Lunch & Presentation: The Landscape of The White Church & The American Nation
Fellowship Lecture Special Event
Uncomfortable with the idea of politics in the church? The reality is, they’re already intertwined—and they always have been.
Join us for a thoughtful community conversation exploring how Christianity and American exceptionalism have shaped a distinct White Christian expression that continues to influence spiritual life, civic engagement, and definitions of community across the United States.
Our learning begins with a potluck lunch and panel presentation on Sunday, May 17 at 12 PM in Linder Hall. You’re invited to bring a dish to share, such as an appetizer, salad, main dish, or dessert.
Have a story or question about this topic? We’d love to hear from you. You can submit it anonymously through our website.
About the Event
We’re thrilled to be joined by three expert panelists:
Dr. Karl Martin, Ph.D., an Emeritus Professor of American Literature at Point Loma Nazarene University where he taught for 27 years. His expertise includes American literature and culture, African American literature, and the intersection of faith and social thought. He says: "I am both a disciple of Jesus Christ and a citizen of the United States, but, clearly, my discipleship to Jesus is my highest priority. So I want to live out my role as a citizen in ways that do not compromise my discipleship. In order to do that, I find that I need to think carefully about what is asked of me as a citizen."
John Fanestil, author of AMERICAN HERESY: The Roots & Reach of White Christian Nationalism (Fortress Press, 2023) and Executive Director of Friends of International Friendship. An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Fanestil served as Pastor of Discipleship here at First UMC San Diego from 2015-2019. He argues: "a particular brand of English Protestant religiosity inspired the leading lights of the American Revolution, to embrace noble values of which we, as Americans, are rightly proud – values like order, destiny, progress, innovation, independence, and patriotism. But this same religiosity also tempted these same Americans to embrace practices like violence, nostalgia, racism, propaganda, conspiracy, and nationalism. These are the bitter fruit of White Christian Nationalism, a pernicious and distinctly American strain of heretical Christian thought and practice that is, at present, in a season of renewed flowering."
Jesús Ayala-Candia, a doctoral student and researcher at UC San Diego whose research focuses on international migration and law & society. His work examines the relationship between state structures, agents, power, and policy, and its implications on social belonging. He states he's interested in this discussion because: "questions of religion, power, and belonging are deeply connected to the same social forces that shape public life and national identity. Understanding how these relationships developed can help us reflect on the church and state's role in society today."
This conversation isn’t about judgement or finger-pointing. Instead, we aim to:
- Increase awareness or our unconscious biases
- Broaden our perspective and deepen compassion for our neighbors
- Explore the nuance of language and expression within the church and nation
- Learn how to engage more thoughtfully across religious and political differences
Together, we’ll create space for learning, reflection, and movement toward greater understanding and unity within our community.
Additional Learning Opportunities:
Beginning on Sunday, May 31, Dr. Karl will lead several in-person classes for deeper exploration. An additional series of recorded conversations with Dr. Karl and Revs. Trudy, Hannah, and Brittany will also be available for independent study and conversations within your own small groups. Watch for more information.
