In recent years, questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and ideology have divided America.
One voice critically analyzing these trends is Neil Shenvi, a Southern Baptist evangelical, a conservative thinker, and author. Shenvi has been roundly criticized by the left for his views on “critical theory” and “wokeism.” These days, he finds himself under increasing attack for his views on the “Woke Right.”
In this interview, we explore Shenvi’s perspective on Christian nationalism and the Dissident Right, the “spiritual threat” he believes such ideology poses, and why understanding these movements is vital for Christians today.
“I don’t think the Dissident Right currently is a political threat,” Shenvi told me. “I do think it’s a spiritual threat.”
Shenvi’s critique also puts blame on some of the forces he believes are responsible for what he sees as a Dissident Right backlash:
“And I especially think it’s a threat to young White males who are tired of being called oppressors and are then being sucked into this black hole….
“I think that the first step then for the church is to speak clearly against critical theory. When someone is being judged and abused and written off because of their skin color, that is wrong whether they’re White or Black or purple. And you’re not an oppressor because you happen to have XY chromosomes. That is not just. It is wrong.
“I oppose it, whether it’s implemented by the left or the right. But then from that basis, we then say, what’s the right way to think about these issues? And showing that God’s reality, God’s truth in the Bible is good and beautiful.”
Frankly, I think some both on the far left and the far right will find portions of this interview with which they will quibble. But shouldn’t we at least listen?
Please watch, then tell me what you think!
