What Is Christian Nationalism?

• In a 2022 poll by the Pew Research Center, 60 percent of Americans surveyed agreed that the country’s founders intended it to be a Christian nation, while 45 percent believed the United States should be a Christian nation. However, even among those who favored a Christian nation, only 28 percent supported formally declaring the country as such
  
  So what is Christian Nationalism?
  
• Christian nationalism is the belief that America belongs to and exists for the benefit of Christians.
  
• It is not synonymous with evangelical Christians or simply voting based on religious values.
  
• Christian nationalism blurs the line between Christian and American identity and seeks to enhance and preserve their union.
  
• Surveys indicate that a significant portion of Americans support the idea of America as a Christian nation, but not everyone supports declaring it as such or advocating for Christian values in government.
  
• Christian nationalism has been linked to a more exclusive and dominionist view of Christian values and influence in society.
  
• The movement’s focus has shifted towards rejecting election results since the Trump era, with some supporters considering themselves exempt from democratic processes.
  
• Christian nationalism encompasses various theological perspectives, but its political implications are significant.
  
• Supporters of Christian nationalism believe that their candidate or party is chosen by God, and they prioritize God’s will over democratic norms.

Christian nationalism can be problematic for several reasons:

1. Exclusionary and divisive: Christian nationalism promotes the idea that America belongs exclusively to Christians, disregarding the religious diversity and pluralism of the country. It undermines the principle of religious freedom and can lead to the marginalization and exclusion of religious minorities.
   
2. Threat to democracy: Christian nationalism can erode democratic values and institutions. When supporters believe their chosen leaders or policies are directly appointed by God, they may be less inclined to respect the democratic process, including fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power.
   
3. Violation of the separation of church and state: Christian nationalism seeks to merge religious and national identity, advocating for government actions that promote specific Christian values. This undermines the principle of separation of church and state, which is crucial for maintaining a diverse and inclusive society where individuals are free to practice their own beliefs.
   
4. Lack of inclusivity and equality: Christian nationalism often promotes a vision of society that prioritizes the interests and values of one religious group over others. This can lead to discrimination, unequal treatment, and the denial of rights for individuals who do not align with those specific religious beliefs.
   
5. Hindrance to social progress: Christian nationalism tends to resist social progress and progressive policies, as it often clings to traditional and conservative values. This can hinder efforts to address social injustices, promote equality, and respond effectively to the changing needs of a diverse population.

It’s important to note that these criticisms apply to the extreme and exclusionary forms of Christian nationalism. Not all Christians who hold patriotic sentiments or political beliefs are necessarily promoting these negative aspects.