On Saturday, June 7 from 10 am – 3:30 pm, St. Thomas will host a landmark event called “Faith vs. Force: How Christianity Itself Helps Us Fight the Serious Threat of Christian Nationalism” that will bring together respected theologians, clergy, and religious thought leaders from across the country for a powerful exploration of faith, hope, and justice.
“This year marks not only Saint Thomas’s 75th anniversary, but also the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the foundational creedal statement of Christian faith. We encourage both clergy and laity to attend this event to explore how Christianity’s core teachings can anchor us amid national turbulence and equip us to face the coming future with confidence, steadiness of heart and mind, and humility,” says the Rev. Christopher Thomas, Rector at St. Thomas. “Together we will confront the threat of white Christian nationalism and reflect on the church’s role in shaping a just future.”
This unique event seeks to draw deeply from the theological and moral traditions of the Christian faith, offering participants a space to engage in urgent and transformative conversations.
Dr. Scott MacDougall, Associate Professor of Theology at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, will lead the first session, “Anchored in Faith: 1,700 Years of the Nicene Creed.” As one of Christianity’s oldest professions of faith, the Nicene Creed has endured for centuries as a point of stability—an anchor in stormy seas. Forged in controversy, it offers a place to stand in times of upheaval, reminding us of who God is, who we are, and how to live in the world God loves. This session explores the Creed’s vision and its real-life implications for how we relate to God, others, ourselves, and the world.
The second session, “Christian Nationalism Exposed: What’s at Stake,” is a conversation among panelists, including Dr. MacDougall; The Rev. Dr. Natalya Cherry, Associate Professor in Methodist Studies and Theology at Brite Divinity School; and the Rev. Dr. George Mason, Founder and President of Faith Commons. They will unpack the core beliefs behind Christian nationalism, examine its growing influence in our culture and politics, and explore how it poses a threat to the Christian community.
This event offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the roots of the Christian faith while addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing the Church and society today. Grounded in tradition and driven by a vision for justice, Faith vs. Force invites all who seek clarity, courage, and hope to join in this dynamic conversation.
