Christian nationalism is a trending topic again. As a pastor who has written a book-length critique of nationalism from a Christian theological perspective, I want to share a few reasons why I find Christian nationalism not only anti-democratic but also anti-Christian. A 🧵:

The longer I live, the clearer it becomes to me that people will have a religion, or something that plays the role in their lives played by religion in the lives of people of faith. The only question is what religion (or pseudo-religion) they will have, and whether it will be a good one or a bad one--one that upholds human dignity and teaches genuine virtue, or one that does not.

"The bunny, the bunny, whoa, I love the bunny. I don't love my mom or my dad, just the bunny."

“For there shall arise false christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

Welcome to 2026, when a pastor quoting Scripture provokes outrage from Christians. If Scripture never corrects, unsettles, or challenges your political instincts, it may be that your politics are discipling you more than the Word of God.

The 1st conversation I had with David was about bass guitars at a Wallflowers concert. The 2nd went late into the night about poetry, mythology, & theology… The 10,000th conversation was about the prophet Amos while I could hear the footsteps of Ulysses coming to Amarillo.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling @sethwieck my dear friend. This month, he published Call Out Coyote, a collection of brilliant and beautiful poems forged in the people and places of West Texas. Order here: wisebloodbooks.com/store/p17…

Today, Dr. Ryan Pennington and I submitted our manuscript to our editor at @ivpress for a book set to publish in 2027. Stay tuned!

.@calebphx: “How does political idolatry show up in a congregation that’s distinct from political action or patriotism? Full @J29Coalition episode with Pastor @DavidARitchie here: blog.j29coalition.com/p/when…

.@DavidARitchie joins @calebphx for the @J29Coalition pod to discuss the challenges of navigating political polarization within the church. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between healthy political engagement & political idolatry. Watch here: open.substack.com/pub/j29coa…

Statement from the family of Alex Pretti, Michael and Susan Pretti:  “We are heartbroken but also very angry.    Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.    The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.    Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you”

This should not be controversial in the slightest, and it is sad that it is.

Be like me and lope, don’t meander, to the @WisebloodBooks store to preorder @sethwieck’s new work. Very excited for this. And what a cover. (Like Seth’s writing, there are depths to that simplicity.)

This was a really encouraging and enjoyable conversation. Have a listen!

I preached on the Good Samaritan on an icy cold morning. Mid-sermon, a couple suddenly left without returning. I just learned they went to help a homeless woman they saw out in the cold on the way to church. The words of Christ are just as powerful as they were 2000 years ago.

This is your friendly reminder that we are only 2 years away from all of Gen Z being adults. You have Gen Z people who are in their 30s. Globally speaking, Gen Z is larger now and in the future than the millennials.

A 72oz steak and a George Strait song

Gerard Manley Hopkins read the way he is supposed to be read. “Ah! Bright wings.” Listen:

Sigh...as it has been pointed out to me, the title *Disarming* Leviathan (not Desiring Leviathan). Moral of the story: Check your tweets, but also buy this book!