Issue 03

Christian nationalism is our collective sin. Let's talk about it.

Christian nationalism reduces the life and death of Jesus to a selfish marker of tribalist identity, it fences off the open table and open arms of Christ and makes them subject to something as small as a country or a race.

It's also one of the guiding principles of the Trump administration and is being cited by more and more far-right groups. It's not just an extremist problem – it starts in our churches. This issue of S(h)ibboleth looks at Christian nationalism, and how we can end  it in the Church, too. 

Issue 3 of S(h)ibboleth magazine is out now on a limited print run. Get your copy while stocks last!

In Issue 3: 

Stephen Backhouse: Our feature Q&A with theologian and critic of Christian nationalism, patriotism and a lot of other small-minded isms will challenge many, though we suspect you'll find his ideas refreshing. 

Helen Paynter: Theologian and Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, Helen Paynter has been at the heart of an effort to understand and resist the co-opting of Christian symbols and spaces by the far-right. She talks about an event often misrepresented by right-wingers and  offers ten concrete steps for churches. 

Jared Van: A Black educator takes us through the genocides we often ignore because they happened in Africa. 

Linder: Charles Pickstone reviews a retrospective of the iconic Punk artist's feminist collage work. 

Five Iron Frenzy: In our Dude, Where's My Carman? section, we look at beloved Christian Ska-Punkers FIF.

Jeza Belle: A Christian drag artist and author examines the attacks on  the trans community in the name of Christianity.

Faith, liberation and thought heroes: Profiles of Sam Sharpe, the Baptist preacher who led a rebellion of enslaved people, and of Saint Basil, who believed all our excess wealth was stolen from the poor. Because we need examples to inspire and guide us. 

God's work:  Medical Aid for Palestinians are doing incredible work. Let us introduce you to them.

Broad churches: Worthing Baptist Church has been vandalised for inclusivity. We talk to their pastor about what their fellowship is like. 

Columns and regulars: We talk masturbation, the insecurity of patriarchy, why 'terrorist' is a dog-whistle and what the most ethical thing to do with your bum might be (it's about toilet paper, get your mind out of the gutter). 

Honestly, there's so much in this issue, you just have too buy it to get the picture. Get your copy now!

Faith without the baggage, comment without the right-wing assumptions, justice without the hand-wringing