Talking Points; Faith, Politics and the Battle of Narrative

 

In public debate and advocacy, “talking points” refer to short, memorable statements or themes that summarize a particular position. They function as quick reference ideas that people use to communicate their beliefs clearly, consistently, and persuasively. Talking points often highlight core values, key issues, or rallying phrases and are especially useful in settings where complex arguments need to be distilled into accessible language.

When groups with strongly opposing worldviews — such as Christian Nationalists and Christian Progressives — engage in dialogue, talking points become the building blocks of their arguments. These points are repeated in speeches, campaigns, media, and everyday conversation, helping each side mobilize supporters and shape public opinion. Recognizing these talking points is important for understanding not just the content of the debate, but also the deeper values and assumptions that drive it.

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Christian Nationalist Talking Points: Reference Sheet

This sheet organizes common talking points used by Christian nationalist movements in North America. These are not endorsements, but a guide for recognizing rhetoric, themes, and recurring arguments.

1. Core Identity & Beliefs

• America (or Canada) was founded as a Christian nation.
• The Founding Fathers intended biblical law to guide government.
• The Constitution is based on the Ten Commandments.
• Separation of church and state is a myth/misinterpretation.
• Religious freedom means Christians’ right to practice openly, not freedom from religion.
• Christianity is under attack in our own country.
• We must return to our Judeo-Christian roots.

2. Moral & Cultural Issues

• Biblical values should shape laws and public life.
• Abortion is murder and must be outlawed.
• Marriage is between one man and one woman.
• LGBTQ+ rights threaten religious freedom and family values.
• Drag shows and gender ideology corrupt children.
• Pornography is destroying families and must be banned.
• School prayer should be restored.
• Creationism/Intelligent Design should be taught alongside evolution.
• Public schools indoctrinate children with secularism.
• “Cultural Marxism” undermines faith and family.

3. Patriotism & National Identity

• True patriotism is Christian patriotism.
• The flag, the Bible, and the cross belong together.
• Without God, the nation will fall.
• Enemies want to erase God from our history.
• Immigration should reflect biblical law and order.
• English must remain the official language to protect Christian Western culture.
• Border walls are like Nehemiah’s wall — protecting God’s people.
• National strength flows from national faith.

4. Persecution & Victimhood

• Christians are the most persecuted group globally — including at home.
• Religious liberty is under siege by secularists and globalists.
• “Merry Christmas” is being erased.
• Businesses shouldn’t be forced to support non-biblical practices.
• Cancel culture silences Christians.

5. Political Strategy & Law

• God raises up leaders — voting is a spiritual duty.
• Christians must reclaim the courts and legislatures.
• Judges should rule in line with biblical values.
• Sharia law is dangerous, but biblical law is foundational.
• The Bible is higher than the Constitution.
• Christians should run for office to reclaim government.
• The church should guide the state, not vice versa.

6. End-Times & Prophecy

• America is part of God’s end-times plan.
• Support for Israel is biblically mandated.
• God will withdraw blessing if the nation turns from Him.
• Globalism and the UN are precursors to the Antichrist.
• A one-world government opposes God’s sovereignty.
• Christ will return to rule the nations.

7. Education & Youth

• Parents must control what their children are taught.
• School choice and vouchers strengthen Christian education.Public schools spread secular indoctrination.
• Christian homeschooling preserves biblical truth.
• A new generation of Christian warriors must rise up.

8. Economy & Social Policy

• Hard work is biblical; welfare breeds dependency.
• Capitalism reflects God’s system, socialism is ungodly.
• Private property is a biblical principle.
• Wealth is God’s blessing for the faithful.*Charity should come from churches, not government.

9. Gender & Family

• God created men to lead, women to nurture.
• Feminism undermines biblical womanhood.
• The nuclear family is the foundation of society.
• Fatherlessness causes social decline.
• Stay-at-home motherhood is a calling from God.

10. Militarism & Security

• The right to bear arms is God-given for self-defense.
• The U.S. military advances God’s purposes worldwide.
• Christian men must be warriors for family and nation.
• Law and order reflect God’s design.

11. Anti-Globalist & Conspiratorial Themes

• Global elites seek to erase Christianity.
• The “deep state” and figures like George Soros are anti-Christian forces.
• Climate change is a hoax to control people.
• Mainstream media is anti-God and anti-family.
• Big Tech censors Christian voices.
• Open borders are designed to erase Christian culture.
• 12. Slogans and Rally Phrases 
• “God, Guns, and Country.”
• “One Nation Under God.”
• “Make America Godly Again.”
• “Faith, Family, and Freedom.”
• “Put God Back in Government.”
• “The Bible is Our Constitution.”
• “In God We Trust — not Government.”
• “Christian Values = American Values.”

Christian Feminist / Progressive Talking Points: Reference Sheet

This sheet organizes common talking points used by Christian feminists and progressive Christians. These reflect themes often voiced in advocacy, theology, and social discourse around gender, justice, and faith.

1. Core Identity & Beliefs

• Jesus’ ministry centered the marginalized, including women.
• Christianity must evolve toward justice, equality, and inclusivity.
• The Bible is a living document, interpreted in light of historical context.
• Faith and feminism are compatible — both seek human dignity.
• Patriarchy is a distortion of God’s design.
• The church has historically silenced women; it must repent and reform.
• Liberation theology and feminist theology are vital lenses.

2. Women in Leadership & Ministry

• Women were apostles, prophets, and leaders in the early church.
• Mary Magdalene was the first witness to the Resurrection — the “apostle to the apostles.”
• Restricting ordination to men is unbiblical and unjust.
• The Spirit gifts all people equally, regardless of gender.
• Churches must affirm women as pastors, priests, theologians, and leaders.
• Representation in leadership changes the theology and culture of churches.

3. Equality & Justice

• All humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei).
• Galatians 3:28 — “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.”
• Gender equality is part of Christian discipleship.
• Systems of oppression (patriarchy, racism, classism) must be dismantled.
• Domestic abuse and gender violence must be confronted by the church.
• Equal pay and economic justice are moral imperatives.

4. LGBTQ+ Inclusion

• God created diversity in gender and sexuality.
• Affirming LGBTQ+ people is consistent with Jesus’ radical welcome.
• “Clobber passages” are misinterpreted, taken out of context, or mistranslated.
• Queer Christians have gifts and callings for ministry.
• Marriage equality reflects God’s love and covenant.
• The church must repent for past harm done to LGBTQ+ people.

5. Reproductive Justice & Health

• Women’s bodily autonomy is part of God-given free will.
• Abortion decisions belong to women, their families, and God — not the state.
• Reproductive healthcare is a matter of justice and compassion.
• Maternal health, contraception, and sex education are pro-life issues.
• True “pro-life” means supporting life in all forms: healthcare, housing, childcare, and justice.

6. Scripture & Hermeneutics

• Patriarchal readings of scripture distort God’s word.
• Stories of women (Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Mary, Phoebe, Junia) show God empowering them.
• The Bible contains cultural norms we are not bound to follow today.
• Contextual reading reveals liberating messages for women and the oppressed.
• Jesus broke social norms by elevating women’s voices.

7. Social & Political Engagement

• Faith demands action for justice, 
• The Kingdom of God means justice on earth, not just in heaven.

• Christians must advocate for racial justice, environmental care, and peace.
• Immigration policies should reflect biblical hospitality to the stranger.

•  8. Church Culture & Practice

• Inclusive language for God (e.g., beyond only “Father”) reflects divine mystery.
• Hymns, liturgy, and prayer should uplift women’s voices and experiences.
• Churches must be safe spaces free from abuse and sexism.
• Theology should be informed by women’s lived experiences.
• Spirituality is enriched by diverse perspectives — feminist, womanist, mujerista, queer, etc.

9. Global & Intersectional Concerns

• Christian feminism is global, not just Western.
• Intersectionality matters — race, class, ability, and gender shape oppression
• Mission work must avoid colonial and patriarchal patterns.
• Solidarity with oppressed women worldwide is part of Christian witness.
• Climate justice disproportionately affects women and children.

10. Slogans & Rallying Phrases

• “Jesus was a feminist.”
• “In Christ there is no hierarchy.”
• “The future of the church is inclusive.”
• “Smash patriarchy, not people.”
• “Justice is what love looks like in public.”
• “God is still speaking.”
• “Feminism is the radical notion that women are fully human — in church and society.”
• “Another church is possible.”
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In Conclusion
As a Canadian observer, I find it important to note that these dynamics are not confined to the United States. Similar rhetorical patterns and polarized talking points are increasingly visible in Canadian politics as well. Recognizing them helps us better understand how faith, values, and power intersect in shaping public discourse on both sides of the border.

Further Reading

1. Andrew L. Whitehead & Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States (Oxford University Press, 2020).
2. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (Liveright, 2020).
3. Brene Brown. Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit   (Random House, Audiobook, 2025)
4. Elizabeth A. Johnson, She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse (Crossroad, 1992).
5. Rosemary Radford Ruether & Herman J. Ruether, The Wrath of Jonah: Crisis of Religious Nationalism in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict  (Paperback, 2002)
6. Serene Jones, Feminist Theory and Christian Theology: Cartographies of Grace (Fortress Press, 2000). 

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