For certain Orthodox and Evangelical Christians in the U.S., allegiance to an Orthodox ruler—or a strongman who defends "Christian values"—matters more than allegiance to democracy itself.
This is a wonderful piece, Alek, and I wholeheartedly agree with you. So much weaponization of religion is going on in this country right now, and it completely sucks.
“Some openly identify as monarchists, while others look to modern Russia as a last bastion of Christian civilization against the secular, liberal West.”
It also aligns with their white supremacist ideology that Putin has been more than willing to support and encourage.
Agreed — that is a good point. There's a weird modern cosplay going on where certain groups romanticize imperial Russia as if it’s some kind of sacred geopolitical Cracker Barrel of Christian values. Wrap that in a sprinkle of white supremacy and voilà — suddenly Putin becomes the new Constantine in their fever dream.
But really, it’s just spiritual LARPing with a side of fascism.
"...a segment of American Christians who would rather see the U.S. align with a country that would persecute them than one that tolerates lifestyles they dislike."
A key element of Evangelical identity lies in seeing themselves as persecuted.
VMB: Thank you. I have an advanced degree in mathematics that didn't land me in debt. These days I hang out with the food-banking, shower-van hosting, open and affirming Episcopalians, but for awhile I dabbled quite seriously in the OCA. There are always evangelicals and Christian Nationalists ready to shun me.
I hear you. I was blessed to have a close connection with Archbishop Dmitri — one of the few who actually walked the talk. A true elder of light.
The rest? Let’s just say I stopped expecting figs from thistles a long time ago.
You’ve clearly found the better table: one stacked with food banks, open hearts, and Episcopalians who actually remember why Jesus flipped tables in the first place.
This isn’t talked about in anything I’ve heard or seen, but I think there’s a tie-in with Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward….” By jingo George we’d better be persecuted and reviled or we miss out…
It’s almost like somewhere along the line, folks got the memo: “Blessed are the persecuted,” but missed the fine print: “...not the ones who manufacture persecution by being obnoxious.”
Real saints carried their crosses; they didn’t run around whacking strangers with them first.
This is a piece that's well worth a read.
@Dr Andreja Bogdanovski
This is a wonderful piece, Alek, and I wholeheartedly agree with you. So much weaponization of religion is going on in this country right now, and it completely sucks.
1 Timothy 6:10 for the love of money is the root of all evil.
Greed is at base of every big sin !
“Some openly identify as monarchists, while others look to modern Russia as a last bastion of Christian civilization against the secular, liberal West.”
It also aligns with their white supremacist ideology that Putin has been more than willing to support and encourage.
Agreed — that is a good point. There's a weird modern cosplay going on where certain groups romanticize imperial Russia as if it’s some kind of sacred geopolitical Cracker Barrel of Christian values. Wrap that in a sprinkle of white supremacy and voilà — suddenly Putin becomes the new Constantine in their fever dream.
But really, it’s just spiritual LARPing with a side of fascism.
I’m not sure i understand this, but it has given me food for thought
"...a segment of American Christians who would rather see the U.S. align with a country that would persecute them than one that tolerates lifestyles they dislike."
A key element of Evangelical identity lies in seeing themselves as persecuted.
Emily, you just exposed the whole persecution cosplay better than most theologians with a six-figure student loan.
Funny how some folks can only feel holy if they’re pretending to be oppressed — even while writing the rules and swinging the sword.
They don't want freedom. They want monopoly, baptized in victimhood.
Thank you for the clarity.
May your vision stay sharp and your compassion mischievous.
— Virgin Monk Boy
VMB: Thank you. I have an advanced degree in mathematics that didn't land me in debt. These days I hang out with the food-banking, shower-van hosting, open and affirming Episcopalians, but for awhile I dabbled quite seriously in the OCA. There are always evangelicals and Christian Nationalists ready to shun me.
Emily,
I hear you. I was blessed to have a close connection with Archbishop Dmitri — one of the few who actually walked the talk. A true elder of light.
The rest? Let’s just say I stopped expecting figs from thistles a long time ago.
You’ve clearly found the better table: one stacked with food banks, open hearts, and Episcopalians who actually remember why Jesus flipped tables in the first place.
Stay wild and worthy.
—Virgin Monk Boy
This isn’t talked about in anything I’ve heard or seen, but I think there’s a tie-in with Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward….” By jingo George we’d better be persecuted and reviled or we miss out…
I also think that leads to whining about EEO…
Emily,
It’s almost like somewhere along the line, folks got the memo: “Blessed are the persecuted,” but missed the fine print: “...not the ones who manufacture persecution by being obnoxious.”
Real saints carried their crosses; they didn’t run around whacking strangers with them first.
Keep carrying the light, not the megaphone.
—Virgin Monk Boy