On Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism, a term spiraling in contemporary public mist and contentious debates, carries profound implications for the vision of a democratic, pluralistic society. It is a socio-political ideology derived from the intertwining of Christian fervor with patriotic sentiments and imbued with distinct ethnonationalist currents. While patriotism encapsulates the love and loyalty to one’s country, it tilts towards nationalism when the underlying premise sanctions cultural hegemony or dominance of one religious perspective over others.

The concept of Christian Nationalism conjoins religious and nationalistic ideals, envisioning the United States as a fundamentally Christian nation, touted to safeguard Christian customs, symbols, and values as part of its national identity. This perspective, underpinned by isolationist, provincial, and exclusivist tendencies, prioritizes the maintenance of a religiously homogeneous society over cultural diversity and religious pluralism. Put simply, Christian Nationalism endorses an American identity that marginalizes ethnic, religious, and racial minorities.

I. Origins

The religious landscape of the United States has comprised a fascinating mosaic of assorted faith traditions, with Christianity playing an instrumental role in the socio-cultural fabric of the country. However, as ideological lines have blurred over the decades, religion has not remained solely within its spiritual realm but has served to fuel socio-political movements. One such manifestation is Christian Nationalism, a phenomenon rooted in the late 20th century.

The Rise of the Moral Majority

Historically, the narrative of American religious movements outlines repeating waves of awakenings and revivals, often instigating a decisive shift in the socio-religious landscape. Similarly, the 1970s and 1980s marked a period of religious re-imagination with the advent of the ‘Moral Majority’, a powerful political entity thriving on religious conservatism. This ‘Moral Majority,’ led by evangelical Christian political activists, served as the foundation for the growth of what we now identify as Christian Nationalism.

The catalyst for this development was the intensifying politicization of religious identity. Religion, particularly Christianity, has historically been a cornerstone in the American society and lifestyle. However, the late 20th century witnessed a strategic leveraging of the theological doctrine to achieve specific political objectives. This predatory politicization of religious identities set the stage for the emergence of Christian Nationalism, wherein patriotic sentiments were fused with religious beliefs.

Religious Diversity and Cultural Dominance

One of the situations precipitating the rise of this nationalist movement was the growing fear of cultural and demographic changes. Amid the rapid diversification of the religious and ethnic panorama of the United States during the same period, some elements within the American populace began to perceive this shift as a threat to their cultural hegemony. The fear of losing cultural dominance over broader society maneuvered these classes towards establishing political groups hinged on Christian doctrines.

As labor and capital begun flowing freely across borders, America saw an influx of diverse ethnic groups and their respective religions. As these minority communities grew, so did their visibility and influence, causing unsettling ripples among the majority population, predominantly white Christians. The anxiety about losing their centrality in the nation’s socio-political sphere gave birth to a resilience, finding its expression in the creation of Christian Nationalist factions.

Christian Identity and American Patriotism

These feelings of insecurity and the desire to safeguard their dominance translated into a conflation of Christian identity with American patriotism. The devised political strategy was such that it equated being truly American with being overtly Christian, relating nationalism directly to Christianity, and indirectly fostering an exclusivist, mono-cultural, and homogeneous narrative.

The origins of Christian Nationalism in the United States can be meticulously traced back to the socio-political churnings of the late 1970s and the 1980s. A confluence of factors, including the politicization of religious identity and apprehension about the increasing religious and ethnic diversity, seeded the rise of Christian Nationalism.

The resulting conflation of Christian identity with American patriotism underscores the necessity for a vigilant understanding of how religious beliefs are harnessed for political objectives. As America continues to navigate its ever-evolving socio-cultural landscape, the lessons learned from this past will serve as invaluable tools in preserving its democratic essence.

II. The Christian Nationalist Manifesto

Christian Nationalists hold a set of beliefs that advocate for a unique role and influence of Christianity in the United States of America. According to their perspective, Christianity should extend beyond religious practice and become deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, governing institutions, and cultural customs. They assert that the Judeo-Christian principles embedded within their interpretation of Christianity form the foundation of American values, laws, and identity.

State-Sponsored Religion

Christian Nationalists advocate for Christianity to be acknowledged as a state-sponsored religion, going beyond the separation of church and state that is a fundamental principle of American democracy. They argue that Christian values should guide governance to ensure a moral and righteous society. By designating Christianity as the official religion of the United States, they believe it would strengthen the nation’s identity and unite its citizens under a common faith.

Christian Nationalists firmly maintain that American cultural customs, values, and laws should be rooted in Christian principles. They contend that these values form a traditional moral compass that has guided the nation since its inception. According to their perspective, allowing Christianity to shape the cultural framework of the United States ensures the persistence of these enduring values that they believe are valued by the majority of the population.

Christian Nationalists argue that Christianity should be given special considerations and preferential treatment above other existing religions and belief systems. They believe that the United States was established as a Christian nation, and therefore, Christianity should receive unique recognition and privileges within society. This viewpoint asserts that granting Christianity preferential treatment under the law is not a form of discrimination but rather a reassertion of their religious rights and heritage.

The Founding Fathers

Christian Nationalists firmly assert that the Founding Fathers of the United States were predominantly Christians who drew upon Christian morality to establish the Constitution. They contend that the moral fiber of the Nation was built upon the principles of white Christian morality, and therefore, the nation should continue to adhere to these values. In their eyes, any deviation from this perspective is seen as a departure from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

Resisting Social Progress

Christian Nationalists perceive any form of social progress that contradicts their interpretation of Christianity as an attack on their divine right to control the nation. They believe that societal changes that challenge their understanding of Christian teachings pose a threat to their religious freedoms and exert undue influence on the nation’s direction. Therefore, they often resist and oppose social reforms and movements that they perceive as undermining their religious beliefs.

From the viewpoint of Christian Nationalists, their interpretation of Christianity holds exclusive rights on certain issues. Any disagreement with their beliefs is considered an assault on the faith as a whole. They may view challenges to their perspectives as an attack on the core tenets of their religion, which can result in a strong resistance to alternative viewpoints and a reluctance to engage in open dialogue and critical discourse.

Christian Nationalists advocate for a distinctive role of Christianity within the United States. Their beliefs include the notion of Christianity as a state-sponsored religion, the basis for American customs and laws, and the requirement for special considerations above other religions. They see themselves as guardians of Christian morality, and any perceived assault on their beliefs or social progress contrary to their interpretation is met with resistance.

III. A Source of Divisiveness and Intolerance

Many argue that Christian Nationalism presents an existential threat to a more stable, peaceful, and just society for several reasons. Firstly, Christian Nationalism, a socio-political ideology that fuses Christian beliefs and American patriotism, is one such phenomenon drawing widespread criticism for its potential impact on society’s stability and peace.

A key concern raised by critics of Christian Nationalism is its capacity to nurture an exclusive national identity, which potentially seeds divisiveness and intolerance. By envisioning the United States as essentially a Christian nation, it excludes and marginalizes those of different faiths, races, and cultures. This exclusivity and the potential for intolerance it portends disrupts social harmony and leads to societal polarization, creating fault lines that could, in turn, lead to conflict and instability.

Under this ideology, the national identity is singular, mono-cultural, and monochrome, often perceived as a ‘higher calling’ grounded in divine ordainment rather than a shared democratic ethos. Communities unable to align with this identity framework are marginalized, their contributions diminished or disregarded. Such division undermines the social cohesiveness essential for a peaceful society.

Christian Nationalism v. Pluralism

Unlike Christian Nationalism, pluralistic societies operate on the principles of harmonious coexistence while promoting diversity and inclusivity. Harmony within societies signifies an atmosphere where mutual respect, recognition, and acceptance of diverse cultures, religions, and races prevail. These characteristics champion equity, tolerance, celebration of diversity, and, importantly, peace.

Christian Nationalism, in contrast, pushes towards a mono-cultural society, simplifying the complexity and vibrancy of diversity into a single narrative. This approach lashes against the principles of pluralism, potentially stoking social, religious, and racial tensions that portend conflict and undermine the societal peace and justice that pluralism promotes.

Many contend that Christian Nationalism poses an existential threat to a more stable, peaceful and just society. By fostering an exclusive national identity, it seeds divisiveness and intolerance, thereby undermining social cohesiveness, inducing societal polarization, and marginalizing divergent identities.

This contravenes the broader societal good of pluralism, posing a challenge to the harmony that many societies strive for. It highlights the salient need for an inclusive perspective that embraces diversity to cultivate a more peaceful, equitable, and just society. Therefore, it becomes crucial to ensure national identities are grounded in democratic principles and values, rather than in religious uniformity.

IV. Religion & Policy

Democratic governance bases itself on the fundamental principles of equality, impartiality, and respect for all citizens’ rights under the law. Each citizen, regardless of their religion, race, or creed, is granted equal rights and opportunities under this model. However, when religious doctrines bleed into political policymaking, as observed within Christian Nationalism, it can disrupt these democratic principles, leading to biased favoritism that undermines a truly democratic society.

Christian Nationalism stands apart because it advocates a unique blend of nationalism and religious beliefs, presenting the United States as a dominantly Christian nation. This perspective often infiltrates political policymaking, resulting in the fusion of religious doctrines and legal agendas. This convergence can threaten the principles of democratic governance by skewing policy formulation towards a specific religious preference, leading to biased and unbalanced policymaking that undermines core democratic foundations.

Impact on Democratic Aspirations

Democratic governance aspires to equality, offering an equal platform for all citizens regardless of their socio-cultural or religious affiliations. However, the Christian Nationalist fervor often leads to preferential treatment of Christian values, beliefs, and interests over others in policy formulation, thereby compromising the ideal of equality. This biased favoritism subtly steers away from a pluralistic policy approach that caters to a diverse society’s interests and needs.

Likewise, impartiality is significantly affected. A truly democratic state operates in a manner that is free from bias and favoritism, ensuring every citizen can expect fair treatment regardless of their background. Nonetheless, policies informed by Christian Nationalism risk deviating from this ideal, as they are inclined to favor one religious group over the others, thereby tarnishing the commitment to impartiality.

Furthermore, respect for all citizens’ rights is a hallmark of democratic governance, ensuring protection and recognition for all under the law. However, when Christian Nationalist ideology is mirrored in laws and regulations, it tends to privilege the rights of Christian citizens over other groups. This can lead to unequal recognition of rights, consequently undermining this value upheld by democratic societies.

The fusion of religious doctrines with political policymaking, as witnessed in Christian Nationalism, can pose significant challenges to democratic governance. Its fervor often propels policies that favor a specific religious group, undermining the democratic values of equality, impartiality, and respect for all citizens’ rights.

To safeguard these democratic aspirations, it is crucial to appreciate and uphold the principle of separation between religion and state, preventing any form of religious nationalism from dictating the democratic governance trajectory. Thus, advocating for pluralistic and unbiased policymaking can ensure that democratic values are upheld, fostering a truly inclusive and diverse society.

V. Christian Nationalism & Supremacy Ideology

Throughout history, there have been instances where the ideology of Christian nationalism intersected with white nationalism and supremacy. One example that can shed light on this relationship is the rise of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the United States during the Reconstruction era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The KKK, while primarily a white supremacist organization, often claimed to be defending Christian values and used Christian symbolism in their activities. They justified their acts of violence and intimidation against African Americans and other minority groups by asserting that they were preserving a white, Christian America.

Another significant event highlighting the intersection of Christian nationalism and white supremacy is the neo-Nazi and white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017. The rally, where white nationalists chanted racist slogans and carried torches, drew attention to the overlapping ideologies between some white supremacist groups and individuals who identified as Christian nationalists. Many participants in the rally believed they were protecting their white, Christian heritage and traditions.

It is important to highlight how Christian Nationalism can exacerbate international conflicts and hamper diplomatic efforts. For instance, during the Cold War, the idea of America being chosen by God and having a divine mission shaped the country’s foreign policies, often leading to conflicts in the name of containing communism and spreading democracy. This ethnocentric worldview, rooted in Christian Nationalism, hindered cooperative efforts with other nations, undermining global understanding and cooperation.

In more recent times, the prioritization of national interests above the collective good has been evident in debates surrounding issues like immigration and refugee policies. Some Christian nationalists argue for restrictive immigration policies based on their interpretation of preserving a white, Christian identity in the United States.

Additionally, there have been instances where Christian nationalist groups have opposed international agreements and organizations that promote global cooperation and peace. For example, some Christian nationalist organizations have resisted signing onto international climate accords, arguing that prioritizing American interests outweighs the need for global cooperation to address climate change.

Disrupting Global Relationships and International Peace

As previously mentioned, Christian Nationalism’s reluctance to endorse global cooperation and its ethnocentric view of the international order can strain diplomatic ties and hamper cordial relationships between nations. By promoting a mono-cultural identity at the expense of diversity, it fosters an us-versus-them dynamic that can lead to isolation and conflict.

As a consequence, the international community’s collective strides towards peace are compromised. Through the lens of Christian Nationalism, international politics becomes a zero-sum game, where the gain of one nation is perceived as the loss of another. This viewpoint disrupts the diplomacy that forms the cornerstone of peaceful international relations.

One notable example is the historical context of the Crusades during the Middle Ages. The Crusades were a series of military campaigns initiated by Christian Europeans with the goal of capturing the Holy Land from Muslim control. This movement was heavily influenced by Christian nationalism, as it portrayed the Christians as defenders of their faith and claimed divine backing for their cause. This ethnocentric worldview and the quest for religious purity resulted in prolonged conflicts and strained relationships between Christians and Muslims for centuries.

Another example is colonialism. Christian nationalists often saw their colonial endeavors as a way of bringing “civilization” and spreading their religious beliefs to non-Christian societies. This ideology drove colonization efforts, leading to the imposition of cultural and religious dominance over colonized peoples. This disruption of local customs and traditions, rooted in Christian nationalism, resulted in tension, conflict, and a long-lasting legacy of division in many regions around the world.

In more recent history, the perception of international politics as a zero-sum game can be seen in debates surrounding trade and economic policies. Some proponents of Christian nationalism argue for protectionist measures, believing that prioritizing national economic interests is essential. This approach can strain diplomatic ties and hinder cooperative efforts, as it disregards the interconnectedness and benefits of global economic cooperation.

It is important to note that the consequences of Christian nationalism on international peace and cooperation are not uniform across all situations and individuals holding these beliefs. However, the tendencies towards ethnocentrism and the prioritization of national interests over collective global progress can contribute to a strained international order and hinder diplomatic efforts for peace and understanding.

Universal Human Rights

Christian Nationalism, by championing the superiority of one nation and one culture, can also impede global efforts toward addressing humanitarian challenges and promoting universal human rights. Its focus on advancing the national agenda could hinder the cooperation needed to tackle global issues such as climate change, poverty, and pandemics.

Furthermore, the universal promotion and protection of human rights, an essential facet of global justice, is challenged. By promoting a biased worldview, Christian Nationalism can undermine the advocacy for equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their nationality, race, or religion. One example is the historical treatment of indigenous populations during the process of colonial expansion.

Christian nationalists often viewed indigenous cultures as inferior and saw their own mission as bringing civilization and Christianity to these populations. This perspective resulted in the suppression of indigenous beliefs, practices, and rights. Indigenous peoples were often subjected to cultural assimilation, land expropriation, and even violence, all justified by a sense of cultural and religious superiority.

Another example is the resistance to global efforts to address climate change. Some Christian nationalist groups have expressed skepticism towards climate science and international environmental agreements, often prioritizing national economic interests over environmental concerns. This resistance can impede collective action, hinder cooperation, and delay progress in mitigating the impacts of climate change on a global scale.

Regarding the promotion of universal human rights, Christian nationalism can sometimes clash with efforts to ensure equal rights for all individuals. In certain instances, it has been used to justify discriminatory practices, such as opposing LGBTQ+ rights or advocating for restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms of minority groups. These actions can undermine the fundamental principles of human rights, which call for equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Additionally, in some cases, Christian nationalism has led to the erosion of secularism and the separation of church and state. This can restrict religious freedom and infringe upon the rights of individuals who hold different religious or philosophical beliefs, undermining the universality of human rights as enshrined in international conventions and agreements.

While not all Christian nationalists support or endorse actions that impede global humanitarian efforts or undermine universal human rights, many individuals and groups within Christian nationalism actively work towards promoting social justice, equality, and the well-being of all individuals. However, the tendency of Christian nationalism to prioritize one nation’s interests and uphold a biased worldview can present challenges in achieving global cooperation, addressing humanitarian challenges, and advancing universal human rights.

Christian Nationalism, with its tenets of religious and national superiority, can jeopardize global peace, justice, and cooperation. Its ethnocentric perspective weakens relationships between nations, exacerbates conflicts, impedes global humanitarian efforts, and undermines the advocacy of universal human rights. Therefore, it is crucial to address these supremacy ideologies head-on, promoting instead values that facilitate global unity, cooperation, and mutual respect. Furthermore, embracing and celebrating diversity is key to maintaining a harmonious global order and advancing shared goals of peace, justice, and human rights.

VI. Conclusion

Christian Nationalism, characterized by the confluence of Christian beliefs and fervent American patriotism, undeniably carries deep societal and political implications. The threads of religious zeal have been intricately woven into the fabric of American society since its inception. However, its co-option as a tool to fuel nationalist fervor, proliferates a divisive environment, undermines the bedrock of democratic foundations, and poses potential threats to maintaining international peace and justice.

Wheeling towards a future that must necessarily be inclusive and equitable, the fusion of patriotism with any exclusive ideological framework, such as Christian Nationalism, risks shattering this imperative unity. The alignment of any one religious doctrine with national identity can unknowingly foster a climate of ‘us versus them,’ which in the complexities of our multifaceted society, may lead to internal discord, discrimination, and ‘othering.’

Moreover, sequestering religious dynamism for nationalistic purposes risks corroding the sanctity of democratic principles. The danger lies in the potential for religious majority to acquire political ascendancy, thereby possibly subduing minority voices and infringing on individual freedoms. This entanglement may thread a path towards theocracy, undercutting democracy’s inherent principles of representation, separation of power, and equal rights.

Looking beyond borders, the implications of Christian Nationalism could ripple outwards, disrupting the fragile equilibrium of international peace and justice. With American influence pervasive in global politics, dialogue and negotiations colored by this ideological lens may engender bias, animosity, and conflict. The dangers of claiming religious or national superiority on the global stage cannot be undermined as it imperils our collective strides towards global unity and justice.

Therefore, steering towards a more harmonious, peaceful, and just society necessitates that we reimagine patriotism. It is imperative to envision a form of patriotism that is enriched by our diversity rather than muted by monolithic religious affiliations: a form that maintains an unambiguous demarcation between religion and state to protect the integrity of both spheres, and/or one that epitomizes unity, cherishes pluralism, and upholds equality. In embracing our shared humanity within our borders and beyond, we imbue true meaning into our patriotism, aligned not only with the values of freedom and justice that America embodies, but also resonating harmoniously with our universal strive for global unity, peace, and equality.