---

---

Introduction
Let me ask you something: What comes to mind when you think of Jesus Christ? For many, it’s his teachings on love, compassion, and justice—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and welcoming the outcast. But here’s the problem: some Christians, particularly those on the radical right, have taken this message and twisted it into something entirely different. They use Jesus’ name to justify exclusion, nationalism, and even authoritarianism. This isn’t just a theological issue; it’s a societal one, with real consequences for how we treat each other. Today, I want to show you how this distortion happens, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

---

1. Defining “Radical Right Christians”
First, let’s clarify who we’re talking about. When I say “radical right Christians,” I don’t mean all politically conservative Christians. Many Christians hold traditional beliefs without using them to harm others. Radical right Christians, however, take things further. They often blend their faith with extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and exclusionary practices. Think of groups or leaders who claim God favors one nation over others, or who use scripture to justify policies that marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, or other minority groups. This isn’t just conservatism; it’s an ideological extremism that distorts the core of Christianity.

---

2. Historical Context: Manipulation of Christian Doctrine
This isn’t a new problem. Throughout history, people have used Christianity to justify their own agendas. Take the Crusades, for example. Leaders claimed they were fighting for Christ, but their actions—massacres, conquests, and exploitation—were anything but Christlike. Or consider how slaveholders in the American South used the Bible to defend slavery, cherry-picking verses to justify their cruelty. These examples show how easily faith can be weaponized when power is at stake. Today’s radical right Christians are following a similar playbook, using selective interpretations of scripture to push their agendas.

---

3. Theological Analysis: Jesus and Power
Now, let’s look at what Jesus actually taught. He consistently rejected power and privilege. When tempted with worldly power, he turned it down (Matthew 4:8-10). He told his followers that true greatness comes from serving others, not dominating them (Mark 10:42-45). And yet, radical right Christians often align themselves with authoritarian leaders and systems of control. They’ve created a “warrior Christ” image that’s more about winning cultural battles than following the humble, suffering servant who washed his disciples’ feet. This isn’t just a theological misstep; it’s a betrayal of Jesus’ entire message.

---

4. The Role of Media and Political Alliances
Here’s where things get even more complicated. Media and political alliances have amplified these distortions. Televangelists and social media influencers frame political issues as moral battles, claiming that supporting certain candidates or policies is a matter of faith. Political lobbying groups, like the Moral Majority, have turned Christianity into a voting bloc, prioritizing power over compassion. And when political leaders use religious language to justify exclusionary policies—like separating families at the border—it reinforces the idea that this is what Christianity stands for. But is it really?

---

5. Ethical Implications and Societal Impact
The consequences of this distortion are profound. Politically, it fuels polarization and erodes trust in democratic institutions. Socially, it harms marginalized communities—LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, racial minorities—who are told they don’t belong. And spiritually, it drives people away from Christianity altogether. Younger generations, in particular, are leaving the church in droves, often citing hypocrisy and exclusion as their reasons. When Christianity becomes synonymous with judgment and power, it loses its ability to be a force for good in the world.

---

6. Counterarguments and Alternative Perspectives
Now, you might be thinking, “But aren’t these Christians just trying to defend biblical morality?” It’s a fair question, but here’s the thing: morality in the Bible is deeply rooted in love and justice. When radical right Christians focus on a handful of verses to justify exclusion or control, they’re missing the bigger picture. And it’s worth noting that not all Christians agree with this approach. Progressive Christians, for example, emphasize social justice, inclusivity, and care for the marginalized—values that align much more closely with Jesus’ teachings. The diversity within Christianity is a reminder that faith doesn’t have to be weaponized; it can be a source of healing and hope.

---

7. Conclusion: A Call to Action
So, where do we go from here? If we want to reclaim the message of Jesus, we need to take action. First, we must critically engage with scripture, rejecting simplistic or harmful interpretations. Second, we need to promote dialogue—between different Christian traditions, between faiths, and between cultures. And finally, we must advocate for policies that reflect Jesus’ teachings on compassion and justice. Imagine a Christianity that stands with the marginalized, challenges systems of oppression, and embodies the love of Christ in every action. That’s the Christianity the world needs—and it’s the Christianity we can build, if we’re willing to try.

---

References

• The Holy Bible, New International Version.
• Butler, J. (2020). White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America. University of North Carolina Press.
• Gushee, D. P. (2008). The Future of Faith in American Politics: The Public Witness of the Evangelical Center. Baylor University Press.
• Keller, T. (2018). The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy. Viking.
• Bonhoeffer, D. (1937). The Cost of Discipleship.
• Pew Research Center. (2021). “The Religious Typology: A New Way to Categorize Americans by Religion.”

---