The Wired Word for 10/04/2026  🔗 **Source:** [The Wired Word for 10/04/2026]() > [!note]+ Document Notes > --- > tags: [christian-nationalism, church-and-state, adult-faith-formation, prophetic-tradition, religion-and-politics, survey-research] > author: The Wired Word > source: The Wired Word (Communication Resources), weekly email lesson > reference: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/8ad5c3db330b681a16666141e550d568 > date created: 2026-10-04 > --- > > [!info] Generated analysis — not the author's words. Sections below are machine-written > > from the captured source. Only text inside `> [!quote]` blocks is verbatim from the author. > > Do not quote or attribute any other line to the named author. > ## 🏷️ Title > **"32% of Americans Support Christian Nationalism"** — The Wired Word for the Week of October 4, 2026. A forwarded email lesson from The Wired Word (TWW), a weekly adult Sunday school curriculum published by Communication Resources. About 2,690 words. It pairs a news summary (a PRRI / Johns Hopkins survey on Christian nationalism) with four Scripture passages, five "Big Questions," four discussion prompts, a call to action, and a closing prayer. Framed for World Communion Sunday (October 4). > **What kind of document this is.** A discussion guide, not an argument piece. It's written for a class leader to run a 45–60 minute session. That shapes every assessment below: the bar is "does it equip a mixed room to talk honestly," not "does it prove a thesis." > **Why it lands in this vault.** A congregation-facing curriculum that names Christian nationalism, cites Russell Vought and Pete Hegseth by name, and builds its Scripture section around inclusion (Isaiah 56), temple-trust critique (Jeremiah 7), and a non-coercive kingdom (John 18). That's a direct line into the NAR / dominionism material already in this inbox — the John Cooper, "What is the NAR?" and "Who Made These Men Apostles?" videos — from the mainline side rather than the ex-charismatic side. > ## 🧭 Table of Contents > 1. [References (in-page)](#-references-in-page) > 2. [Summary](#-summary) > 3. [Main Content](#-main-content) → [Notes](#️-notes) > 4. [References](#-references) > 5. [Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) > 6. [Newsletter](#-newsletter) > 7. [Action Items](#-action-items) > 8. [Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) > 9. [Methodology](#-methodology) > 10. [Questions](#-questions) > 11. [Future Research](#-future-research) > 12. [Implications](#-implications) > 13. [Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) > 14. [Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) > 15. [DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) > 16. [Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) > 17. [DARVO Analysis](#️-darvo-analysis) > 18. [Conclusion](#-conclusion) > 19. [Refactor Appendix](#-refactor-appendix) > ## 🔗 References (in-page) > The markup was enumerated before any sourcing claim was made. Every outbound link in this email is wrapped in a SendGrid click-tracker (`u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?...`), so the anchor text, not the URL, identifies the destination. Ten distinct link targets: > 1. **"Opinion: Resistance to Christian Nationalism Could Help Decide Midterms"** — Newsweek (opinion). > 2. **"Opinion: Is There Anything Actually Wrong With 'Christian Nationalism?'"** — Newsweek (opinion). > 3. **"'Christian Nationalism' Obsession by Some on the Left Aims to Marginalize Pro-Life Christians: Radio host"** — Fox News. > 4. **"How Americans Feel About Religion's Influence in Government and Public Life"** — Pew Research Center. > 5. **Isaiah 56:1-8**, **Jeremiah 7:1-15**, **John 18:33-38**, **Acts 9:1-19** — all four share one tracked URL (likely a Bible Gateway or NRSV passage page). > 6. **"asking the courts to change the tax rules so that churches … can publicly endorse political candidates"** — a news link on the DOJ / Johnson Amendment move. > 7. **Stanley Hauerwas quote** — linked to a source page for the "Senators need prayer" line. > 8. **Unsubscribe** — list management. > **What's not linked.** The PRRI / Johns Hopkins survey itself is never linked directly — the lesson reports its numbers (32% overall, 56% of Republicans, 57% of Texans, 56% of Alaskans, 60% of Iowans opposed) through the Newsweek opinion piece. A reader can't check the survey's question wording, sample size, or fielding dates from this email. That's a real gap for a lesson whose headline is a survey percentage. The Brevard Childs quotation also carries no citation (it's likely from Childs' *Isaiah* commentary, Old Testament Library, 2001). > ## 📝 Summary > - **What happened.** A PRRI / Johns Hopkins survey reports that 32% of Americans support Christian nationalism and nearly two-thirds reject it; 56% of Republicans support it; majorities in all but four states reject it. TWW turns that into a lesson on church and state, faith and voting, and World Communion Sunday. > - **Why it matters.** The lesson names sitting officials — OMB Director Russell Vought (a Project 2025 architect) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — as movement figures, and quotes Vought's own definition. It frames the November 2026 midterms as a place where resistance to Christian nationalism "could be an important trend." For a congregation, that's an unusually direct curriculum. > - **Key stakeholders.** Adult education classes in mainline and moderate congregations; class leaders who must run a politically mixed room; candidates named in the piece (James Talarico, Raphael Warnock, Emanuel Cleaver); critics of the term (Kevin McCullough); TWW team members quoted (Frank Ramirez, Bill Tammeus, Mark Rouleau). > - **Risks and tradeoffs.** The news section tilts toward one party's electoral prospects ("Many pollsters now project Democrats to retake the House"), which can read as partisan in a room that includes conservatives. It does give McCullough's objection a full paragraph. The Scripture section is the stronger half: it argues from the texts rather than from polls. > - **Bottom line.** A usable, well-structured lesson whose biblical core (inclusion, just action over sacred-space confidence, a kingdom that doesn't fight) holds up regardless of the survey. Its weakest point is the unlinked survey and the drift from "what does faith require" into "who wins in November." > ## 📖 Main Content > **The news frame.** Christian nationalism is defined as a movement "grounded in the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, and that it should remain that way." The lesson says it "challenges the separation of church and state" and has "gained influence in American politics since the start of the second Trump administration." > **Named leaders.** Russell Vought's own definition is quoted: an "orientation for engaging in the public square that recognizes America as a Christian nation, where our rights and duties are understood to come from God…" Hegseth is described as leading Pentagon prayer sessions and linking military actions to Scripture. > **The numbers.** 32% of Americans support; 56% of Republicans support; majorities reject in all but four states; Iowa (a Trump +13 state) is 60% opposed. Pew adds: 66% want houses of worship out of day-to-day politics; 79% don't want churches endorsing candidates; no growth in belief that God favors the US; a rise from 13% (2024) to 17% in support of declaring Christianity the official religion. > **The counter-view.** Kevin McCullough argues "Christian nationalism" is a term the left uses to "cancel" people who defend "life and family" from faith. The lesson gives this a full paragraph and a direct quote. > **The progressive-faith side.** Warnock and Cleaver as known progressive religious voices; white pastors and a seminarian winning Democratic primaries; James Talarico's definition — Christian nationalism as "the worship of power … in the name of Christ, and … a betrayal of Jesus of Nazareth." Bishop Mariann Budde (2025 National Prayer Service), Rev. William Barber, Jim Wallis. > **The Scripture core.** > - **Isaiah 56:6-7** — the covenant opens to foreigners and eunuchs who keep Sabbath and covenant; "my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." Brevard Childs: this "removes any doubt that God's purpose for his house is directed to all peoples without restriction." > - **Jeremiah 7:11** — the temple sermon. "This is the temple of the Lord" is named as deceptive speech; just Dear Class Members, Johns Hopkins University and the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) have conducted a survey which reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans reject Christian nationalism -- a political ideology that seeks to merge the Christian faith with a country's civic and national identity. In response, this installment of *The Wired Word* will look at the relationship between church and state, and how worldviews affect election results. If you celebrate World Communion Sunday, you might find this to be a useful lesson.  **32% of Americans Support Christian Nationalism** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of October 4, 2026** **In the News** Christian nationalism is a political movement that is grounded in the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, and that it should remain that way. This worldview challenges the separation of church and state, and it has gained influence in American politics since the start of the second Trump administration. Leaders of the movement include Russell Vought, an architect of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025. He is head of the Office of Management and Budget in the Trump administration, and according to *Newsweek* has targeted programs that some see as contrary to Christian values. He defines Christian nationalism as an "orientation for engaging in the public square that recognizes America as a Christian nation, where our rights and duties are understood to come from God and where our primary responsibilities as citizens are for building and preserving the strength, prosperity and health of our own country." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has led Pentagon prayer sessions and linked American military actions to passages from Scripture. A new joint survey from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and Johns Hopkins University finds that nearly two-thirds of Americans reject what they understand of this worldview. While 56% of Republicans support Christian nationalism, this is true of only 32% of Americans overall. Majorities in all but four states reject Christian nationalism, including 57% of Texans and 56% of Alaskans. Even in Iowa, which Trump won in the last election by 13 points, 60% oppose the movement. This could be an important trend in November, when voters go to the polls for the midterm elections. Some Christians object to the use of the term "Christian nationalism." *Fox News* reports that conservative author and radio talk show host Kevin McCullough believes that liberals and progressive Christians are using the term to "cancel" those who use their faith to defend life and family. Said McCullough, "I don't think it's a term that [the] people of God need to embrace ... I see it primarily as a term that the other side is using to leverage animosity against people like me and people that believe like me." According to *Newsweek*, two Black pastors -- Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver -- are well known for their progressive religious messages. This election cycle, a number of white pastors and at least one seminarian have won Democratic primaries, connecting Christian values to progressive policies as they reject the Christian nationalist worldview. The most high-profile contest is the Senate race in Texas, where Democratic state representative and seminarian James Talarico has described Christian nationalism as "the worship of power, social power, economic power, political power in the name of Christ, and ... a betrayal of Jesus of Nazareth." These progressive politicians are not the first leaders to blend faith and politics. Bishop Mariann Budde attempted to influence President Trump at the National Prayer Service in 2025, the Rev. William Barber is known for activism in support of progressive causes, and Jim Wallis of the Sojourners organization has devoted decades to work in support of progressive causes. Although Democratic party leaders have traditionally avoided Christian language out of fear that it would alienate religiously unaffiliated voters, resistance to Christian nationalism may be a tie that binds members of the Democratic coalition together. Many pollsters now project Democrats to retake the House of Representatives, and their odds of gaining control of the Senate are improving. According to a recent survey by the *Pew Research Center*, most American adults want churches and other houses of worship to stay out of day-to-day politics (66%) and not endorse candidates (79%). With regard to issues associated with Christian nationalism, there has been no growth in the percentage of Americans who believe that God favors the United States, or who want the government to stop enforcing separation of church and state. Presumably, these Americans do not want the United States to be controlled by either a Christian government or by the theocratic politics of Islam. However, the Pew survey does reveal that there has been a small increase in the share of adults who say the federal government should declare Christianity the nation's official religion: 17% now say this, up from 13% in 2024. More on this story can be found at these links: [Opinion: Resistance to Christian Nationalism Could Help Decide Midterms.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ-2BJCZxm72EtXDCFit10a9lkEWxgv4fPdnSEcz3Khj5E7OBFfzF8gybsxsSATe3aDA-3D-3DIGw1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwb3DNzbSXs-2F15x4uUsts16XDXxWwIru92ISQaCYk6uLXA-2Bi7HaR0Ko6-2Fie1aFINjpKDXA9ttTIuSrKlpoXfd-2Fvw7tbPQrV0-2BoX-2FcCZYMkmDf5rR4PYOKvu2Ob72YSpRwggmJSyF36TiW6Ur9BfGek2syNqGPbdNLQ2YMRSkK-2FaMcj0-2FP4lYx-2BbPIU-2FEh64BVOkV1u8-2FYRMA90unZuipSSgE-3D) [*Newsweek*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ-2BJCZxm72EtXDCFit10a9lkEWxgv4fPdnSEcz3Khj5E7OBFfzF8gybsxsSATe3aDA-3D-3DRfI4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwYtaVi4nwt4I3Vb3598TaT-2Bop5ocLsLNPpHR5tBMLnibEhdA7LSvZfBtdAP3aZpA-2BpqXJcA2SP4dlIoas08yc3kTc6smAwaxKecKZjq5ZVGFGcsuuo-2BPECi-2Fr9DLMtF8bZGs3iS-2BxMS6HGxJSnwqNJhP9r35KWbndJZHP-2BIvRrBvGXYc7d4xx3sVVd0QioP2xl32LadBXxAHfQar-2FoKLaUw-3D) [Opinion: Is There Anything Actually Wrong With 'Christian Nationalism?'](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG1abcbQFX3gwVu-2FGcQ0KP4SdjcdLdkd2mjkuSIk8A-2BwGlX2IvCV9khv6FDv-2BseFCWSNxThOpCxDxkwmErLJJsGZuksvg3ysdYi-2BvUfDKEO52Lh4CVcexaoqYINuC3i3og-3D-3DoZUa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwW96sLSWJ2TBiYnpyFJB5Ni4657ne9YK9By-2BIvDLXYgmpA6Y457sKu1bOmZWwLLJqElUAyprWeoTJlnuPq8UdsX8VoMBLK3SrijiYV3h2Ikh1dSSsSG8r348E9j4iobS4UUFGlLF054siabpX4-2FjqZkGhpLv0kCrvsMbVT11Slpaek5LESfkEuNns4SedJ6YFzLOxEG8PfrEGNsTSWLwuiE-3D) [*Newsweek*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPG1abcbQFX3gwVu-2FGcQ0KP4SdjcdLdkd2mjkuSIk8A-2BwGlX2IvCV9khv6FDv-2BseFCWSNxThOpCxDxkwmErLJJsGZuksvg3ysdYi-2BvUfDKEO52Lh4CVcexaoqYINuC3i3og-3D-3DZFV1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwd35VzCJqrv7m-2B8W7pI1Ac1no9M1QOzbsQUDXVkP96py0x4MWQ0LKdNtyeeuinngr4CsNVckvebxXL51gJ-2B8AyoKvfrhs7X5Vk0vBie6TudqyQ2vL-2FVuiJhJz6XKc2kQ5BtuPjdlUiQIjlaACoju4kpCus8QXfDYrCZdwz-2Fd7zwJnM3nADp591qfCL1fvd92UdwfoFATULIWS4VMSg3jaSA-3D) ['Christian Nationalism' Obsession by Some on the Left Aims to Marginalize Pro-Life Christians: Radio host.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF5A7x3OajTQxjd06y7zSPgf9DmavCvYKBWmuRIfJiF48f8yXrx0XqS30cUBBU-2B8B9Rqi1jGzHby0oO86mlhdtzeLiR1u0T6iUG2EtR7PW5bTsd2PWBSjX58dSCbA1LOMg-3DohBj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwSJ49nLodD7IfnKFbHlGD3CyYbu7IRzLRqzRusmW6Q-2FDSSmbivZwGOwo3s2zNe54b33IemhAPdPf3v8td5efzF1-2FN0CbikgjI8CJhEWSHr1jRD5JBzb3I2Qt0jUxnxTmsmsxIKLbs52693Tajm3NaMS9-2Fg3dSemChCPFfYlzcEcBwWOYWZ8-2BbxE-2BOYJlhDDAVeMnkf58IwSxoecBccHErT0-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF5A7x3OajTQxjd06y7zSPgf9DmavCvYKBWmuRIfJiF48f8yXrx0XqS30cUBBU-2B8B9Rqi1jGzHby0oO86mlhdtzeLiR1u0T6iUG2EtR7PW5bTsd2PWBSjX58dSCbA1LOMg-3Die1g_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFweh3VgPS5Q3HTg5115JmFq85qKG18m5-2FE3HtO3VXfcqK-2B4Bcg6FAdM8CyKQYSLu58Pug-2BIKQpk81dKZxHTIJoQzPjVES5Ymqwu6bfsCCVPbR61jas5ipslpZ5jXC4MzCP9DBK-2BOYYwuW9RDSO7mnSRyN-2Fr6XnrtZEdPNA3S0mICA6NdsiA8SuXLUL-2FjyVOTXVAE4LgOmMl5F-2B4Kcontaldo-3D) [How Americans Feel About Religion's Influence in Government and Public Life.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCfhlFgA3XkLL-2FQ1xTwG0fgwZ3rA2u3M2-2FqqXVc5WlyN6FxkBnz9-2FJubA2ECV4lgVq7R-2BxYHpv0rSyHgCifMGttllo3L8DY49C8y1msHKcsOolsROzZC0FWc-2FKpjRN1d37EPtvOYphyn-2Fz-2FtANlTBxTr95WTCqiRsRj5jfMjYDO5ylTs_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwQ1LteuJVziDOF1RK4HE5qF5pyj4Hdgb6D0Z0oAi9T-2Bcu1uho4dY-2FypgVo8gT-2BYeSn9aJ-2FW3kcnokkcLR57j3WapRSmG9IXGCQtKXGcWTPvzCLzrooMOJ9F726YL-2BV-2BHclepY-2Bv1DTwYlPKIFaibRvkKOUkoet45zqrh7qGiwX6FpVhD7hkW0ygUdkFON7VyYkp1c2nKOrpYDtvzU19-2B70Y-3D) [*Pew Research Center*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCfhlFgA3XkLL-2FQ1xTwG0fgwZ3rA2u3M2-2FqqXVc5WlyN6FxkBnz9-2FJubA2ECV4lgVq7R-2BxYHpv0rSyHgCifMGttllo3L8DY49C8y1msHKcsOolsROzZC0FWc-2FKpjRN1d37EPtvOYphyn-2Fz-2FtANlTBxTr95WTCqiRsRj5jfMjYDO595cx_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwYo3PehqhykGeBr5L5xncxxVtnAj0As5QruH9PGFRSvV2voXeZzwezcITO549Mx2iplCTiy6andwFiOu3kMlVvIispRAcV-2FcvoGJv824C8GuCpwWg4zv-2FINCWuhHszYzN0GsJHWh0CDButgz70InmLGBD2TuCGiPkgkixrmZQBMojYpwavSbTntUloD7LfySYThXjotAsyUY77ZZT2zs10E-3D) **Applying the News Story** Discuss the worldview labeled "Christian nationalism," and connect it to the larger issues of separation of church and state, faith and politics, and how faith might impact your vote in November. If your church celebrates World Communion Sunday on October 4, consider the relationship between worldwide Christianity and any kind of nationalism. **The Big Questions** 1. Where do you see evidence of Christian nationalism in American life, if anywhere? What is your reaction to the term itself, and whether it is accurate or not? 2. What is your belief about the separation of church and state? When should the two influence each other, if at all? What are the teachings of your church about this topic? 3. When candidates or politicians speak about their faith, how do you respond? What do you consider to be appropriate, if anything, and why? 4. How does the religious worldview of a candidate influence your vote, if at all? 5. Where do you see danger in a religion -- Christianity or another faith -- having an impact on government policy? Where might there be danger in government policy having an impact on religion, whether Christianity or another faith? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Isaiah 56:6-7***And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it and hold fast my covenant -- these I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.* (For context, read [Isaiah 56:1-8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8fPDsj5S5hW7hBewUShLx3MTqQ9rQK1wFCmT7KQ3hfHUiOkUe7jZSqvG-2BxD6ywrYyxcm_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwTKO1VINm10GLYfiTeDhEj98IELHFencYUwN1emh1VIlAc5Fc0Y9T-2Bkv-2BoCpy1Q6H2KpQpNblJfgSuUygEtULZVHcr-2FuGEia1jlH7zwOHVCd2506OWuDdv89wsNmzRfmDoOPHAvLVDM3Wb3cFoU5UPznw6LGnr4fQAA5s-2BK62hNLVS1EM3zkJrPRZBu9RX7HuLmZQRZ34gE9re0lyy2Qvp4-3D).) The prophet Isaiah speaks, in chapter 56, of God's covenant being extended, for the first time, beyond the people of Israel. "Happy is the mortal who does this," says Isaiah, "who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and refrains from doing any evil" (v. 2). *Any* mortal who keeps the Sabbath and refrains from evil can now be part of God's covenant community, including the previously excluded eunuchs and foreigners. Isaiah is offering a new vision of community, one in which all people who honor the Lord in their actions are to be included. Speaking through Isaiah, God says, "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths" (v. 4) and "the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, … these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer.” That’s remarkable, isn’t it? Previously excluded people are now included, because they honor God in their actions and relationships. They are accepted because God wants to be worshiped in "a house of prayer for all peoples." Old Testament scholar Brevard Childs says that this verse "removes any doubt that God’s purpose for his house is directed to all peoples without restriction." God’s house is now open to *everyone* who keeps the Sabbath and the covenant. > **Questions:** What does it mean to you to welcome and include all people in your community of faith, including foreigners? Where is there value in focusing on God's house of prayer, instead of on the nations of the world? If your church celebrates World Communion Sunday, how is your perspective influenced by this annual observance? **Jeremiah 7:11***Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight? I, too, am watching, says the LORD.* (For context, read [Jeremiah 7:1-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxJvgik996U85rhX2pdLmiuwTYsc42fFs9ER30sHFux8TMsRhWtAFBlbSc7l8ebes4UBfT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwcFtYZJW5IfGwhLmhKVKNmc1pAAEN2w6HMgxGHCX7mP-2F8A1NC34brtfLaYEmqoz-2FLs99ExIuJFpIVnHdd-2BJwR3-2FjIgfIFu1i4GWQEdqoomaySzdi-2BisqCu-2BEEu3VsJ9LiBOLoObBH0IF-2FR-2F0093o6tYj-2Fk0ALYsXFlb7VKVPHEqhOgf3n78cY-2FezxzNFJqcoa2UvMZeq19-2BZpRzbxM50iu0-3D).) Jeremiah is told by God to stand in the gate of the temple and rebuke the people of Judah. He warns the people about the danger of feeling safe because they are the people of God in the house of God. He says that they should not trust deceptive words such as, "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD" (v. 4). Instead of putting their faith in the nation of Judah and its temple, they are challenged to amend their ways and their doings. If "you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt" then I will "dwell with you," God promises (v. 6-7). For Jeremiah, just actions are more important than religious rites, sacred spaces and national identity. He admonishes the people for their theft, murder, adultery, false testimony and worship of other gods, and he links these violations to political instability. Speaking for God, the prophet asks if his temple has become "a den of robbers" -- words quoted by Jesus in his rebuke of the religious leaders of his day (Mark 11:17). If the people persist in saying "We are safe!" (v. 10) while doing abominations, then God will cast them out of his sight. > **Questions:** Why are just actions more important than rites, buildings and national identity? What are some violations of God’s laws in the United States that should be addressed by the government, or by individual citizens, or by neither or both? **John 18:36***Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here."* (For context, read [John 18:33-38](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxeGGNcxID7e5X1uM1maCHPWdaDNe-2BxVX2H1gLKy8P8F-2FW92DKWEncJgmHD5Tq04HWxUX_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwXf-2B9VF8DVSKovwS4zKQxUgLhziQZ0gxvc5K1ZSGkY4W6OAe4pmQua0G91p4AqXkRKyDk-2FIcoOPf2OVQFUlrvryqJ1Z0PERn8f6L1K8MEESVkwzSz-2BstbJGm0NQjxcBS7Ln5C0jnUWeHMgeCxcwDe3DaH6y0CnqP6juAyhU7NfKuH9m4KEJLvEWbQcczyE-2FqeGmZejepDC4La8jTbYOc0I8-3D).) Jesus has been brought to Pilate because only the Roman Empire can perform an execution. The Jewish priests want Jesus to die, but they don't have the authority to kill him. The governor asks Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (v. 33). Pilate believes that a Jewish king would be a threat to Roman authority. Jesus says, “My kingdom does not belong to this world" -- it does not look anything like the kingdom of Judea or the Roman Empire. If it did, "my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate hears part of what Jesus is saying, the part about his kingdom. “So you are a king?” he asks him (v. 37). "You say that I am a king," replies Jesus. "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice" (v. 37). Instead of doing the royal work of leading armies, collecting taxes, and punishing criminals, Jesus says that his mission is to "testify to the truth." His followers are all those who belong to the truth and listen to his voice. Jesus has not come to take the world by force. Instead, he has come to invite people to enter into a relationship with him, by listening to his voice and belonging to the truth. > **Questions:** What does it mean to listen to the voice of Jesus and belong to the truth? How is the kingdom of Jesus different from all of the countries of the world? **Acts 9:1-2***Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priestand asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.* (For context, read [Acts 9:1-19](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx21kdYYFzgBXVVtC0pvviSTg7AV3JlLM2s8eqzC40wX9AZ4z3qnyRjRrMUW-2FI4f8SFJow_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwbcQk2pC5mKjPQJpYndkvh1gcz7S5Rok-2FqzTVt3M4DEB643y5yQPHaZNLTsQVbX-2FY-2F8pJyjS-2BJ4JJcl5YS-2BHUPmzhBB4jKr1SjapJPIY9FdeMcwgQ3z6E-2BkGXVtxGj0Ncz5PzUJTFcfTDdwVdzZ2tQ0tMDncQLtbG6FXVsfccLHTnfL0FZWq11xJgt9mLJaevcs6E58Yix7deaTK4GMNDNw-3D).) "One can say that Paul [Saul] was a nationalist in that his interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures included the use of violence," says TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez. "He consented to the death of Stephen, and talks about his breathing threats and violence." After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was cared for by a disciple named Ananias, who knew that Saul had "authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke" the name of Jesus (v. 14). But Jesus told Ananias that Saul was "an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel" (v. 15). Saul became a powerful leader who contended with words instead of violence. "Rather than defining the faith in strictly racial terms," concludes Ramirez, "he widened the definition of God’s people in terms of inclusion." > **Questions:** What kind of instrument does Jesus want us to be? Why are words more powerful than violence? How do words change people in the life of the church? **For Further Discussion** 1. The United States Department of Justice is [asking the courts to change the tax rules so that churches and other religious organizations can publicly endorse political candidates](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzY-2FBKO2Atdp2EC9isi0Y-2FNP8RWTSIkNonNprM8ZCuln-2FLGr4xyZwK8hJ-2FyC3l8byVmiJsRgLStaZFgvTURTDQvO-2BL-2F41-2Fu1mn1F0-2FpuxYObAxY18Hpwy6oPHchjbCask-2FU-3DSYO7_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwUL-2FMGRXrKlCT-2FjZZ6vBYmtkuFuKg-2B5v8KoIapwF9CVaqG5NozUEswknuS6MTk0gzJgUK5Pnsd7O005FZO9yghT3UMrVBsCi3wTobqwfA4VqPGBhotd1-2F-2Bpfr2Zft9sUOXWW2vanzDccKbjchkIN99PEIjRwlaj-2BA5uZuafjgpqRQkNoZRztULJYwT0EiovhgF58V4RN29C17LF6FhukrmM-3D). What is the value of this request, if any? Would the endorsement of political candidates be done in your church? Why or why not? 2. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus says that Christian nationalism and "civil religion" can lead to the adoption of the idea called "Manifest Destiny," which refers to "the God-given right to conquer what became the American West in a colonial, imperialistic way, resulting in the cultural and physical genocide of Indigenous people across this land." What is the danger, if any, of Christian nationalism and "civil religion"? Where do you see more faithful alternatives? 3. "Physical bloodlines are clearly old covenant legalistic stuff," writes TWW Team Member Mark Rouleau. "Grace is extended to all believers regardless of nation, tribe, people and language groups." Why should our focus, as Christians, be on grace instead of on law? Upon both, depending on context? What is it about Christ's grace that goes beyond the boundaries of nation, tribe and language groups? Where do you find this focus in your community of faith? 4. Jesus never showed much interest in the kingdoms of this world, and the separation of church and state has always been better for the church than for the state. "Senators need prayer," [said Stanley Hauerwas, former professor of theological ethics at Duke Divinity School](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJkwh61TCISox33k9OL-2Ft3NvRWp-2B-2F2-2B1abkxtgM9-2BemTHiaY_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92Ymd8RT7KZFaotAmZVuMtwS5eCiwWxcsXMADNH7T2a6Y33nN036cNSz8YcQCT-2FJ8JFwQKzIugglzqLTtw3estxYQ9GQLC9lXkx28J2QpIIj8jLW0-2BL5vlEZ-2Fu01zthnmRa2Zv1VY0gMXwos4wcyCPIv0xlAbaY3c7UV4jXvclW0sUIAV0IZXyr63RVDN6EMM-2BICANUtCktp60E6jvhQVEmuQdSGyXz-2FJlTPMpg19N0OU7NSEpocE1tRKAjwWKFYa3Zack6LVYFNd8CCZy5-2BYXl-2FRg-3D), "but government ought not pay for it." How has the separation of church and state been good for the church? How should our tax dollars pay for religious activities in government, if at all? **Responding to the News** Remain alert to news of Christian nationalism, and to which definition is being used in the news. Think critically about candidates and politicians that speak of faith and government. Let your beliefs about the separation of church and state, and about the role of faith in politics, be factors in how you decide to vote in November. **Prayer** Thank you, Jesus, for offering us a kingdom that is not from this world. May we focus on just actions, on welcoming all of God's children into our houses of prayer, and on spreading your grace beyond the boundaries of nation and political party. Amen. ****Copyright 2026 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=d2Uh8YAUCXwck6klLU9q_Kz_GU0sOF4-UFNDfY5NXjFoMDAwdTAwMOrq7UgDi5lP4183FAuUq4rsnHadZx0tApzh3mfBUlNVxoo64PQ1gaDM4x_FcnVXFdoIWqX_eCGgIbAT3lYGW5Z44SEOJDQ_jlgwpMLTnnPw8E4lo9zlnBV-rDCgJ6lj_zXnvXS1DaQZ6_KIbykrjuszK3YJuIRW1qVleC54GWlugHUuqKSsfnYCz49Qb_eufv1Swql57SOFcCBIei4uPjrh7nyv9O0QoWGI5G0TerSykYDCVSpeTHuqivGChUqKrmyj0UDzbLxove9D1YPtxKApc7KRAFv9PYlDwaKQS48qDAwYfDY8yK-u2g1C2yTy5pyAw3OZTsy3mpywbVY2R8zOwtozHPihVuI4usfe4oIxQ_wK7VJJ2Bt23EItV1VLkNIXASrtREWIYlKqea4xdUAApcdv-bh-oke6rH75_3GyjAiFlbtQ_xv2nym2aVlTFr11AIrkp_YlNKoFbu1r-4Wypcd5iIPKymumTEvYIfak7vCJJYGreyzY2Lh_nLDC5pe1Wd6VPYLo8KQmAZRn8MqE3OkL-bUQ1G0nzJBE8Ti4koL--50x3tDl6D77-lAm1iyLpQt99nS9xCcTM0yg1qU=), The Wired Word for 10/04/2026, The Wired Word, 01m3w343mgp5jm3pqkx0xg8t5g.