Kwanzaa Principle of Imani (Faith)

The Imani principle calls for us to believe in ourselves and our capacity to bring about a better society and a better world. On the 7th Day of Kwanzaa, Imani Day, we give thanks and remembrance to family, friends, and historical figures who have contributed to their lives and the betterment of America. This day we remember the faith that our family members and ancestors had to bring us to this point.

In this episode Anita, Mavis, and Gail continue their Community Conversation. They examine Christian Nationalism through the lens of the Kwanzaa Principle, Imani (Faith). Join in as they take a deep dive into the ideology of Christian Nationalism, those engaged in active opposition, and The (Unholy) Slave Bible published by missionaries in 1807.

Points of Reflection:

• Christian Nationalism differs from nationalism, patriotism, and Christianity.

• Clergy opposition to Christian Nationalism

• The (Unholy) Slave Bible produced by missionaries in 1807 for the use of enslaved Africans.

“Let nobody give you the impression that the problem of racial injustice will work itself out. Let nobody give you the impression that only time will solve the problem. That is a myth, and it is a myth because time is neutral.” — Jim Wallis (America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America)

Episode giveaways:

• What Is Christian Nationalism? An explainer on how the belief differs from other forms of nationalism, patriotism, and Christianity. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/february-web-only/what-is-christian-nationalism.html
• At Yale, Christian pastors sign a declaration opposing religious nationalism. https://religionnews.com/2024/04/09/at-yale-a-group-of-christian-pastors-sign-a-declaration-opposing-religious-nationalism/
• How one evangelical leader uses the Bible to expose the ‘False White Gospel’ https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/28/us/evangelical-christianity-false-white-gospel-wallis-cec
• Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkmQRBnxtZ8 "The current day assault on democracy began with the White Supremacy Movement in the 1960's as part of a shrewd, calculated, and well executed plan that became cloaked as a religious movement.”
• The Slave Bible Exhibit at the Museum of the Bible (Nov 2018 - Sept 2019) Artifact in-focus exhibit https://www.museumofthebible.org/exhibits/slave-bible
• What Does the Bible Say About Racism? https://www.faithward.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-racism/ “Racism has deformed us, as persons, as communities, as families,” says Rev. Dr. Pedro Agudelo. “And racism isolates us from each other, separates us, and we are designed by God to complement each other.”
• What if personal transformation was a part of Jesus’ journey as a human being? https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-transformation.html “In the Bible transformation means “change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God” (Romans 12:2). This is accomplished by the renewing of our minds, an inward spiritual transformation that will manifest itself in outward actions.”