Due to its comtemporary usage, nationalism has become, as it ever was, a threat to some, and a blessing to others. As in the case of the USA, being 'american' (whatever that means, since I am also an american, although I wasn't borne in the USA) means being white, European descent, and above all, a Protestant Christian. This forum I hope will deal with the issues that Christian nationalism poses in today's world. I hope to comment about it when it is aired.
Until it is published, I would like to make you aware of it
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Should we beware of "Christian nationalism"?
The efforts of some evangelical Christians to influence American politics have produced sharply divergent reactions.
Just this month, the passing of American televangelist Jerry Falwell - known for his outspoken views on political and social issues - prompted glowing tributes and fierce criticism of his life in equal measure.
Evangelicals are often given credit for helping to ensure the re-election of President Bush in 2004, in the belief that his policies would better reflect a conservative Christian agenda.
Secular voices have been quick to raise the alarm over what they see as the rise of "Christian nationalism", especially its influence on Bush's Republican Party.
For their part, many evangelicals are equally alarmed by what they see as the spread of secularism at all levels of American society.
Have your say
It's a sharp dividing line in American society. It divides America and Europe as well - evangelical Christianity has no comparable influence on European politics.
In her book Kingdom Coming, Michelle Goldberg argues that American democracy is under attack: in particular, she says the separation of church and state enshrined in the American constitution is being threatened.
This week Amsterdam Forum is exploring and testing her conclusions, and we want to know what you think about the relationship between religion and politics.
The panel
Michelle Goldberg - freelance writer and journalist, author of Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism.
Dr. Hans Krabbendam - assistant director of the Roosevelt Study Centre in the Netherlands, which focuses on twentieth century American history.
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