The Growing Threat Of Christian Nationalism

In 2020, Pastor Jeffress delivered a sermon titled "America is a Christian Nation," challenging the notion that the founding fathers intended the United States to be a secular nation with a complete separation of church and state. He argued that America's foundation was rooted primarily in Orthodox Christianity, and the country's success depended on fidelity to God's eternal word. This sentiment echoes throughout evangelical circles, where services and sermons alike fuse religious fervor with political ideology.

This fusion embodies American Christian nationalism, an ideology asserting that the United States was intended to be a Christian nation, now perceived to have strayed into liberal secularism, in need of reclamation and rededication to Christian values. Surprisingly, it's not a fringe belief; according to the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans believe the founders intended the U.S. to be Christian, with 45% advocating for its Christian identity today. More than half of this group believes the Bible should influence U.S. law, surpassing the will of the people.

Christian nationalism played a pivotal role in Donald Trump's 2016 victory and the events of January 6th, positioning itself prominently in the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election. Prominent Republicans like Lauren Boebert advocate for the dissolution of the separation between church and state, a sentiment echoed by many within the movement. However, critics view Christian nationalism as a significant threat to religious freedom, blurring the lines between religious devotion and political allegiance.

Amidst this fervor, a war simmers within American evangelicalism. While often perceived as a unified front, the reality is more complex. Sociologists Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry delve into this complexity in their book, "Taking America Back for God," analyzing the spectrum of Christian nationalist beliefs. Their research reveals a nuanced landscape, where individuals vary in their support or rejection of Christian nationalist ideas.

Contrary to popular perception, Christian nationalism transcends racial, political, and even religious boundaries. While predominantly white and Republican, adherents come from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, commitment to Christian nationalism often inversely correlates with religious practice; those who attend church less frequently are more likely to embrace its tenets.

Understanding Christian nationalism requires examining its core ideas. Firstly, the belief in America's divine mission as a Christian nation, intertwining American and Christian identities to the point of inseparability. This narrative fosters a binary worldview of purity versus corruption, where America represents purity, defined by Christian values, and the rest of the world as corrupt and inferior.

Secondly, Christian nationalism arises from cultural insecurity, historically peaking during times of societal upheaval. Post-World War II America witnessed a surge in nationalist sentiment, driven by fear of communism and economic uncertainty. This insecurity catalyzed efforts to solidify America's Christian identity, evident in the adoption of religious symbols and rhetoric in public discourse.

Finally, Christian nationalism thrives on exclusion and protectionism, delineating between 'us' and 'them.' It fosters a sense of superiority among believers, positioning America as God's chosen nation and casting dissenters as threats to religious freedom.

However, this ideology contradicts the essence of Christianity, which transcends borders and embraces all humanity. Acts 15 underscores this by affirming that faith, not nationality, determines one's standing with God. Furthermore, Galatians 2 rebukes the notion of superiority, emphasizing equality and inclusivity in the Christian community.

In grappling with Christian nationalism, American evangelicals confront a fundamental distortion of their faith. The movement hijacks Christianity to serve political agendas, undermining its universal message of love and acceptance. Yet, within evangelical circles, voices like AJ from Atlanta's Holy Shift Show challenge this distortion, advocating for a return to the core principles of Christianity.

In conclusion, while Christian nationalism persists as a potent force in American politics, its theological basis remains dubious. As individuals and communities navigate this complex terrain, the true essence of Christianity lies not in nationalistic fervor but in the universal message of love, compassion, and inclusivity.