Congressman Jared Huffman of California has released a book titled “No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism,” in which he contends that Christian nationalist ideology poses a significant threat to American democracy and institutions.
Huffman was present during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and observed religious symbolism and practices among the rioters, including crosses, shofars, and “Appeal to Heaven” flags. He argues that the religious dimensions of that event were largely overlooked by colleagues and the broader public. In his book, Huffman characterizes what he describes as Christian nationalism as a theocratic movement that he believes has grown more powerful since Trump’s return to political prominence. He asserts the movement threatens scientific advancement, education, and individual freedoms.
Huffman is notable as the only sitting member of Congress who publicly identifies as a non-believer. He grew up in Independence, Missouri, in the Community of Christ, an offshoot of Mormonism, and was ordained into its priesthood. His faith changed during his college years following his father’s death, leading him to embrace humanism—which he describes as an affirmative ethical framework based on science, facts, and reason rather than supernatural beliefs.
Huffman kept his secular worldview private for years before going public in 2017, a decision he made against the advice of family, staff, and political advisers who warned it could damage his career. Polling data continues to show that identifying as atheist ranks among the least favorable labels for political candidates in the United States. He received support from colleagues including former House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and House Chaplain Father Pat Conroy.
Huffman argues that what he terms “Christian privilege”—a cultural taboo protecting domestic religious radicalism from scrutiny comparable to that applied to minority or foreign faiths—has allowed Christian nationalism to develop largely unchecked within political discourse. He contends that this privileged status is evident in both Republican politics and among some Democratic colleagues, and that the January 6 House select committee’s final report deliberately excluded discussion of Christian nationalism despite its prominence during the Capitol riot.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI