At the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS), our mission is to dismantle religious bias and bigotry by fostering learning communities where religious differences become a powerful force for good. In these divisive times, this is a bold aim. The hope for constructive dialogue among people with deeply divergent beliefs has seemed increasingly distant in recent years—even for us at ICJS. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bridge divides and connect across differences.
For a healthy multireligious democracy to thrive—where individuals of diverse faiths, as well as the religiously unaffiliated, can cultivate a shared civic life—it is imperative that we engage in conversations about our differing values, ethics, and beliefs. These conversations will undoubtedly be challenging, yet they are essential. Reaching out to our neighbors to discuss our religious and ethical differences may be difficult, but it is ultimately hopeful work.
However, even hopeful people like us cannot ignore the significant challenges before us. Violent Christian nationalism poses a grave threat to our vision of a multireligious democracy, undermining the principles of religious pluralism that most Americans cherish. This is why ICJS has dedicated considerable effort to addressing Christian nationalism through education and community engagement aimed at preserving a diverse democratic society.
A crucial aspect of this endeavor is the work of my colleague, Matthew D. Taylor. Over the past three years, he has researched the networks of American Christians advocating for Christian supremacy in the United States.
I vividly remember our conversation at the ICJS offices shortly after the attack on the U.S. capitol on January 6, 2021. While we both were horrified at the violent attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power, Matt immediately recognized the signs and symbols of extremist Christian theologies present in the early media footage.
This realization propelled him to embark on a research project focused on the independent charismatic Christians who played a leadership role in January 6th. His initial findings were shared through a podcast series, Charismatic Revival Fury, and subsequently, ICJS produced its first original short documentary, Spiritual Warriors: Decoding Christian Nationalism at the Capitol Riot, which is available on YouTube. Now, Matt’s book, The Violent Take It By Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy provides another way for audiences to engage with his research.
At ICJS, we believe that a multireligious democracy is not only possible—but something we must both safeguard from threats, and build with intention. By engaging in research that exposes the threats to our mission, ICJS is clear-eyed about what obstacles stand in our way. By convening interreligious conversations, ICJS is building a stronger, more inclusive civic life in Maryland. Regardless of the outcome of the November 5th election, this important interreligious work must—and will—continue.