Amanda Tyler Sheds Light on Christian Nationalism at FUMC Denton
Cynthia and Amanda Tyler
On September 3, our sanctuary was filled with energy and curiosity as 165 people from our church and greater community gathered to hear Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), speak on the pressing topic of Christian Nationalism. Additionally, over 100 participants joined us online, making our first-ever Church and Society Speakers Series event accessible to those who couldn’t be with us in person.
Amanda Tyler delivering her presentation on Christian Nationalism
Amanda Tyler captivated the audience with her deep understanding of constitutional law and her passionate advocacy for faith freedom for all. Her presentation shed light on how this ideology, which seeks to merge religious identity with national identity, threatens religious liberty and pluralism in our country. Amanda's insights were both contextually rich and profoundly relevant, helping us to understand the critical importance of protecting religious freedom in today’s landscape.
The audience responded enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue about the implications of Christian Nationalism for our community and beyond. The discussion made clear just how much this issue impacts all people of faith and all of society.
The community during Q&A
Special thanks go to Deb Hughey, Cynthia Rives, Steve Chenoweth, and many others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success. From arranging hospitality to handling logistics and ensuring a seamless livestream, your contributions were invaluable. We were also grateful for the many friends and volunteers who helped us welcome Amanda Tyler and the broader community to our church.
If you missed the event or want to revisit Amanda Tyler’s compelling insights, a recording of the livestream can be found below. Also, don’t forget that Amanda’s new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, will be published on October 22, 2024, and is available for pre-order now.
Stay tuned for future events in our Church and Society Speakers Series as we continue to explore meaningful topics that deepen our understanding and commitment to faith, justice, and community.