White Christian Nationalism can be traced back to the 1600s and even though there is zero mention of God or any deity in the US Constitution, modern day adherents firmly believe the country was founded by Christians with laws fashioned to meet Protestant ideals. Proselytizing these religious ideals, in their view, is part of the government’s mission.

 

Since the January 6th insurrection in 2021, religious nationalism and its threat to democracy has become the topic of increased study and discussion amongst scholars and news media. Considering the election of nationalist and insurrectionist Rod Taylor to the Coos County Commission it is important that we learn as much as possible about their agenda.

 

The irony of Taylor swearing an oath to uphold the US Constitution after betraying the same by participating in an unlawful action to try and force Congress to certify fake electors must not go unnoticed. Nevertheless, Taylor often refers to himself and his CRL (Citizens Restoring Liberty) clan as patriots. Yale University Department of Sociology chairman, Philip Gorski who studies far right extremism says, “Patriotism is an adherence to the ideals of the United States, and nationalism is loyalty to your tribe and not the country.”

 

New York University sociology professor, Bart Bonikowski explains how Christian nationalism in the US is “exclusionary and nostalgic” and that they are uniquely ordained to reclaim the nation as its rightful owners even through authoritarian means. Already Taylor has demonstrated his allegiance to tribe over country when he tried to force prayer on the staff and attendees of the commission meetings. He proved his exclusionary leanings at a Coos Bay City Council meeting where fellow clan member and radio host Rob Taylor threatened to sue the city if it flew gay pride flags on the boardwalk.

The CRL website falsely claims, “We specifically reject any principles of racial supremacy or violence of any kind.”

Taylor made racist attacks against former Commissioner Melissa Cribbins, a lawyer, for having once worked for the Coquille Tribe and acting as a judge for some tribal functions. As for claims about nonviolence he regularly wears a sidearm on his hip and has engaged in menacing behavior when he unclipped his holster and placed his hand on his weapon when confronted by an unarmed individual with whom Taylor started an argument. There is also video of him at the US Capitol on January 6 wearing a holster.

Religious nationalism comes to the surface whenever there are periods of war, increased immigration, and economic instability. All these factors are now present, and adherents will blame the country’s perceived moral and economic collapse on non-Christians. Taylor said as much in his agenda item claiming a national decline ever since Madelyn Murray O’Hair succeeded in removing mandatory prayer from schools.

Public office, even a nonpartisan office like the commission, provides a platform in which to influence opinion. With that comes an enormous responsibility to know what you are talking about. Healthy skepticism of pharmaceutical companies is warranted in my opinion, but Taylor, an anti-vaxxer, used his platform to try and exploit the cardiac arrest of NFL football player, Damar Hamlin. The CRL social media page is also promoting the claim that COVID vaccines are responsible.

The same thing happened when Danish football star Christian Eriksen collapsed during the European football championships in June 2021. Anti-vaxxers seized on his ailment until it was revealed he had not received a COVID vaccine. Hamlin’s cardiac arrest has been attributed to commotio cordis, a blunt force strike to the heart. COVID misinformation can have lethal consequences.

The first meeting with the new commission was an embarrassing display of misinformation by members of the board and the public. One speaker in support of the move to add prayer to the meetings demanded the commissioners “read the constitution” even though, I repeat, God is never mentioned.

Taylor attends to his duties, reportedly showing up daily with his emotional support dog, Finn and accompanied by his fawning and adoring wife/partner. The first meeting was also heavily populated by fellow nationalists so it remains to be seen if he has the fortitude and strength of character to do the people’s work all by himself.