Iowa Democratic Candidate Associated Christianity with ‘Political Violence’ in 2023

Iowa Democratic Candidate Critiques Christian Nationalism

Iowa Democratic U.S. House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott has voiced her unease regarding the intersection of Christianity and politics publicly in 2023. She contends that the phenomenon known as “Christian nationalism” has its roots in the ministry of the late Reverend Billy Graham.

Trone Garriott, who is competing against Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) in the upcoming midterm elections, shared her thoughts during a speech at a Methodist church, as noted in reports. She is also a state legislator and a Lutheran minister.

During her address, she displayed an image of a woman holding a sign that combined a cross with the American flag, which read “One Nation Under God, Indivisible.” She remarked on the troubling ways faith has intertwined with political power. “We’ve seen the flag mixed up with the cross,” she commented.

She further elaborated that certain religious leaders have endorsed specific political candidates, creating a confusing dynamic. “There’s a very strong loyalty to a particular candidate, even if that candidate doesn’t seem to align with the values of their professed religious faith. That confuses us and makes us wonder what’s going on,” she expressed.

Trone Garriott also highlighted an increase in religious and political violence in public arenas, expressing deep concern over rising tensions that feel threatening at this time.

In contrast to her perspective, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) pointed out in October that Islamic extremism remains a significant threat to the nation. He referenced the September 11 attacks and other incidents, emphasizing that these assaults aim to undermine Western culture and the freedoms cherished by many.

Meanwhile, RNC Research shared footage of Trone Garriott discussing the lack of diversity within the state’s leadership, which she characterized as predominantly white, Christian, and older men.

In her 2023 remarks, she argued that “Christian nationalism” is gaining traction globally, along with concepts of “white patriarchy, masculine power, violence, and domination over others.” She suggested that this trend had its genesis with Reverend Graham, positing that he embodied a strong, traditional masculine ideal that appealed to many who believed Christianity had become too diluted or soft.