by Rev. Iyalosha Latishia James Rev. Lyndsey Godwin | Jan 6, 2026 |
This OpEd was originally published in Good Faith Media
January 6th forces American Christians to confront two starkly different stories. One is now five years old: the mobbing of the U.S. Capitol by Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and other right-wing groups in an attempted coup—many carrying crosses, chanting prayers, and claiming God’s approval for their violence. The other is ancient: the Epiphany, when three wise leaders from afar refused to serve a tyrannical ruler and instead protected a vulnerable family fleeing persecution.
As we continue to witness the rise of authoritarianism, the assault on reproductive rights, and attacks on families, the collision of these stories exposes a truth that demands our attention: White Christian Nationalism is distorting the gospel into a tool of empire, using fear and domination to consolidate power.
