Christian Nationalism justifies its radical departures from effective public policy with an appeal to the traditional authority of supernatural beings with magical powers. These Christian Nationalist spirit beings, conveniently, are invisible. We’re supposed to believe in them, and through them the agenda of Christian Nationalism, as a matter of faith.

Given the complex, large-scale problems we’re facing, faith just isn’t good enough.

One of the most important tools we have for resisting Christian Nationalism is the rigor of science. In contrast to the supernatural absolutism of Christian Nationalism, we can elevate the precision of scientific understanding.

Christian Nationalists want to center every policy debate in their articles of faith. They want every government policy to be based on their superstitious beliefs. They want every law to conform to the commands of their ancient texts.

There is a valid role for philosophical ideas in discussions of government policies, but faith-based government is a dead end for responsible, democratic debate. When people believe in things simply because they’ve been told to believe in them, there’s never any room for compromise or development. There’s no room in a religious government for beliefs to change with the revelation of new facts. There are never any new facts acknowledged in a biblical world view.

So, keep yourself up to date on the latest in scientific research that’s relevant to government policy debates. Then, when you enter into policy debates, cite the scientific insights that you’ve learned. Finally, subject religious claims to scientific, skeptical scrutiny. When Christian Nationalists insist that their god only approves of heterosexual marriages, ask them for proof. Don’t allow them to get away with the polite exemption of religious belief from doubtful questioning.

Science isn’t infallible, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Science is a process through which we acknowledge what we don’t know, and then work to find ways to address our ignorance. It’s the testing of what we think we know, to make sure we can rely upon it, rather than just presuming that whatever we’ve been taught is real.

If Christian Nationalists want real world control over the United States, then we need to confront them with real world questions about their beliefs in gods, angels, demons, magic spells, prophecies, and curses.

There’s too much at stake for us to allow faith-based conspiracy theories to go unchallenged. If we want to stand up to the bullies of Christian Nationalism, it’s time for us to get real.

The strength of scientific thinking can keep our government, and our society, grounded in reality.