“But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20)
As a better-than-mediocre-but-not-great athlete, I have always loved sports. Coaches pushed me to become a better athlete, refining my footwork on the court and helping me see the value in conditioning off the court. Coaches transform ragtag groups of individuals with varying athletic abilities and playing experience into teams who work together toward the same goal, teams who lift up one another as the season grinds on, teams who celebrate the wins together.
As a frequent bench warmer at the games, I also got to see our team mascots interact with our fans. Mascots unite a fanbase to their team, fire up the crowd before gametime, distract the crowd during significant injuries or downtimes, taunt the opponents, and become a symbol of the team. A casual fan may not be able to name the coaches or players still riding the bench, but they probably know who the mascot is.
Christian Nationalism demotes Jesus from our coach to our mascot. Someone who affirms our choices, not ever contradicting them. Someone to entertain us, not hold us accountable. Someone who only cheers, never challenges.
Mascot Jesus is much more manageable than Coach Jesus. Mascot Jesus loves the people who we love and hates the people who we hate. He can be brought out when the crowd needs to be whipped up and put back on the shelf when the decisions are being made. Mascot Jesus mocks our opponents and lets us off the hook of seeing them as made in God’s image.
In reality though, Christian Nationalism is a bad mascot. Instead of connecting us more deeply with Jesus, Christian Nationalism lowers our gaze to fixate on earthly political power. Christian Nationalism uses the language, symbols, or imagery of Christianity to give moral cover to immoral uses of state power. Christian Nationalism calls empathy weakness and promotes “might makes right” ideology.
Christmas trees decorate the Cross Hall of the White House on Dec. 1, 2025. (Evan Vucci/Associated Press)
Mascots who direct fans to opposing teams or customers to competitors should be retired. What do the polar bears sell? Coca-Cola, not Pepsi. What jersey does Screech the Eagle wear? Washington Nationals, not Philadelphia Phillies. What is Smokey the Bear’s mission? To prevent forest fires, not sell cigarettes. Just as these companies would protect against the misuse of their mascots, it’s time for Christians to reclaim Jesus and oppose the ways in which Christian Nationalism corrupts our faith.
Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. As we enter this season, may we find the courage to confront Christian Nationalism in our churches, politics, and society. May we denounce attempts to use Bible verses to justify the oppression of our neighbors. May we reject the siren call of Herod’s court and worship the baby in the manger.
May we hear Jesus’s question to Peter — “But what about you? … Who do you say that I am?” — and live lives that understand the answer.
Rev. Jennifer Hawks is the director of advocacy for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
NOTE: This is part of our Unsettling Advent devotionals running Nov. 30-Dec. 24. You can subscribe for free and receive them each morning in your inbox.
