “such damage” to American society requires careful examination. What exactly constitutes this alleged damage? If we look at objective measures of social health, communities with strong Christian influence consistently show positive outcomes in areas such as:
- Lower crime rates
- Higher charitable giving
- Stronger family stability
- Greater community volunteerism
- Better educational outcomes
- Lower rates of substance abuse
Churches are among the most important institutions in American civil society, providing not only spiritual guidance but also social services, disaster relief, and community support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches were essential in providing food banks, childcare for essential workers, and emotional support for struggling families.
The claim that Christian influence is damaging appears to be based more on political opposition to specific policy positions than on objective assessment of Christianity’s social impact.
The Gospel of Reconciliation
At its core, Christianity is about reconciliation—between humans and God, and between humans and each other. The Apostle Paul writes, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).
This ministry of reconciliation does not require Christians to abandon their biblical convictions but rather to engage others with humility, love, and respect while maintaining their commitment to truth. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9),3Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. but this does not mean avoiding difficult conversations about moral and spiritual issues.
True reconciliation requires honesty about sin and brokenness, both personal and societal. It requires forgiveness and grace, but also repentance and transformation. Christians believe that lasting social harmony cannot be achieved through political means alone but requires the spiritual transformation that comes through faith in Christ.
The Danger of Political Reductionism
One of the most significant problems in contemporary discussions about Christianity is the tendency to reduce the faith to its political dimensions. Christianity is fundamentally a spiritual reality that transcends political categories. While faith naturally informs political views, the reverse should not be true—political views should not determine one’s understanding of faith.
When politicians or commentators characterize Christianity primarily in political terms, they misrepresent the faith and contribute to the very divisions they claim to oppose. Christianity is not Republican or Democratic, conservative or liberal—it is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls all people to repentance and faith regardless of their political affiliation.
Christians across the political spectrum share fundamental beliefs about God, Scripture, and salvation, even as they may disagree about specific policy issues. Reducing Christianity to political categories obscures these deeper spiritual realities and creates false divisions within the body of Christ.
The Call to Humble Service
Perhaps most importantly, biblical Christianity calls believers to humility and service rather than dominance or control. Jesus said, “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” (Mark 10:43-44).4But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Christian engagement in public life should be characterized by this servant attitude. Christians should seek to contribute to the common good, protect the vulnerable, and promote justice—not to establish their own power or privilege. When Christians fail to embody this servant attitude, they rightly deserve criticism, but such failures should not be attributed to Christianity itself.
The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, self-examination, and repentance. Christians should be the first to acknowledge their own failures and shortcomings while continuing to uphold biblical truth and values.
Moving Forward in Faith and Truth
As we navigate the complex intersection of faith and politics in American society, several principles should guide our approach:
First, we must distinguish between Christianity itself and the imperfect attempts by Christians to live out their faith. The failures of individual Christians or Christian institutions should not be used to discredit the truth of Christian doctrine or the positive influence of Christian faith.
Second, we should recognize that political characterizations of Christianity are often motivated more by partisan considerations than by genuine theological understanding. Critics and supporters alike may misrepresent Christian teaching for political advantage.
Third, we must insist on the right of Christians to participate fully in public life without being required to abandon their faith convictions. Religious freedom includes the right to bring one’s faith-informed perspective to political and social issues.
Fourth, we should acknowledge that Christians can disagree about specific policy issues while maintaining unity on core theological truths. Political diversity within Christianity can be a strength rather than a weakness.
Finally, we must remember that Christianity’s ultimate goal is not political victory but spiritual transformation—both individual and societal. Christians work for justice and mercy not to establish their own power but to reflect the character of God and to point others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Hillary Clinton’s characterizations of Christianity represent a dangerous and intellectually dishonest attack on the religious tradition that has been instrumental in establishing America’s commitment to human rights and constitutional government. Her sweeping condemnation of “white Christian men” reveals profound ignorance of Christianity’s actual teachings and historical contributions, ignoring that Christian movements led virtually every major social reform in American history.
Most concerning is Clinton’s racialized attack on Christianity, employing the very identity-based prejudice that genuine Christianity condemns. When prominent political figures can openly disparage entire demographics based on race and religion without pushback, we witness the normalization of bigotry that would be immediately condemned if directed toward any other group.
Americans must reject such rhetoric and recognize it for what it is: an attempt to advance a secular political agenda by demonizing those holding traditional biblical values. These characterizations participate in systematically undermining religious liberty and marginalizing Christian voices in public discourse.
The intellectual bankruptcy of Clinton’s position is evident in her reliance on crude stereotypes while offering no substantive engagement with Christian theology or acknowledgment of Christianity’s positive societal contributions. Such attacks threaten the pluralistic democracy that has served America for over two centuries.
Christians must robustly defend biblical truth rather than passively accepting misrepresentation. The future of religious liberty for all Americans depends on our willingness to resist anti-Christian bigotry masquerading as progressive enlightenment while continuing to faithfully apply eternal biblical principles to contemporary challenges.
Update: Let’s not leave out Don Lemon in this discussion. The same principles above hold fast.
NewsBusters: Don Lemon Smears Charlie Kirk Service as ‘White Nationalism,’ Fake Christianity
Monday on his eponymous YouTube show, former CNN host Don Lemon went into the ugly, vile depths of political rhetoric with a torrent of hatred toward the Charlie Kirk memorial service, quoting from his own book published last year to call it “white nationalism wrapped in religious nationalism” imbued with false, “performative” Christianity, and a tribute to Americans of the past who glorified slavery.
All to celebrate a man Lemon deemed an unrepentant racist who said “racist shit” and created “a movement claiming divine permission to rule” with “domination” and deny “their sexual diverse children’s right to exist.”
Lemon even predicted his hateful, vile comments spanning some 79 minutes would draw blowback, but nonetheless argued he had a special right as a black man given America’s past to call out those as false Christ followers while arguing Erika Kirk was seemingly the only person there channeling Jesus.