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Hi Andra and Jessica,

I am a practicing Catholic. I don't often profess that publicly, precisely because so many people stereotype me according to that label. What I wanted to say here is that there are many of us who follow various forms of Christian theology who are not fascists, not nationalists. We genuinely care about all people and try to work on ourselves in a way so that we can recognize that we are not different from any other human. Many of us are actively trying to heal our own trauma because we do not want to contribute to the collective trauma in our nation or world. Please understand that Christianity itself is not the problem. It is the interpretation of Christianity by those in positions of power and authority (usually clergy, but I will not say all of the clergy are corrupt, as there are some with loving, tender hearts). I am concerned that a movement against Christianity itself might be just as dangerous as a movement to make everything Christo-centric. The truth is that we can all learn to live together and allow everyone the freedom to be who they are, believe what they believe, practice what they practice. It is possible. I know it will take generations before that can fully be actualized, but I also think each of us can make choices--within whatever religious or non-religious framework we have--to work toward peace and unity.

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While I understand the instinct to respond as you have, I really encourage you to take some time to read my work. Many Christians follow and share my work, because they understand that Christian Nationalism is something we must call out and fight together, especially if we want Christianity to matter. More Christians who care about their faith need to call out Christian Nationalism and condemn it. To me, that's one of the greatest testimonies any Christian could have right now.

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I think I understand what you're saying, Andra. That fundamentalism is dangerous and is a real threat within Christianity? I am learning about that and am concerned about it, too. The reason I felt compelled to comment is that it sounded like categorizing all Christians as fascists or nationalists. But I appreciate your clarification here. Thank you for that. I agree that we need to combat fundamentalism in all its forms, because it doesn't just exist within Christianity. It's in all sorts of religious radicalism, and even atheists or non-religious people can be fundamentalists, as well. I'm speaking in a philosophical sense.

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I think religious extremism is a threat regardless of denomination or faith modality. I focus on Christian Nationalism because I grew up in that world and was indoctrinated there. I make very clear distinctions between Christianity and Christian Nationalism on my Substack. Here's one example: https://project2025istheocracy.substack.com/p/what-is-a-christian-nationalist?utm_source=publication-search

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Oct 24Liked by Andra Watkins

Andra,

Thank you for the work you are doing. I've never openly stated who I'm voting for but I want others to know it's Harris. (And I'll note I'm in AZ so hopefully that helps swing it blue).

Honestly, I've abstained voting for president for years now, I was one thinking that I hate choosing between the lesser of 2 evils.

But this time too much is on the line with Project 2025. It's slipping itself into the fabric of politics and society and people are very unaware of it. People voting for Trump, that truly feel they are doing so for the right reasons, I feel, are unaware of who backs him and who he will most likely have in his administration if he's elected - writers and backers of P2025.

I'm voting for Harris so we can keep our constitutional rights, especially as women.

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Allison! I have worked with so many AZ groups this election season. I love your state so much. You have the right read on P2025 and how Republicans with red state majorities are already using it. Here’s to flipping Arizona, to our first female President, and to defeating everything P2025 stands for.

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