The Unholy Alliance: Christian Nationalism and Political Power

Republican members of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Josh Hawley, have both said publicly that they are proud “Christian Nationalists.” Senator Hawley claimed that “Christian Nationalism founded American democracy” during his keynote speech at a National Conservatism Conference called “The Christian Nationalism we need.”

Key Points

1. Christian nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to combine national identity with Christian beliefs.
2. Christian nationalism can significantly influence legislation by promoting policies that align with religious beliefs.
3. The potential risks include increased polarization, discrimination against minority groups, and the erosion of democratic values.

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A group called Christians Against Christian Nationalism put out a statement inviting Christians in the U.S. to sign it:

“As Christians, our faith teaches us everyone is created in God’s image and commands us to love one another. As Americans, we value our system of government and the good that can be accomplished in our constitutional democracy. Today, we are concerned about a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy — Christian nationalism.

Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy. Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian.

It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our fellow Christians to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation.

As Christians, we are bound to Christ, not by citizenship, but by faith. We believe that:

• People of all faiths and none have the right and responsibility to engage constructively in the public square.
• Patriotism does not require us to minimize our religious convictions.
• One’s religious affiliation, or lack thereof, should be irrelevant to one’s standing in the civic community.
• Government should not prefer one religion over another or religion over nonreligion.
• Religious instruction is best left to our houses of worship, other religious institutions and families.
• America’s historic commitment to religious pluralism enables faith communities to live in civic harmony with one another without sacrificing our theological convictions.
• Conflating religious authority with political authority is idolatrous and often leads to oppression of minority and other marginalized groups as well as the spiritual impoverishment of religion.
• We must stand up to and speak out against Christian nationalism, especially when it inspires acts of violence and intimidation—including vandalism, bomb threats, arson, hate crimes, and attacks on houses of worship—against religious communities at home and abroad.

Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, America has no second-class faiths. All are equal under the U.S. Constitution. As Christians, we must speak in one voice condemning Christian nationalism as a distortion of the gospel of Jesus and a threat to American democracy.”

What is Christian Nationalism?

Christian nationalism is a political ideology that intertwines Christianity with national identity, advocating for policies that reflect Christian values and beliefs in the governance of a country.

A judge in Alabama ruled that the unused embryos in IVF facilities are actual babies, so destroying them is murder. Therefore, IVF shouldn’t be legal. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a decision not based on science or facts, but religious beliefs.

Abortion is only one of the ways in which they try to force their religious beliefs on everyone. Another example is laws around LGBTQ+ rights. Issues like same-sex marriage and same sex couples adopting children. It’s a common misconception that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of homosexuality.

“The story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis does not explicitly identify homosexuality as the sin for which they were destroyed. Some interpreters find the story of Sodom and a similar one in Judges 19 to condemn the rape of guests more than homosexuality, but the passage has historically been interpreted within Judaism and Christianity as a punishment for homosexuality due to the interpretation that the men of Sodom wished to rape, or have sex with, the angels who retrieved Lot.

While the Jewish prophets spoke only of lack of charity as the sin of Sodom, the exclusively sexual interpretation became so prevalent among Christian communities that the name “Sodom” became the basis of the word “sodomy”, still a legal synonym for homosexual and non-procreative sexual acts, particularly anal or oral sex.”

The ideology suggests that the nation is fundamentally a Christian entity, and those who identify with this ideology often view American laws and customs in a historically Christian framework.

This belief often manifests in calls for a more explicit acknowledgment of Christianity in government and public life, which can lead to debates about the separation of church and state.

Common misconceptions about Christian nationalism include the idea that it is solely a fringe movement, that it means a Christian who is patriotic, or that all Christians subscribe to its beliefs.

While it may be more prominent within certain demographics, its influence can be seen across a broader spectrum of society.

Many assume that Christian nationalists are simply “religious patriots” who are opposed to pluralism and diversity, but the movement is more nuanced, with mixed interpretations and ideas of how its core principles are put in place.

The Historical Context of Christian Nationalism

The roots of Christian nationalism can be traced back to the founding of the United States, where many early settlers brought their religious beliefs into the civic space. The Puritans in New England, for instance, viewed their settlement as a divine mission, establishing a society based on their interpretation of Christianity.

Over time, these beliefs have evolved, but the idea that America has a special covenant with God has persisted.

Several pivotal historical events have shaped the trajectory of Christian nationalism, including the First Great Awakening of the 18th century, which emphasized personal piety and a direct relationship with God.

This revivalist spirit paved the way for later movements that sought to fuse religious beliefs with national identity, particularly during periods of social upheaval, such as the Civil Rights Movement.

Key Events Shaping Christian Nationalism

Key events, including the establishment of the Moral Majority in the late 20th century and the rise of the Religious Right, have significantly influenced the movement. The Moral Majority, founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, aimed to mobilize evangelical Christians around social and political issues, advocating for conservative principles.

The subsequent election of Ronald Reagan showcased the potency of this coalition, embedding Christian nationalist ideas into mainstream American politics.

In more recent times, the 2016 presidential election catalyzed a resurgence of the movement, drawing clear lines between religious identity and national loyalty. This has led to increased visibility and vocal support for policies that reflect Christian values, often at the expense of marginalized groups and secular governance.

Beliefs and Ideologies of Christian Nationalists

Christian nationalists often hold a variety of core beliefs that shape their worldview and political agendas. These include the conviction that America was founded as a Christian nation, the belief in a divine mandate to uphold Christian values in governance, and the notion that secularism threatens the nation’s moral fabric.

Such beliefs often lead to a desire for policies that align with their interpretation of Christianity, including stances on issues like abortion, marriage, and education.

Another critical aspect is the perception of a cultural war, wherein Christian nationalists see themselves as defenders of their faith against liberal ideologies. This struggle is often framed as “a battle for the soul of the nation,” driving a sense of urgency and mission within the movement.

By portraying politics as a moral battleground, Christian nationalists mobilize supporters to take action both at the polls and in their communities.

Symbols and Rhetoric

The language and symbols used by those in the movement play a significant role in conveying their messages. Common symbols include the American flag intertwined with Christian symbols, such as the cross, which emphasizes the unity of faith and national identity.

Rhetoric often includes phrases that invoke divine support for political candidates or policies, suggesting a divine endorsement of specific agendas.

The use of biblical references in political discourse is meant to legitimize their positions, framing policies as not just political choices but as moral imperatives. This blending of religious rhetoric with political messaging can galvanize supporters and create a sense of collective identity among those who subscribe to the ideology.

Leadership Styles of Christian Nationalists

The leadership styles common used by Christian nationalists often reflect authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing strong, charismatic leaders who articulate a clear vision for a nation grounded in Christian principles.

These leaders may adopt a populist approach, portraying themselves as champions of the common people against an elite that they perceive as disconnected from traditional values and the Christian ethos.

Sound familiar?

Such leadership typically emphasizes a top-down approach to governance, where edicts and policies are framed as necessary to restore the nation’s moral identity. This can be embodied in strict policies regarding social issues, education, and even immigration—areas in which Christian nationalists seek to enforce their beliefs through legislation and national discourse.

Impact on Legislation

The impact of their leadership on legislation is profound. Policies that align with their beliefs frequently focus on restricting abortion rights, promoting prayer in schools, and advocating for the teaching of creationism in science classes. Such legislative agendas often reflect a desire to embed Christian values into public policy, blurring the lines between church and state.

The Superintendent of schools in Oklahoma attempted to enact laws that required every classroom to have a Bible (Trump’s Bible, specifically) in it and the 10 Commandments posted in every school. A judge blocked the 10 Commandments law.

Recently, the same Superintendent who was pushing his religion into public schools was caught watching porn on his office computer. Why is it that pornography, including child porn, seems to be a common hobby among Christion Nationalist politicians? Why is it that pastors and church leaders are so frequently involved in the sexual abuse of young boys?

There’s actually a meme for this:

There was a documentary on a Mormon Community where the leaders, or “elders” were covering up for other men higher up in the leadership hierarchy who were sexually abusing children. And now we have President Trump, the leader chosen by Evangelical Christians, covering up the Epstein files.

The influence of Christian nationalism can lead to shifts in judicial appointments, with an emphasis on selecting judges who share these values. This can have long-term repercussions for civil rights, education, and social issues, as courts play a vital role in interpreting the law in ways that could either support or challenge Christian nationalist agendas.

The conservative majority on our Supreme Court have already made decisions that secular judges would not have. They ignored precedent in order to overturn Roe v. Wade and handed down other rulings that have obviously favored President Trump and the Republicans over the majority of the country.

Characteristics of Christian Nationalism

Identifying the traits of Christian nationalism can involve examining specific behaviors, beliefs, and symbols associated with the movement. One notable characteristic is a strong sense of in-group versus out-group mentality, wherein adherents often view themselves as the true defenders of the nation’s identity.

This leads to a prioritization of the interests of those who share their faith and a marginalization or exclusion of others.

Additionally, Christian nationalists often emphasize a distinctive interpretation of American history that downplays or ignores the contributions of non-Christian groups. This selective historical narrative can create a sense of entitlement regarding national identity and an adversarial stance against perceived threats from secularism or multiculturalism.

We saw this in several government agencies and departments where they claimed to be “getting rid of DEI” but were actually erasing evidence of any accomplishment in U.S. history by people of color or women. They tend to use “DEI” and “woke” in place of “not a straight white man.” DEI hire=anyone who is not a straight white man got hired instead of the only one with the knowledge and experience to do the job well, a straight white man.

Consequences for Society

The consequences of Christian nationalism for society can be far-reaching. One significant impact is the polarization of political discourse, where compromise becomes increasingly difficult, and discussion is replaced with confrontation.

This polarization can undermine democratic processes, as groups become entrenched in their views, often regarding their political opponents as enemies rather than fellow citizens with differing opinions.

Again, sound familiar?

The implications of this ideology on society can extend to the erosion of civil liberties for minority groups. Policies influenced by Christian nationalist ideals often prioritize a singular vision of morality, leading to potential discrimination against those who do not conform to these standards.

This can create an environment where diverse voices are silenced or marginalized, further exacerbating social divides.

Global Perspectives: Examples from Other Countries

While Christian nationalism has been prominently discussed in the context of the United States, similar movements can be found in various countries across the globe.

In Europe, countries like Poland and Hungary have seen a rise in nationalist movements that invoke Christianity as a central pillar of national identity. These movements often advocate for policies that reinforce traditional values and resist the influence of secularism and globalization.

Viktor Orbán in Hungary has successfully remained in power by destroying democracy. He shares a backstory with Donald Trump: Elected for a term, then losing re-election. He was then elected for a second term later on and hasn’t left since then. Donald Trump has hosted him at Mar-a-Lago, introducing him to the crowd as a great leader. Before the 2024 election, Orbán and one of the leaders from the Heritage Foundation were spotted entering Mar-a-Lago.

I wrote about it at the time, raising the alarm about an authoritarian leader and one of the authors of Project 2025 meeting with Trump. I envisioned Orbán giving them tips on how to successfully destroy democracy and remain in power.

Several Republican leaders have made statements on far-right podcasts that the party needed to get into power to fix the country and fire all civil servants—replacing them with loyalists—in order to hold onto power.

In Latin America, some nations have experienced a fusion of evangelical Christianity with nationalist rhetoric, particularly in countries like Brazil, where political leaders have sought to rally support from religious constituencies by framing their policies within a Christian context.

President Trump recently announced a 50% tariff on Brazil simply because of how the court system is holding a former leader who attempted a coup, Bolsonaro, accountable.

Understanding these global perspectives allows for a greater understanding of how Christian nationalism manifests in diverse cultural and political environments.

Historical Cases of Christian Nationalism

Historical cases of Christian nationalism provide insights into how such ideologies can shape societies. One notable example is the role of the Catholic Church in fascist regimes during World War II, where religious authorities aligned with authoritarian governments to promote nationalist agendas. This collaboration often prioritized the interests of the state over those of individual freedoms and pluralistic societies.

Similarly, in the context of apartheid South Africa, certain Christian groups justified segregation and racial discrimination using biblical references. President Trump and his allies have been perpetuating the idea that there is a “White genocide” currently taking place in South Africa. It led to the President confronting South Africa’s leader on television during an Oval Office meeting.

Christian Nationalism and the Republican Party

The influence of Christian nationalism within the Republican Party has grown significantly over the past few decades. Many party leaders and GOP platforms have increasingly embraced Christian nationalist rhetoric, aligning with constituencies that prioritize religious identity in their political choices. This has led to a more prominent role for evangelical Christians in shaping party policies and electoral strategies.

Key figures within the party have used the ideology’s themes to rally support, often leveraging issues like abortion, gun rights, and religious freedom to appeal to their base.

As a result, the Republican Party has increasingly positioned itself as a defender of Christian values against perceived attacks from secular forces, creating a potent political identity that resonates with a large segment of the American electorate.

Tim Miller of the Bulwark podcast jokingly described a voter’s decision between our two major political parties as a choice between “the Godless Democrats and the pretending-to-be-Christian Republicans.”

Members of the party have come out and identified themselves as Christian Nationalists. The Trump Administration also established a Faith Office in the White House, led by Paula White, a woman who said, “To say no to President Trump is to say no to God.”

Trump also gave a speech on anti-Christian bias, which he created a task force to investigate, regardless of how nonsensical the idea that the religious majority in the U.S. was facing discrimination was.

Future Implications for U.S. Politics

I often question whether the Trump administration realizes they are kicking some of the most conservative people out of the country and how that’s going to affect the party in future elections—if we have any.

The future implications of Christian nationalism for U.S. politics are complicated. As demographic shifts continue to reshape the nation, the tension between traditional values and a more pluralistic society may become more noticeable.

This could lead to heightened polarization and conflict, as groups vie for political power and influence over the nation’s identity.

As younger generations become more diverse and secular, the Republican Party’s reliance on Christian nationalism may require a reevaluation of its strategies and messaging. The ongoing evolution of this relationship will play a vital role in shaping the future of American politics, with potential consequences for legislative agendas and electoral strategies.

Reflecting on the Movement’s Impact

Reflecting on the impact of this ideology reveals a deeply intertwined relationship between faith and politics that can shape societal norms and values. While it offers a sense of identity and belonging for many, it simultaneously poses challenges to pluralism and civil rights. As this movement continues to evolve, its influence will remain a critical factor in American and global politics.

Encouraging open discussions about this topic is important in understanding how it impacts modern society. By examining the beliefs, historical context, and global perspectives surrounding this ideology, individuals can better engage with the broader discussions on faith, governance, and national identity, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and democratic society.

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