Jim Wallis Fights White Christian Nationalism in ‘The False White Gospel’

The article discusses Jim Wallis, who was once an anti-establishment student activist but later became a prominent advocate for social justice within evangelical Christianity. In his latest book “The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy,” he compares six iconic Bible passages to the beliefs of white Christian nationalists and concludes that they also have a version of the Bible with many verses about poverty, oppression, and justice removed. Wallis warns against the dangers of this ideology, which combines sexism, racism, and hostility towards non-white immigrants in an attempt to create a white Christian America. He believes it is idolatry that requires believers to replace God’s vision for all people with one focused solely on whites. Wallis argues that compassion should be shown to immigrants at the southern border but also highlights concerns about secure borders and the need to distinguish between those who must be defeated versus persuaded when combatting this ideology. He explains how change has traditionally come from countercultural minorities, not majorities, with examples including Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights movement. Wallis believes that some people should be defeated at the ballot box while others can still be convinced through dialogue and action to reveal what’s true about issues such as white supremacy and minority rule.