Humanism vs. Christian Nationalism: Who Really Stands for Love?

Growing Up in the Bible Belt—Where You’re Either Religious or “Lost”

If you grew up in Oklahoma like I did, you know there’s not much room for middle ground when it comes to religion. You’re either a believer, or you’re lost.

And if you’re not religious, you’re assumed to be immoral—or worse, an enemy.

I’ve lived this. I’ve had people assume that stepping away from church meant stepping away from goodness.

I’ve had people look at me like I needed saving, like my lack of belief automatically made me selfish, angry, or rebellious.

But here’s the thing—I never walked away from kindness.

I never stopped believing in helping others, in taking care of my neighbors, in doing what’s right.

And I’m not alone.

There are millions of us—people who lead with love, who show up for their communities, who care for their neighbors—not because they fear hell or seek heaven, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Some of us are Humanists. Some of us are atheists.

Some of us are Christians who believe that love should never be conditional.

So why does it feel like morality is being hijacked?

The Fear That’s Twisting Faith Into Power

Church attendance is declining.

People are leaving organized religion because they’ve realized they don’t need faith to be good people.

And instead of embracing love, some religious groups have reacted with fear.

Fear that they are losing control.

Fear that society no longer revolves around their rules.

Fear that people are realizing morality isn’t dictated by a church—it’s a choice we all make every day.

And Christian Nationalism thrives on that fear.

It tells believers they are under attack. That they must take control.

That faith must be enforced by law. That kindness is weakness and power is strength.

Instead of using faith to inspire goodness, they use it to justify control.

This is not Christianity.

This is not Humanism.

This is a political power grab disguised as faith.

And the proof is right in front of us.

What Love Actually Looks Like: The Reality vs. The Power Grab

📌 What Christianity Teaches About Love
"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
— Proverbs 14:31 (NIV)

Real Christianity is about love. About charity, compassion, and lifting up those in need.

Not about forcing religious beliefs into law.

📌 What Humanism Teaches About Love
"We are all bound together, interdependent. The ethical way to live is to care for others, not out of fear of punishment or hope of reward, but simply because it is the right thing to do."
— Kurt Vonnegut

Humanists don’t need faith to be good—we choose kindness because it’s the right thing to do.

The same principle that drives real Christianity also drives Humanism. This is where we stand together.

📌 What Christian Nationalism is Really About
"The government should be run by Christians who uphold biblical values, and those who oppose that are enemies of the nation."
— Lauren Boebert

Christian Nationalists aren’t fighting for love, charity, or kindness. They’re fighting for power.

They believe anyone who doesn’t align with their version of faith is an enemy.

Who’s Really Standing for Love?

This isn’t a battle between Christians and non-Christians.

This is a battle between those who lead with love and those who seek power in faith’s name.

✔️ Traditional Christians – If you believe in love thy neighbor, now is the time to prove it.
✔️ Closeted Humanists – You’ve been living by these values already. You’re not alone.
✔️ Anyone who believes in compassion over control – Speak up before they redefine what "Christianity" even means.

🔥 Final Thought:

Christian Nationalism is not faith—it’s fear in disguise. And it’s time we stop letting fear define who we are.

Stay curious. Stay human. And always, be kind.

What’s Coming Next in This Series:

✅ Part 2: Taking Action – How We Push Back Against Christian Nationalism
👉 How do we reclaim love, charity, and kindness in public life?
👉 How do we shift the narrative and challenge Christian Nationalism where it thrives?
👉 How do we ensure that faith and morality are not just tools for control?

✅ Part 3: A Message of Hope – Why Love Will Win
👉 This isn’t just about fighting back—it’s about building something better.
👉 Love, kindness, and community have outlasted fear before, and they will again.
👉 Here’s why we can still be hopeful—and why we can still win.

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