Evangelical Christianity and Christian Nationalism
Christian Nationalism and Evangelical Politics in the United States
Christian nationalism is a political ideology that argues the United States should maintain or restore a distinctly Christian national identity and that Christianity should occupy a privileged place in public life and government. While its supporters often present it as a defense of America's religious heritage, critics argue that it threatens religious liberty, democratic pluralism, constitutional government, and equal citizenship. The literature on this subject spans academic research, public opinion surveys, journalism, theological debate, and commentary from both supporters and opponents.
Origins and Definitions
The collected sources examine the many meanings attached to the term "Christian nationalism." Researchers distinguish between personal Christian faith, patriotic attachment to the nation, and political movements that seek government preference for Christianity. Academic studies generally define Christian nationalism as the fusion of religious identity with national identity, while surveys demonstrate that Americans often understand the concept in very different ways.
Public Opinion and Political Influence
Recent polling explores how Americans view religion in government, church-state separation, official recognition of Christianity, biblical influence on legislation, and the political role of churches. Many studies find that support for Christian nationalism varies by religious tradition, political affiliation, race, education, and geography. White evangelical Protestants consistently show higher levels of support than most other demographic groups, although Christian nationalist beliefs are not confined to any single denomination.
Evangelical Christianity and Conservative Politics
Numerous articles examine the close relationship between segments of evangelical Christianity and conservative political movements. Coverage includes evangelical support for Donald Trump, the influence of prominent pastors and church networks, debates over religious liberty, abortion, education, gender policy, and public expressions of Christianity. Other sources emphasize that evangelical Christianity is diverse and that many evangelicals reject Christian nationalism while remaining politically active.
Christian Nationalism, Democracy, and Constitutional Government
Many scholars investigate the relationship between Christian nationalism and democratic institutions. Research explores attitudes toward elections, constitutional limits, separation of powers, religious freedom, and government authority. Critics argue that the ideology may encourage authoritarian leadership, weaken pluralistic democracy, and justify expanding political power in the name of religion. Others argue that concerns about Christian nationalism are sometimes overstated or applied too broadly.
Race, Identity, and Authoritarianism
A significant body of research examines the connections between Christian nationalism, racial identity, demographic change, immigration, and authoritarian political attitudes. Studies frequently explore relationships between Christian nationalism and white identity, perceptions of cultural decline, conspiracy beliefs, social hierarchy, and support for strong leadership. Other research investigates how Christian nationalism affects attitudes toward taxation, education, labor, economic inequality, parenting, and social policy.
January 6 and Political Violence
Several reports analyze the role of Christian nationalist symbols, rhetoric, and organizations surrounding the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. These sources document the use of religious imagery, prayer, spiritual warfare language, prophecy, and appeals to divine authority by some participants. Researchers debate the extent to which Christian nationalism contributed to election denial, political violence, and efforts to overturn democratic outcomes.
Dominion Theology and Religious Movements
The collection also explores movements such as dominion theology, Christian Reconstructionism, the Seven Mountain Mandate, charismatic political activism, and Catholic integralism. These traditions differ considerably in theology and organization but often share a belief that Christian principles should exercise greater influence over government and society. Journalistic investigations examine their growing visibility within contemporary American politics.
Academic Research and Measurement
Numerous peer-reviewed studies analyze Christian nationalism using national survey data and statistical methods. Researchers investigate its relationship to race, political ideology, moral values, religious identity, public policy preferences, democratic norms, and social attitudes. Additional scholarship focuses on improving the measurement of Christian nationalism and distinguishing it from broader religious commitment or political conservatism.
Christian Responses and Internal Debate
The sources demonstrate that Christian responses to Christian nationalism are far from uniform. Organizations representing evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Catholics, and interfaith groups argue that Christianity should remain distinct from national political power and emphasize religious liberty for all citizens. Other commentators caution against labeling all religious participation in politics as Christian nationalism and advocate more precise definitions.
Conclusion
The available literature presents Christian nationalism as one of the most significant and debated intersections of religion and politics in contemporary America. Scholars, journalists, religious leaders, and public opinion researchers continue to examine its historical origins, political influence, theological foundations, and effects on democracy, religious freedom, race relations, constitutional government, and American public life. Together, these sources illustrate both the complexity of the movement and the wide range of perspectives surrounding its role in modern society.
Contemporary Christian Nationalism and Political Power
How Americans’ Views of the Term Christian Nationalism Are Shaped
| PRRI Staff | Public Religion Research Institute | May 15, 2026
Recent polling examines how Americans understand the term “Christian nationalism” and how political identity, religious affiliation, media exposure, and competing definitions shape public opinion. The analysis distinguishes committed adherents and sympathizers from Americans who remain skeptical of or reject the ideology.
Trump Administration Will Join a Prayer Gathering Criticized for Promoting Christian Nationalism
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | May 14, 2026
A White House-supported prayer gathering marking the United States’ 250th anniversary generated controversy because of its presentation of America as a nation uniquely dedicated to Christianity. Supporters described the event as a spiritual rededication, while critics argued that it blurred constitutional boundaries and promoted an exclusionary national identity.
How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | May 14, 2026
This national survey examines attitudes toward religion in government, the influence of the Bible on legislation, official recognition of Christianity, political activity by churches, and the separation of church and state. It documents substantial differences between white evangelicals, other Christian groups, religiously unaffiliated Americans, Republicans, and Democrats.
'Christ Is King' Becomes a Loaded Phrase in U.S. Political Debates, Especially on the Right
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | March 5, 2026
The traditional Christian declaration “Christ is King” has acquired new political meanings as conservative activists, Christian nationalists, and far-right movements employ it in public debates. The article distinguishes ordinary religious use of the phrase from contexts in which it expresses theocratic, antisemitic, or ethnonationalist ideas.
'In the U.S., Christian Nationalism Contributes to the Dismantling of Democracy'
| André Gagné | Le Monde | February 6, 2026
This commentary argues that evangelical dominionism, the New Apostolic Reformation, and Catholic integralism have encouraged political movements that challenge equality and pluralistic democracy. It examines how claims of divine authority may be used to justify hierarchical government and weaken democratic accountability.
Mapping Christian Nationalism Across the 50 States
| PRRI Staff | Public Religion Research Institute | February 17, 2026
Using data from the 2025 American Values Atlas, this report maps Christian nationalist beliefs throughout the United States. It compares states and religious communities while examining connections with evangelical identity, partisanship, race, education, authoritarian attitudes, immigration, gender roles, and political violence.
Evangelical Institutions, Leaders, and Movements
Inside the Authoritarian–Christian Nationalism Link
| PRRI Staff | Public Religion Research Institute | November 7, 2025
This analysis explores the relationship between Christian nationalist beliefs and authoritarian preferences. It considers how perceptions of cultural displacement, demographic change, political threat, patriarchal authority, and a desire for strong leadership may encourage support for limiting democratic norms.
Doug Wilson’s Rise: From Idaho Pastor to Christian-Right Power Broker
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | September 8, 2025
The article profiles pastor Doug Wilson and the expansion of his conservative Reformed network from Moscow, Idaho, into national political life. Wilson openly embraces Christian nationalism and promotes patriarchal social structures, Christian influence over civil government, and the transformation of American institutions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Belongs to an Archconservative Church Network
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | August 12, 2025
This investigation examines Pete Hegseth’s association with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a network influenced by pastor Doug Wilson. It discusses the denomination’s Christian nationalist theology, patriarchal teachings, opposition to women’s political equality, and growing connections with federal officials.
Trump Delivers for Conservative Christians
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | August 7, 2025
The article reviews policies and appointments welcomed by conservative Christian organizations during the opening months of Donald Trump’s second administration. It shows how evangelical leaders gained access and influence through initiatives involving education, abortion, gender policy, religious exemptions, government employment, and public religious expression.
Christian Nationalism Across All 50 States
| PRRI Staff | Public Religion Research Institute | February 4, 2025
Based on the 2024 American Values Atlas, this report estimates support for Christian nationalism in every state. It finds especially strong support among white evangelical Protestants while also demonstrating that Christian nationalist attitudes extend into other racial, religious, and political communities.
White Evangelical Voters Show Steadfast Support for Donald Trump
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | November 7, 2024
Election data showed that approximately eight in ten white evangelical voters supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The article examines their motivations, including abortion, immigration, conservative judicial appointments, religious-liberty claims, opposition to secular culture, and belief that Trump protects Christianity.
Jesus Is Their Savior, Trump Is Their Candidate
| Michelle L. Price and Peter Smith | Associated Press | May 18, 2024
Reporting from Trump campaign events, the authors examine the use of prayer, prophecy, sacred symbolism, religious merchandise, and spiritual-warfare language. The article explains why many evangelical supporters regard Trump as a divinely chosen defender despite aspects of his conduct that appear inconsistent with evangelical moral teaching.
Public Opinion, Law, and Democratic Institutions
Christianity’s Place in Politics and Christian Nationalism
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | March 15, 2024
This survey examines whether Americans want the federal government to promote Christian values, declare Christianity the official religion, or allow biblical teachings to override majority opinion. White evangelical Protestants are among the groups most supportive of a more explicitly Christian role in government.
Religion Is Losing Influence in Public Life, Eight in Ten Americans Say
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | March 15, 2024
The report investigates perceptions that religion is declining in American public life and considers whether respondents view that change positively or negatively. It also measures familiarity with Christian nationalism and attitudes toward church-state separation, religious political endorsements, and government promotion of Christianity.
What Alabama’s IVF Ruling Reveals About the Ascendant Christian Nationalist Movement
| Carter Sherman | The Guardian | March 2, 2024
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker’s use of biblical and theological arguments in an embryo-personhood decision drew attention to Christian nationalist approaches to law. The article connects the ruling to evangelical campaigns seeking to place Christian understandings of life, reproduction, and divine authority at the center of government.
Support for Christian Nationalism in All 50 States
| PRRI Staff | Public Religion Research Institute | February 28, 2024
This state-level study analyzes the geographic distribution of Christian nationalist beliefs and their relationship to religious affiliation, race, party identification, education, and media consumption. White evangelical Protestants emerge as the strongest supporters, although significant variations exist among states and demographic groups.
Was the United States Founded as a Christian Nation?
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | February 17, 2024
Historians evaluate claims that the United States was established as an explicitly Christian nation. The article contrasts Christian nationalist interpretations with constitutional provisions, religious diversity in the founding era, the beliefs of individual founders, and evidence that the Constitution intentionally avoided establishing a national faith.
Race, Identity, and Authoritarianism
A Christian Nation? Understanding the Threat of Christian Nationalism to American Democracy and Culture
This major survey develops a scale for identifying Christian nationalism and examines its relationship with white identity, anti-Black prejudice, antisemitism, anti-Muslim attitudes, hostility toward immigrants, patriarchal beliefs, authoritarian government, political violence, and support for overturning election results.
Understanding the Threat of White Christian Nationalism to American Democracy
Scholars and researchers discuss evidence from a nationwide survey on Christian nationalism. The program considers how evangelical religion, racial identity, demographic anxiety, conspiracy theories, authoritarianism, and political grievance combine to threaten equal citizenship and democratic institutions.
Views of the United States as a Christian Nation and Opinions About Christian Nationalism
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | October 27, 2022
This report compares Americans’ beliefs about whether the founders intended to create a Christian nation, whether the country remains Christian today, and whether it should become more explicitly Christian. It also shows that people attach very different meanings to the phrase “Christian nation.”
How Americans Describe Christian Nationalism
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | October 27, 2022
Americans explain Christian nationalism in their own words, producing definitions that range from general support for Christian moral values to theocratic government, religious coercion, cultural heritage, patriotism, racial exclusion, and the fusion of evangelical Christianity with political power.
45% of Americans Say the United States Should Be a Christian Nation
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | October 27, 2022
The survey finds broad but highly varied support for describing the United States as a Christian nation. Many respondents mean that Christian values should inform society, while smaller groups support biblical authority over democratic majorities or government policies that give Christianity a privileged position.
Christian Nationalism on the Rise in Some Republican Campaigns
| Peter Smith | Associated Press | May 29, 2022
Candidates and activists increasingly used Christian nationalist language during the 2022 election campaign. The article explains how ideas about America’s divine mission, Christian cultural supremacy, spiritual warfare, election denial, gun rights, immigration, and opposition to secular government entered Republican political rhetoric.
Evangelicalism, Extremism, and Resistance
In the United States, Far More Support Than Oppose Separation of Church and State
| Pew Research Center | Pew Research Center | October 28, 2021
Most Americans support church-state separation, but attitudes differ sharply among religious groups. White evangelical Protestants are more likely than many other communities to favor government support for religious activities, public-school prayer, official declarations of faith, and the claim that the Constitution was divinely inspired.
I, Too, Was Once a Soldier of the Apocalypse
| Thomas Lecaque | Time | March 1, 2021
Drawing on personal experience in Pentecostal and evangelical culture, the author describes how apocalyptic narratives, conspiracy theories, gun culture, white grievance, and political fear can foster extremism. He calls on evangelical institutions to reject Christian nationalism and create serious programs of theological and political reform.
The Christian Nationalism Behind the New “God’s Not Dead” Film
| Jill Hicks-Keeton | Religion & Politics | March 13, 2018
This cultural analysis argues that the film presents white evangelical Christians as the authentic American people while portraying secular institutions and religious minorities as threats. It examines how popular evangelical entertainment can transform feelings of cultural displacement into a Christian nationalist political identity.
The New Evangelicals
| Frances FitzGerald | The New Yorker | June 23, 2008
This earlier examination of American evangelicalism profiles leaders seeking to move beyond the established religious right’s concentration on abortion and homosexuality. Their interest in poverty, environmental protection, humanitarian work, and political cooperation demonstrates that evangelical Christianity is not inherently identical to Christian nationalism.
Current Evangelical Politics and Christian Nationalism
Southern Baptists’ Resolutions Reflect Support of Christian Nationalism, Scholar Says
| Bob Smietana | Religion News Service | June 26, 2026
Resolutions adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention addressed abortion, marriage, religious liberty, public education, national identity, and Christian political participation. Scholars and critics argued that several measures reflected Christian nationalist assumptions, while convention leaders rejected the label as a tactic intended to silence conservative believers.
America Needs a Better Gospel Than Christian Nationalism
| Russell Moore | Christianity Today | May 20, 2026
Responding to a national prayer gathering connected to the United States’ 250th anniversary, the author warns Christians against confusing national renewal with the gospel. He argues that Christianity loses its moral and spiritual integrity when political leaders, patriotic ceremonies, and claims of national chosenness overshadow the teachings of Jesus.
Pew: ‘Christian Nationalism’ Is Becoming a Household Term
| Emily Belz | Christianity Today | May 14, 2026
New survey data show that Americans are becoming increasingly familiar with Christian nationalism as the federal government expands initiatives involving religion and public policy. The article explores divisions among white evangelicals, other Christians, and religiously unaffiliated Americans over church-state separation and government support for Christianity.
Not Everything Is Christian Nationalism
| Paul D. Miller | Christianity Today | May 5, 2026
The author cautions against applying the Christian nationalism label to every expression of religiously informed conservative politics. While recognizing genuine attempts to merge Christianity with national power, he argues that analysts should distinguish the ideology from ordinary patriotism, Christian political advocacy, and theological disagreement.
Christian Nationalists Are Panicking Because Religious Progressives Are Thriving
| Ryan Burge | Religion News Service | March 30, 2026
This commentary examines the continuing political visibility of white evangelical Christian nationalists alongside the growth of progressive religious organizations and religiously unaffiliated Americans. It argues that demographic decline and competition over Christianity’s public meaning may intensify nationalist claims that conservative believers are being displaced.
It’s Not ‘Christian Nationalism.’ It’s Conservative Identity Politics
| Scott Waller, Darren Patrick Guerra and Tim Milosch | Christianity Today | January 22, 2026
The authors question whether Christian nationalism adequately explains white evangelical political behavior. They argue that conservative identity, partisan loyalty, cultural grievance, distrust of institutions, and reactions to social change may sometimes predict political attitudes better than theological commitments or explicitly nationalist beliefs.
Evangelical Networks and Dominion Theology
When Identity Becomes Idolatry
| Justin Giboney | Christianity Today | August 27, 2025
This theological essay warns Christians against treating racial, national, political, or cultural identities as sacred. The author argues that Christian nationalism elevates group power and partisan belonging above loyalty to Christ, thereby encouraging believers to belittle neighbors and excuse injustice committed in their group’s name.
At Doug Wilson’s DC Church Plant, ‘Worship Is Warfare’
| Emily Belz | Christianity Today | July 15, 2025
The article investigates a Washington, D.C., congregation connected to pastor Doug Wilson and the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. It examines the network’s influence among conservative officials, its patriarchal theology, its language of cultural warfare, and its goal of establishing explicitly Christian institutions.
How Dangerous Is Christian Nationalism?
| Jeffrey Salkin | Religion News Service | January 16, 2025
The author argues that Christian nationalism threatens constitutional democracy, religious minorities, and Christianity itself. The commentary discusses antisemitism, hostility toward non-Christian citizens, restrictions on reproductive and LGBTQ rights, government-sponsored religion, and the danger of treating political control as a divine mandate.
An Evangelical’s Warning to Evangelical Christian Nationalists
| Paul D. Miller | Christianity Today | September 25, 2024
A discussion of Joel Looper’s book argues that Christian nationalism tempts evangelicals to regard the nation rather than the church as their primary community. It traces the ideology through American evangelical history and warns that the pursuit of national power can replace the politics of Jesus with a political gospel.
Catholic Christian Nationalism Is Having a Moment
| Mark Silk | Religion News Service | July 23, 2024
Although Christian nationalism is often associated with white evangelicals, the article examines its growing Catholic intellectual and political expressions. It discusses Catholic integralism, opposition to liberalism, support for state enforcement of traditional morality, and alliances between conservative Catholics and evangelical activists.
How Christian Nationalism Is Going Under the Radar in This Election
| Paul A. Djupe | Religion News Service | June 20, 2024
The author argues that many religiously unaffiliated Americans remain unfamiliar with Christian nationalism despite its influence on elections, public education, and Republican platforms. The article examines demographic perceptions, political mobilization, evangelical power, and attempts to impose Christian teachings through government.
The Peril Radicalizing Some Evangelicals Goes Beyond Christian Nationalism
| Matthew D. Taylor | Religion News Service | April 4, 2024
This analysis distinguishes sentimental attachment to a Christian America from organized Christian supremacy. It examines Calvinist reconstructionism, charismatic dominion theology, the Seven Mountain Mandate, and movements that teach Christians are divinely authorized to control government, education, media, business, family, religion, and culture.
How (Not) to Talk About ‘Christian Nationalism’
| Paul D. Miller | Christianity Today | March 13, 2024
The author identifies beliefs that should not automatically be classified as Christian nationalism, including Christian participation in politics and moral arguments grounded in faith. At the same time, he condemns racial hierarchy, authoritarianism, national idolatry, religious establishment, and claims that Christians possess superior political rights.
January 6, Political Violence, and Election Denial
Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021 Insurrection
This extensive report documents Christian symbols, prayers, ministries, speakers, and organizations involved in the events surrounding the Capitol attack. It argues that white Christian nationalism helped unify election conspiracy theories, militant patriotism, racial grievance, spiritual warfare, and efforts to overturn a democratic election.
How Christian Nationalism Paved the Way for January 6
| Jack Jenkins | Religion News Service | February 9, 2022
Drawing on a major investigative report, this article examines how Christian nationalist leaders and organizations promoted election fraud claims and mobilized supporters before the Capitol attack. Religious ceremonies, crosses, Christian flags, worship music, prophecy, and spiritual-warfare rhetoric gave political resistance a sacred character.
Taking the White Christian Nationalist Symbols at the Capitol Riot Seriously
| Samuel L. Perry | Religion News Service | January 12, 2021
The article interprets the crosses, Christian flags, prayers, Jesus signs, and nationalist imagery displayed during the Capitol attack. It argues that these symbols were not incidental but represented a worldview in which conservative Christians believe they are authorized to reclaim a divinely ordained nation from illegitimate enemies.
Christian Nationalism Is Worse Than You Think
| Morgan Lee and Paul D. Miller | Christianity Today | January 13, 2021
This discussion defines Christian nationalism as the belief that the United States is fundamentally Christian and that government should preserve that identity. It distinguishes the ideology from Christianity and patriotism while examining its relationship to the Capitol attack, racial inequality, national mythology, and evangelical politics.
Evangelicals Must Denounce the Christian Nationalism in Capitol Riots
| Jamie Aten and Kent Annan | Religion News Service | January 7, 2021
Two evangelical leaders call on fellow believers to confess their role in tolerating Christian nationalism. They argue that fear, misinformation, racism, xenophobia, partisan idolatry, and cultural grievance corrupted Christian witness and helped create the political environment in which the Capitol attack occurred.
Historical Roots and Racial Identity
What the History of ‘Judeo-Christian’ Can Teach Us About Defeating White Christian Nationalism
| Robert P. Jones | Religion News Service | July 20, 2022
The author compares contemporary Christian nationalism with the white Protestant nationalism of the early twentieth century. He examines how interfaith cooperation among Protestants, Catholics, and Jews challenged the Ku Klux Klan and suggests that a broader multireligious democratic coalition is needed today.
How the Shofar Emerged as a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare for Some Evangelicals
| Jack Jenkins | Religion News Service | January 19, 2021
The article traces the adoption of the Jewish shofar by charismatic and Pentecostal activists who use it during political demonstrations and spiritual-warfare ceremonies. Its presence at pro-Trump events illustrates how biblical symbols can be appropriated to portray partisan struggles as divinely commanded battles.
David French on Christian Nationalism and America’s Existential Angst
| Paul A. Djupe | Religion News Service | February 3, 2021
Conservative evangelical writer David French discusses the political radicalization visible during the Capitol attack. The interview explores evangelical fear, social isolation, conspiracy theories, cultural displacement, partisan media, racial resentment, and the belief that losing political power represents an existential threat to Christianity.
White Christian Nationalism: The Deep Story Behind the Capitol Insurrection
| Philip Gorski | Religion & Politics | January 28, 2021
The author places the Capitol attack within a longer tradition of white Christian nationalism extending through settler colonialism, slavery, Manifest Destiny, segregation, and reaction to civil rights. Trumpism is presented as a modern expression of a recurring national mythology joining divine election, whiteness, masculinity, and violence.
Christian Nationalism and White Racial Identity
| Samuel L. Perry and Andrew L. Whitehead | American Sociological Review | March 8, 2021
This sociological study investigates how Christian nationalism shapes white Americans’ understanding of racial identity and discrimination. The authors find that nationalist religious beliefs are associated with perceptions that white people face unfair treatment and with resistance to efforts addressing structural racial inequality.
Christian Nationalism and Political Violence: Victimhood, Racial Identity, Conspiracy, and Support for the Capitol Attacks
| Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry | Sociology of Religion | June 2, 2022
The study examines connections between Christian nationalism and support for the January 6 attack. It finds that narratives of Christian victimhood, white identity, conspiracy thinking, and belief in a divinely favored America help explain why some respondents justified political violence.
Christian Nationalism and Support for Sacrificing Politicians Who Disavow Donald Trump
The authors examine whether Christian nationalist beliefs encourage loyalty to Donald Trump and hostility toward Republican officials who challenge him. The research connects sacred national identity with political conformity, partisan punishment, authoritarian leadership, and the treatment of dissenters as enemies of the nation.
Christian Responses and Democratic Alternatives
What Is Christian Nationalism?
| Christians Against Christian Nationalism | Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty | Undated
This educational resource defines Christian nationalism as a political ideology that merges Christian and American identities. It emphasizes that the ideology is distinct from Christianity itself and explains how it threatens religious freedom, pluralism, equal citizenship, church independence, and constitutional democracy.
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
| Christians Against Christian Nationalism | Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty | Undated
Christian leaders and organizations pledge to resist efforts to fuse Christianity with American identity and political power. The statement condemns violence, racial subjugation, religious privilege, and political idolatry while affirming religious freedom, democratic participation, and equal rights for people of every faith and no faith.
What Is Christian Nationalism, and Why Is It a Threat to Democracy?
| Freedom Forum Staff | Freedom Forum | August 17, 2022
This overview explains how Christian nationalism differs from personal religious faith and legitimate religious political participation. It examines constitutional protections, religious establishment, public schools, minority rights, national identity, and the ways government favoritism toward one religion can undermine freedom for everyone.
A Christian Response to Christian Nationalism
| Amanda Tyler | National Catholic Reporter | September 14, 2022
The author argues that Christians have a special responsibility to challenge nationalist distortions of their religion. She calls for churches to teach accurate history, defend religious freedom, reject political violence, confront white supremacy, and bear public witness to a faith not dependent on government privilege.
Christian Nationalism Threatens Religious Freedom for All
| Interfaith Alliance | Interfaith Alliance | Undated
This resource describes Christian nationalism as a threat to both religious minorities and Christians who reject government-enforced religion. It highlights campaigns involving public-school prayer, religious displays, reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, and efforts to redefine American citizenship through conservative Christianity.
Recent Research and Emerging Debates
The Weakness of Anti-Christian Nationalism: When Religiously Inclusive Orientations Can’t Increase Tolerance
| Paul A. Djupe and others | Politics and Religion | 2026
This study investigates whether an inclusive religious worldview can effectively counter Christian nationalism and increase tolerance for minority groups. The authors question the assumption that presenting Christian nationalism as historically inaccurate, theologically heretical, or politically dangerous will necessarily persuade its adherents to embrace pluralism.
Is Right Jesus a White Jesus? How Perceptions of Jesus’ Political Ideology Shape Racial Solidarity
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Sociology of Religion | 2026
This study examines how Americans’ perceptions of Jesus as politically conservative or progressive relate to racial identity and solidarity. It demonstrates how evangelical political culture can transform religious images into markers of partisan ideology, racial belonging, and competing understandings of American society.
Religion, Republicans, and White Racial Boundaries: Christian Nationalism and Interracial Family Relationships
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Social Problems | 2026
The authors investigate how religion, Republican identity, and Christian nationalism reinforce racial boundaries in Americans’ attitudes toward interracial family relationships. The study connects white Christian political identity with broader struggles over demographic change, marriage, kinship, and the social meaning of whiteness.
Culture Wars and Classism: Christian Nationalism, Economic Inequality, and Social Provision
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Social Forces | 2026
Using national survey data, this research finds that Christian nationalism is associated with greater acceptance of economic inequality, including disparities in education and health. The relationship is especially pronounced among affluent Americans, suggesting that religious culture-war politics may help legitimize existing class hierarchies.
Christianity of Capital? Christian Nationalism, Socioeconomic Policy, and Organized Labor
| Samuel L. Perry | Sociology of Religion | 2026
This study examines how Christian nationalist beliefs influence attitudes toward labor unions, worker protections, economic inequality, and government assistance. It considers how an ideology centered on Christian national identity may encourage support for capitalism while weakening evangelical identification with economic solidarity and organized labor.
Christian Nationalism, Politics, Race, and Opposition to Taxation
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Social Forces | 2026
The research explores connections between Christian nationalism and resistance to taxation. It argues that beliefs about individualism, racial deservingness, limited government, and divine national favor can combine to make taxes appear not merely economically burdensome but morally illegitimate.
Christian Nationalism and Control Over Children
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Social Forces | 2026
This article links Christian nationalism with authoritarian ideas about parenting, obedience, corporal punishment, and adult control over children. The authors argue that the desire to organize public life around conservative Protestant norms is connected to hierarchical understandings of both the family and the nation.
Religious Liberty for All: Celebrating This Founding Freedom at America 250
| Frederick A. Davie | Center for American Progress | June 15, 2026
This essay contrasts universal religious liberty with Christian nationalist demands for governmental preference toward one faith. It argues that America’s anniversary should affirm freedom of conscience, equality among religions, and the right to reject religion rather than present theological uniformity as a requirement for citizenship.
Varieties, Definitions, and Measurement
The Varieties of American Christian Nationalism
| Nilay Saiya | Politics and Religion | 2025
This article distinguishes three influential forms of American Christian nationalism: charismatic dominionism, Calvinist nationalism, and Catholic integralism. Although their theology, leadership, and institutional strategies differ, they cooperate through a shared goal of transforming the United States into an explicitly Christian political order.
Christian Nationalism and Attitudes About Democracy in Africa
| John Ishiyama and others | Politics and Religion | 2025
This comparative study tests whether Christian nationalism is solely an American phenomenon by examining public attitudes in African countries. It explores how evangelical growth, religious competition, political insecurity, and demands for Christian privilege may influence support for democratic institutions and equal citizenship.
White or Woke Christian Nationalists? How Race Moderates the Relationship Between Christian Nationalism and Progressive Identification
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Public Opinion Quarterly | 2025
The study finds that Christian nationalism does not operate identically across racial groups. White adherents are generally less likely to identify as progressive or “woke,” while Black Christian national identity may incorporate very different religious histories, political interests, and understandings of national belonging.
Education, Christian Nationalism, and Racial Inequality
| David Sikkink and others | Sociology of Religion | 2025
Survey research finds major differences between evangelicals who support Christian nationalism and evangelicals who reject the fusion of God and country. Education and skepticism toward Christian nationalism reduce support for explanations that attribute Black inequality primarily to individual behavior rather than structural conditions.
Christian Nationalism and White Racial Solidarity
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Social Forces | 2025
This research describes Christian nationalism as an important religious expression of white identity politics. It examines how the merging of Christian, racial, and national identities strengthens perceptions of shared white interests and encourages resistance to policies intended to address racial inequality.
Christian Nationalism
| Andrew L. Whitehead | Cambridge University Press | March 7, 2025
This scholarly overview places Christian nationalism within the broader history of Christianity in North America. It explains how a political ideology that privileges Christian identity became one of the most visible and influential expressions of contemporary American religion.
Religion Is Sometimes Raced: Christian Nationalism as In-Group Protection
| Brooke Walker and others | Perspectives on Politics | 2025
The authors interpret Christian nationalism as a worldview centered on protecting a dominant Christian in-group. They argue that it can cross denominational, partisan, racial, and ethnic boundaries, although its American forms remain deeply influenced by the history of white Christian power.
The Moral Foundations of Christian Nationalism
| Kristin Goff and others | Sociology of Religion | 2024
This study uses moral-foundations theory to explain why Christian nationalism attracts some Americans. Support is associated with moral concerns involving authority, group loyalty, purity, and social order, while opposition is more closely connected to care, equality, fairness, and individual liberty.
The Psychometric Properties of the Christian Nationalism Scale
| Nicholas T. Davis and others | Politics and Religion | 2023
The authors evaluate commonly used survey questions designed to measure Christian nationalism. The article considers whether the standard scale captures a unified ideology or combines distinct attitudes concerning the Bible, public prayer, national identity, religious symbols, and government endorsement of Christianity.
Democracy, Law, and Political Authority
Christian Nationalism and Support for Leaders Violating Democratic Norms During National Emergencies
| Samuel L. Perry and others | Politics and Religion | 2024
National survey data show a strong relationship between Christian nationalism and willingness to let leaders suspend elections, suppress opponents, and disregard institutional checks during vaguely defined emergencies. The findings demonstrate how sacred national identity can make authoritarian measures appear necessary for collective survival.
The In-Group Love and Out-Group Hate of Christian Nationalism: Experimental Evidence About the Implementation of the Rule of Law
| Zachary D. Broeren and others | Politics and Religion | 2024
An experimental survey tests whether Christian nationalists apply legal principles differently to members of religious in-groups and out-groups. The results show clear favoritism toward Christian claimants, although support for the in-group does not always produce direct hostility toward religious minorities.
Which Political Entities Are “Friendly” to Religion? The Interplay of Entity-Identity Congruence and Christian Nationalism
| Samuel L. Perry | Politics and Religion | 2024
This study examines how Christian nationalists assess the Republican Party, Democratic Party, and Supreme Court’s treatment of religion. Perceptions of religious friendliness depend heavily on whether institutions appear to validate conservative Christian political identity and advance its preferred policies.
What Is Christian Nationalism and Why It Raises Concerns About Threats to Democracy
| Laura Barrón-López and Brad Onishi | PBS NewsHour | February 1, 2024
Former evangelical minister Brad Onishi explains the theology, history, and political strategies behind Christian nationalism. He discusses why some former evangelicals see the ideology as a threat to democratic government, religious pluralism, minority rights, and Christianity’s own spiritual credibility.
What Is Christendom to Us? Making Better Sense of Christianity in International Relations
| John Heathershaw | International Studies Review | 2023
This article situates American Christian nationalism within a broader international landscape that includes European nationalist governments, Russian Orthodox political theology, Christian democracy, evangelical development organizations, and movements seeking to place states under explicitly Christian authority.
White Christian Nationalism and Relative Political Tolerance for Racists, Muslims, and Atheists
| Joshua T. Davis | Social Problems | 2021
This study finds that white Christian nationalism is associated with unequal political tolerance. Adherents tend to extend more protection to racist groups while showing less tolerance toward Muslims, atheists, and others perceived as challenging white Christian cultural dominance.
Evangelical Politics, Trump, and Radicalization
The Significance of Vance’s Appearance at an Event Hosted by a Far-Right Christian Nationalist
| Laura Barrón-López | PBS NewsHour | September 30, 2024
This report examines JD Vance’s participation in a political event organized by charismatic activist Lance Wallnau. It discusses Wallnau’s Seven Mountain theology, spiritual-warfare rhetoric, election denial, and belief that conservative Christians are divinely commissioned to control major cultural institutions.
Tim Alberta Discusses His New Book Exploring American Evangelicals and Political Extremism
| Geoff Bennett and Tim Alberta | PBS NewsHour | December 6, 2023
Journalist Tim Alberta discusses how fear of cultural decline, demographic change, secularization, and political defeat transformed many white evangelical churches. He argues that partisan identity and the pursuit of power increasingly displaced theology, damaged congregations, and encouraged acceptance of political extremism.
Concerns Grow Over the Increasing Ties Between Christianity and Right-Wing Nationalism
| William Brangham and Kristin Kobes Du Mez | PBS NewsHour | October 11, 2022
Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez explains how conservative evangelical teachings about militant masculinity, patriarchal leadership, national strength, and spiritual warfare helped prepare believers to support authoritarian politicians presenting themselves as protectors of Christian America.
Michael Flynn Is Recruiting an “Army of God” in Growing Christian Nationalist Movement
| Michelle R. Smith | Associated Press and PBS NewsHour | October 7, 2022
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s ReAwaken America tour brought together evangelical preachers, election conspiracy theorists, anti-vaccine activists, political candidates, and far-right personalities. Speakers described American politics as a supernatural war and urged Christians to mobilize as God’s army.
Christian Nationalism Is the “Single Biggest Threat” to America’s Religious Freedom
| Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons and Maggie Siddiqi | Center for American Progress | April 13, 2022
Religious-liberty advocate Amanda Tyler explains how Christian nationalism undermines the First Amendment by presenting the United States as belonging primarily to Christians. The discussion addresses public education, government-sponsored prayer, reproductive policy, religious exemptions, January 6, and discrimination against minority faiths.
Christians Have a Role to Play in Defending U.S. Democracy
| Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons | Center for American Progress | January 5, 2022
The author calls on Christians to reject white supremacy, election denial, political violence, and exclusionary nationalism. He distinguishes nationalism based on fear and domination from a democratic patriotism that welcomes racial, cultural, and religious diversity as part of the American community.
Religious Organizations Are Integral to the Fight Against Gun Violence
| Rukmani Bhatia and others | Center for American Progress | December 7, 2021
This report examines religious activism both for and against gun-safety measures. It notes that Christian nationalist beliefs are frequently associated with opposition to firearms regulation because guns are presented as symbols of masculine authority, individual liberty, divine protection, and resistance to allegedly tyrannical government.
The Unexpected Orthodoxy of Donald J. Trump: White Evangelical Support for the 45th President of the United States
| Gerardo Martí | Sociology of Religion | 2019
This article explains evangelical support for Donald Trump by examining how religious communities define moral identity collectively rather than simply evaluating a candidate’s personal behavior. Evangelical leaders presented Trump as an orthodox ally because he defended their political interests and opposed their cultural enemies.
Historical Development and Competing Christian Traditions
Christian America and the Kingdom of God: White Christian Nationalism from the Puritans Through January 6, 2021
| Richard T. Hughes | University of Illinois Press | 2025
This historical study traces claims that the United States is a divinely chosen Christian nation from Puritan settlement through slavery, Manifest Destiny, segregation, the religious right, Trumpism, and the Capitol attack. It contrasts national chosenness with Christian teachings concerning a universal and nonnational kingdom of God.
Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States
| Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry | Oxford University Press | 2020
Based on extensive survey research, this book explains Christian nationalism as a cultural framework rather than simply a measure of religious devotion. It connects the ideology with political power, rigid social boundaries, traditional gender hierarchies, racial attitudes, gun rights, immigration restrictions, and authoritarian leadership.
The Founding Fathers’ Religious Wisdom
| Peter Gordon | Center for American Progress | January 8, 2008
This historical commentary challenges claims that the founders created an officially Christian government. It emphasizes constitutional protections for religious liberty, the prohibition of religious tests, opposition to national establishment, and the founders’ awareness that governmental control could corrupt both religion and politics.
