The problem with Christian nationalism lies not in Christian political participation, but rather in the belief that Christians should exist. Superiority in the fields of politics and law. It can manifest through ideology, identity, and emotion. And if it becomes established, the constitution will be overturned and society will collapse.
Sociologists Samuel Perry and Andrew Whitehead define Christian nationalism as “blurring the distinction between Christian identity and American identity, viewing them as closely related, and strengthening and maintaining the bond between them.” It is defined as “a cultural framework that aims to Author and pastor Matthew McCullough defines Christian nationalism as “Christian understandings of American identity and importance, in which the nation is central to the world-historical purpose of the Christian God.” Both definitions are great, but what does ideological Christian nationalism actually look like?
In 2022, a coalition of right-wing writers and leaders released a document called “National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles.” Its section on God and public religion states that “in Christian-majority regions, public life should be rooted in Christianity and its moral vision, and the state and other public and private institutions should respect it.” ”. This is an unusual and creepy ideological statement, one that immediately relegates non-Christians to second-class status. This is completely contrary to the First Amendment and imposes a kind of forced deference to Christianity on both religious minorities and the non-religious.
But Christian nationalism is not only rooted in ideology. It is also deeply rooted in identity, the belief that Christians should rule. This is the heart of the Seven Mountain Mandate, a Dominionist movement born out of American Pentecostalism, and frankly, Christian identity politics on steroids. Paula White, Donald Trump’s closest spiritual adviser, is an advocate, as is Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker, who wrote a concurring opinion in the court’s recent IVF decision. The movement argues that Christians are called to govern seven major social institutions: the family, church, education, media, arts, business, and government.
However, you don’t have to go all the way into Seven Mountain Theology to find examples of Christian identity politics. The use of Christianity as an unofficial qualification for public office has become a daily part of politics in America’s most church-going regions. Additionally, one of Red America’s common arguments against Trump is that while he himself may not be religious, he will put many Christians in the government.