A Christian's Moral Stand Against Weaponizing Religion

An opinion piece on the dangers of White Christian Nationalism and the true teachings of Jesus.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:04am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty church pew in warm, golden light, evoking a sense of contemplation and the struggle to uphold one's faith in the face of divisive political forces.As the influence of White Christian Nationalism grows, one Christian's moral stand against the weaponization of religion for political gain.Boston Today

The author, a self-described Christian, argues against the rise of White Christian Nationalism in the U.S. and the weaponization of religion for political gain. She contrasts her understanding of Jesus' teachings of love and compassion with the actions of those who claim to represent Christianity but promote policies that harm the poor and vulnerable. The author also shares the story of her atheist brother, who she says lived a moral and decent life without belief in a higher power.

Why it matters

This opinion piece highlights the growing divide within the Christian community over the role of religion in politics and the government. It challenges the notion that Christianity must align with a particular political ideology or agenda, and argues that true Christian values are being distorted and misused for partisan purposes.

The details

The author recounts her own Christian conversion experience and explains that her understanding of Jesus' teachings does not align with the agenda of the White Christian Nationalist movement. She states that she does not "worship a Jesus who thinks it's okay to take food away from children and poor people" or "a Jesus who has no problem depriving people of medical care." Instead, she believes in a Jesus who teaches love and compassion for others, including strangers. The author also shares the story of her atheist brother, who she says lived a moral and decent life without belief in a higher power, in order to illustrate that one's faith or lack thereof does not determine their character or values.

  • The author had a 'come-to-Jesus' conversion experience as a young woman during the 'Jesus Freak' era.

The players

Laverne MacInnis

The author of the opinion piece, who identifies as a Christian and is sharing her perspective on the rise of White Christian Nationalism in the U.S.

The author's brother

An atheist who the author describes as a good, moral, and decent person who lived a life of service and compassion without belief in a higher power.

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What they’re saying

“I don't worship a Jesus who thinks it's okay to take food away from children and poor people. I don't worship a Jesus who has no problem depriving people of medical care. My Jesus teaches me to love others, not turn strangers away.”

— Laverne MacInnis, Author

“He said he had to live a good, decent and moral life. You want to know why? Because my brother was an atheist. He said he had to be careful not to transgress – because he didn't have any supreme being to whom he could ask forgiveness.”

— Laverne MacInnis, Author

The takeaway

This opinion piece challenges the notion that Christianity must align with a particular political ideology or agenda, and argues that true Christian values of love, compassion, and care for the vulnerable are being distorted and misused for partisan purposes by the White Christian Nationalist movement.