CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM AND THE CULTURE WARS

SUMMIT, New Jersey, (October 16, 2006) –   Michelle Goldberg, senior political reporter for the online magazine Salon, and author of  Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, will speak at Christ Church in Summit, on Sunday, October 29th, from 10:45 to noon, in Barnwell auditorium.  Rev. Charles Rush, senior pastor at Christ Church, will preach on “Democracy or Theocracy?” during morning worship, which begins at 9:15 in the sanctuary. 

 

Rev. Rush is the host of the TV series “The Devil’s Advocate,” which airs weekly on Channel 36: Mon at 8:00 PM, Wed at 9:00 PM, Thu at 11:00 PM, Fri at 8:30 PM, and Sat at 7:30 PM & 10:30 PM.  Rush comments, “The leaders of the Moral Majority are actively organizing to Christianize America. Even as a Protestant minister, I wouldn't want to live in the society they would establish. In the world we live in, it is vital that every faith promote understanding and tolerance rather than sectarian exclusivity.” 

 

Michelle Goldberg traveled America’s heartland, interviewing a wide assortment of grassroots organizers in the Christian Right.  She has formed a strong point of view on the motivations and agendas of this growing religious and political force that keeps the Left Behind series of books at first place on the best-seller list.  She documents a culture that, in her view, teaches revisionist history and creationist science, and is united by homophobia and a demonization of secularism.  She explores connections between our foundations of democracy and the idea of dominionism — the  doctrine that Christians have the right to rule nonbelievers.  All are invited to come and listen, and to discuss these ideas at this free event, which is open to the community.  Please contact the church at 908-273-5549 for additional information.   

 

Christ Church (www.ChristChurchSummit.org) is an interdenominational, and open and affirming, congregation that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches.  Located at 561 Springfield Avenue, the Christ Church faith community is engaged in numerous activities, including community service, adult education, children's and youth activities, Bible study, regional and global outreach and cultural events.  All are welcome at the Church’s 9:30 family service (with Sunday school) or 11:15 jazz service, both taking place each Sunday morning.

 

WHAT:            Michelle  Goldberg, speaking on the rise of Christian Nationalism

 

WHERE:            Christ Church, Barnwell Hall, 561 Springfield Avenue, Summit, New Jersey.

 

WHEN:            Sunday, October 29, 2006 from 10:45 am to 12:00 noon.