A Threat to Democracy
Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that seeks to merge American and Christian identities. It is both a gross distortion of Christian teachings and a threat to democratic norms and structures. At its heart, Christian nationalism is about Christian supremacy–the notion that a certain kind of Christianity should dominate all spheres of American life.
The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), which has conducted the most comprehensive longitudinal study of Christian nationalism, Americans who embrace Christian nationalism strongly agree with these five statements:
- The U.S. government should declare America a Christian nation.
- If the U.S. moves away from our Christian foundations, we will not have a country anymore.
- U.S. laws should be based on Christian values.
- Being Christian is an important part of being truly American.
- God has called Christians to exercise dominion over all areas of American society.
Similarly, sociologist Andrew Whitehead, describes Americans who follow Christian nationalist ideology, as holding the following 6 characteristics or beliefs:
- A belief in a particular expression of Christianity (much more conservative both politically and theologically).
- An adherence to traditionalist social policies and practices (traditional gender roles, complementarianism and marriage only between a man and a woman committed to having children).
- A belief in strict ethno-racial boundaries (ideal Americans are imagined as Anglo-Protestant and white from European descent).
- A comfort with authoritarian social control (the response to the chaos of modernity is to seek out a “strongman” to enact order).
- A populist impulse (society is separated into “insiders” and “outsiders” or “the populus” and “the corrupt elites.” This populist impulse opens the door to conspiratorial thinking and feelings of victimization.
- A desire to have the government lift up, prioritize and enforce their particular expression of Christianity on all of society.
Christian nationalism is not Christian. Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus and centers peace and justice for the marginalized. Jesus opposed the coercive power of the state and, in fact, was executed by it.
Christian nationalism is not patriotic either. The U.S. Constitution expressly forbids a religious test to hold office (Article VI, clause 3). And the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” To lift up one specific version of Christianity over all other religions is as unAmerican as it gets.
Take Action
Attend local school board meeting
Attend your local school board meetings and fight the efforts by Christian nationalists there. Oppose things like book bans, the adoption of
Diversify your faith exposure
Make friends with people of other faiths! If you are part of a faith community, encourage your community to partner with another
Get Involved
Become involved in these organizations to stay up to date on the fight against Christian nationalism. Christians Against Christian Nationalism Americans United
