WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST: THE AVENGERS OF IGNORANCE

 

WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST:  THE AVENGERS OF IGNORANCE

Attention all readers! Get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the world of churches and political organizations. Buckle up, because we're about to take a hilarious look at the separation of church and state, 501(c)(3) IRS regulations for non-profits (not political organizations), the MAGA insurrection at the Capitol, white Christian nationalism, and even California school board violence. 

Let's start with the California megachurch pastor, Jack Hibbs. This guy and his followers are trying to push public schools to the far right. They're banning pride flags in classrooms, forcing educators to inform parents if their children identify as transgender, and even meddling in Chino Valley public school classes. But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your perspective). They've funded textbooks for an elective course in two public high schools on the Bible as history and literature and tried to alter rules for sex education curriculum. 

What's even more concerning is that far-right Christian nationalists are running for school boards across California. They want to oust current board members and promote their agenda of opposing critical race theory, sex education, and mask mandates. They also seek to promote Christianity in schools and push back against the teaching of evolution. It's like they want to turn California schools into Sunday schools. 

But it's not just California that's feeling the heat. White Christian nationalism has gained prominence in the US, with some people believing that America was founded as a Christian nation by white Christians. They think that its laws and institutions are based on Protestant Christianity and that America is divinely favored. Talk about a superiority complex! 

This belief has been linked to the Capitol insurrection in 2021, where supporters of former President Trump stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election results. It's like they thought God was on their side or something. 

Now, let's talk about taxation and churches. This is a complex and controversial topic that involves legal, ethical, and historical issues. Churches are generally exempt from paying property tax in all 50 states and D.C., as long as the property is used for religious purposes. But some states may impose limits or conditions on this exemption, such as requiring churches to file annual reports or pay fees. Churches may also be exempt from paying sales tax on purchases related to their religious activities, depending on state laws. 

But here's where it gets funny. Some people argue that exempting churches from taxation upholds the separation of church and state and prevents government interference with religion. Others argue that exempting churches from taxation reduces public revenue that could be used for other social needs or programs. And then there are those who argue that exempting churches from taxation creates an unfair advantage for churches over other nonprofits or businesses that have to pay taxes. It's like a game of tax-exemption whack-a-mole. 

In conclusion, we've covered a lot of ground today. We've talked about churches pushing public schools to the far right, white Christian nationalism, and even taxation and churches. But let's not forget about California school board violence. It's like a bad reality TV show, with Proud Boys and other right-wing extremists pitted against students and parents protesting anti-LGBTQ practices that endanger children. 

So what have we learned today? Well, we've learned that some people take their beliefs a little too seriously, whether it's white Christian nationalism or exempting churches from taxation. But we've also learned that laughter is the best medicine. So let's all take a deep breath, have a good laugh, and remember that at the end of the day, we're all just human beings trying to make our way in this crazy world.

California Megachurch Pastor Jack Hibbs And His Acolytes Are Pushing Public Schools to the Far Right https://www.thedailybeast.com/california-megachurch-pastor-jack-hibbs-and-his-acolytes-are-pushing-public-schools-to-the-far-right 

'You will be removed in Jesus’s name!': Christian nationalist megachurch behind takeover of California school board - Raw Story https://www.rawstory.com/jack-hibbs/ 

'You, Satan, are losing': Far-right Christian nationalists push to remake California schools 'in Jesus’ name - Alternet.org https://www.alternet.org/christian-nationalism-2664885630/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM MONICA AI

White Christian nationalism is a term that has emerged in recent years to describe a particular worldview that has gained prominence in the US. It is a belief that America was founded as a Christian nation by white Christians, and that its laws and institutions are based on Protestant Christianity. This belief also asserts that America is divinely favored and has enormous wealth and power. It is important to note that this belief is not the same as being a patriotic Christian, and there are many misunderstandings around it. To confront white Christian nationalism, it is critical to understand its deep story and to address the underlying issues that give rise to it. [1]

White Christian nationalism has been linked to the Capitol insurrection in 2021, where supporters of former President Trump stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election results. This event highlighted the dangers of white Christian nationalism and its potential to lead to violence and authoritarianism. [2]

It is important to address the underlying issues that give rise to white Christian nationalism, such as economic inequality, political polarization, and racial tensions. By addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that values diversity and promotes unity. 

FROM BING AI

Christian nationalism in the US is a complex and controversial topic that has gained more attention in recent years. Here is a brief overview of what it is, how it developed, and what are some of its implications.

Christian nationalism is the belief that the US was founded by God to be a Christian nation and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way⁵. It is a form of religious and political identity that often conflates American patriotism with Christian faith. Christian nationalists consider their version of Christianity to be an essential part of the nation's character and destiny, and they want the government to promote or even enforce Christian values, symbols, and policies in the public sphere.

Christian nationalism has a long history in the US, dating back to the colonial era and the Puritan vision of a "city upon a hill" that would serve as a model of Christian virtue for the world. The idea of America as a chosen nation with a divine mission was also influenced by the Great Awakening, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Throughout US history, various political and religious movements have invoked Christian nationalism to justify their agendas, such as Manifest Destiny, abolitionism, prohibition, civil rights, anti-communism, and the culture wars.

Christian nationalism is not a monolithic or uniform ideology, but rather a spectrum of beliefs and attitudes that vary by degree and expression. Some Christian nationalists may simply affirm the historical and cultural influence of Christianity on the nation, while others may advocate for a more explicit and exclusive role for Christianity in the government and society. Some may emphasize the moral and spiritual aspects of Christian nationalism, while others may focus on the ethnic and racial dimensions. Some may use Christian nationalism as a source of inspiration and hope, while others may use it as a tool of domination and exclusion.

Christian nationalism has significant implications for the US politics, society, and culture. On one hand, it can foster a sense of unity, identity, and purpose among some Americans who share a common faith and vision for the nation. It can also inspire civic engagement, social activism, and charitable work based on Christian principles. On the other hand, it can create division, conflict, and intolerance among Americans who have different religious or secular views or belong to different racial or ethnic groups. It can also undermine democratic values, human rights, and religious freedom by imposing a narrow and privileged version of Christianity on the diverse and pluralistic American population.

Christian nationalism is a complex phenomenon that deserves careful and critical examination from multiple perspectives. It is not a simple or static concept, but rather a dynamic and contested one that reflects the changing historical and cultural contexts of the US. It is not a single or coherent movement, but rather a diverse and fragmented one that encompasses various groups and individuals with different motivations and goals. It is not a clear or consistent ideology, but rather an ambiguous and contradictory one that mixes elements of faith and politics in various ways.

I hope this overview has helped you understand some of the basic aspects of Christian nationalism in the US. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can check out some of these sources:

-Bing, 9/4/2023

1. (1) Talk of 'Christian nationalism' is getting a lot louder – but what does .... https://theconversation.com/talk-of-christian-nationalism-is-getting-a-lot-louder-but-what-does-the-term-really-mean-192378.
2. (2) Views of U.S. as a Christian nation, Christian nationalism and its .... https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/views-of-the-u-s-as-a-christian-nation-and-opinions-about-christian-nationalism/.
3. (3) Christian nationalism | Definition, History, United States, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christian-nationalism.
4. (4) What is Christian nationalism? - The United Methodist Church. https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism.
5. (5) What Is Christian Nationalism? | Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/february-web-only/what-is-christian-nationalism.html.
6. (6) Talk of 'Christian nationalism' is getting a lot louder – but what does .... https://theconversation.com/talk-of-christian-nationalism-is-getting-a-lot-louder-but-what-does-the-term-really-mean-192378.

Taxation and churches. 

Taxation and churches is a complex and controversial topic that involves legal, ethical, and historical issues. There are different types of taxes that may affect churches, such as income tax, property tax, sales tax, and payroll tax. There are also different arguments for and against taxing churches, based on the principles of separation of church and state, public benefit, fairness, and religious freedom.

According to the IRS, churches are classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations, which are exempt from federal income tax and can receive tax-deductible donations¹. However, churches are not required to apply for this status or file annual reports, unlike other nonprofits². Churches may also be exempt from state and local income taxes, depending on the laws of each jurisdiction³.

Churches are also generally exempt from paying property tax in all 50 states and D.C., as long as the property is used for religious purposes⁴. This exemption is based on the historical recognition of the public benefit that churches provide through their charitable and educational activities. However, some states may impose limits or conditions on this exemption, such as requiring churches to file annual reports or pay fees.

Churches may also be exempt from paying sales tax on purchases related to their religious activities, depending on the state laws. However, some states may require churches to apply for a sales tax exemption certificate or pay sales tax on certain items or services.

Churches are not exempt from paying payroll taxes for their employees, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, clergy members may be considered self-employed for tax purposes and may be able to deduct certain expenses related to their ministry. Clergy members may also opt out of paying Social Security and Medicare taxes if they have a religious objection to receiving public insurance benefits.

Some of the arguments for exempting churches from taxation are:

• - Exempting churches from taxation upholds the separation of church and state and prevents government interference with religion.
• - Exempting churches from taxation recognizes the public good that churches provide through their social services and community outreach.
• - Exempting churches from taxation respects the free exercise of religion and protects churches from potential discrimination or persecution.
• - Exempting churches from taxation is consistent with the historical tradition and legal precedent of granting tax privileges to churches.

Some of the arguments against exempting churches from taxation are:

• - Exempting churches from taxation violates the separation of church and state and amounts to a subsidy for religion.
• - Exempting churches from taxation reduces the public revenue that could be used for other social needs or programs.
• - Exempting churches from taxation creates an unfair advantage for churches over other nonprofits or businesses that have to pay taxes.
• - Exempting churches from taxation enables some churches to abuse their tax privileges by engaging in political lobbying or accumulating wealth.

Bing, 9/4/2023

• (1) Church Taxes | What If We Taxed Churches? | Tax Foundation. https://taxfoundation.org/blog/church-taxes/.
• (2) Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations - Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf.
• (3) Pro and Con: Churches and Taxes | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-churches-and-taxes.
• (4) Should Churches Remain Tax Exempt? 12 Pros and Cons. https://churchesandtaxes.procon.org/.