Exploring Faith, Country, and Christian Identity
Our four-week course, "Let's Talk About Christian Nationalism", presented by The Foundry at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, wraps up this Tuesday evening, June 30th. Throughout the series, participants have engaged in important and challenging questions about faith, citizenship, and what it means to follow Christ in a divided world. One of the things First Presbyterian values is creating classes and learning opportunities where Christians can come together from different perspectives, engage thoughtfully, and know that there is a place for everyone at the table.
Following the first session, I spoke with First Presbyterian member Colleen Shannon about her experience. While the material was dense and thought-provoking, Colleen said the class left her wanting to learn more. As participants wrestled with historical, theological, and cultural questions, she found herself reflecting on a conviction that has long shaped her faith: that Christians belong to a faith community that extends far beyond national borders.
"Our identity in Christ is global," Colleen reflected. “We are no different than our friends in Congo, Ukraine, or Korea. We are all equal, children of God and followers of Christ.”
The class invited participants to consider how the gospel calls Christians to recognize the dignity of every person and to remember that God's love extends beyond the boundaries we often create for ourselves. Colleen noted that Christians are called to care deeply about their communities and participate in public life while keeping their faith in Christ at the center of how they engage with the world. The class has explored how Christians throughout history have wrestled with the relationship between faith, nation, and public life, and invited participants to reflect on those questions in our own context. She reflected that as followers of Christ, we are called to remember that God's love and concern extend to all people, not just those who think, vote, worship, or live as we do.
The class may not provide simple answers, but it is creating space for thoughtful reflection, faithful dialogue, and a deeper understanding of what it means to place Christ above every other identity. If you missed the first session, handouts from the class are available, and we invite you to join us as the conversation wraps up this Tuesday at 6:30 in the James Park room.
Contact Meredith Loftis at meredith@fpcknox.org for more information.