GCORR Book Study: The Flag + The Cross by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry

This 5-session book study is based on “The Flag + The Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy” by Philip Gorski and Samuel Perry.

The Flag and the Cross explores how white Christian nationalism functions as a political ideology rather than authentic Christianity. Drawing on sociology, history, and theology, the authors show how this ideology distorts Christian faith, legitimizes exclusion and inequality, and threatens democratic life. As discussed by Philip Gorski and Samuel Perry, white Christian nationalism has had many iterations throughout the history of the United States.

However, at the core of this Christian ideology is the intentional and continual erasure of the imago Dei in all human beings – God’s good and blessed creation. White Christian nationalism is not a theology rooted in the divine, Christ-centered ethic of love and equity for all people.

Instead, this ideology seeks to twist the words of Jesus, and God’s commandment of love of neighbor in Scripture by narrowly defining: 1) who our neighbors are, and 2) the nature of the God of all people and creation. The book ultimately calls Christians to reclaim a Jesus-centered faith rooted in humility, curiosity, understanding, and love of neighbor.

Each session is made up of:

• Chapter Focus

• Key Terms

• Opening Prayer

• Opening Quote

• Chapter Summary

• Discussion Questions

• Practice of Dismantling White Christian Nationalism

• Closing Prayer

Note: The book is not included with this book study. You will need to purchase the book separately.