What is Christian Nationalism?

Christian nationalism is a political ideology that merges Christian identity with national identity, asserting that a nation's policies and cultural values should be based on Christian beliefs. This ideology can vary in intensity and manifestation, from advocating for a moral order inspired by Christian ethics to outright calls for a theocratic government that enshrines Christianity as the state religion. In recent years, Christian nationalism has gained increasing attention, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe, where it has influenced political rhetoric, public policy, and societal divisions. This essay explores the origins, core tenets, implications, and controversies surrounding Christian nationalism, providing a nuanced understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Historical Background

Christian nationalism has deep roots in Western history. The intertwining of religion and national identity can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where the Christian church eventually became aligned with the state under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. This union of church and state continued through the Middle Ages, as monarchies often claimed divine right, asserting that their authority came directly from God. In early modern Europe, state churches—such as the Church of England—emerged, reinforcing national unity through shared religious doctrine.

In the American context, Christian nationalism gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, despite the U.S. Constitution’s explicit separation of church and state. Many early settlers viewed America as a “city upon a hill,” a phrase derived from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, implying that the nation had a divine mission. Over time, this vision evolved into a belief that the U.S. was uniquely chosen by God to promote Christian values globally. This belief system gained momentum during moments of national crisis—such as the Civil War, the Cold War, and the post-9/11 era—when appeals to Christian unity and moral righteousness served as rallying cries for political and cultural cohesion.

Core Beliefs and Characteristics

Christian nationalism typically rests on several key assumptions:

Divine Favoritism: Proponents believe that their nation is specially chosen or blessed by God, often citing historical or biblical justifications.

Biblical Foundation for Laws: Christian nationalists argue that civil laws should reflect Christian scripture, asserting that moral decay results from secularism or deviation from biblical principles.

Cultural Christianity: Unlike religious Christianity, which emphasizes personal faith and spiritual practice, cultural Christianity as advocated by nationalists stresses outward conformity to Christian norms as a marker of patriotism.

Us vs. Them Mentality: Christian nationalism often fosters division, portraying secularists, non-Christians, immigrants, or religious minorities as threats to national unity and moral order.

Historical Revisionism: This ideology frequently includes reinterpretation of history to emphasize the Christian foundations of the nation, downplaying the role of secular Enlightenment values or the diversity of religious beliefs among the founding fathers.

Authoritarian Leanings: Many observers have noted that Christian nationalism correlates with authoritarian attitudes, including support for strongman leaders, militarism, and anti-democratic tendencies when such measures are perceived to protect Christian values.

Modern Expressions

Christian nationalism manifests differently across various countries. In the United States, it often appears in slogans like “America is a Christian nation” or political campaigns that emphasize returning to “Judeo-Christian values.” High-profile figures and movements, such as those associated with the Religious Right, have pushed for policies restricting abortion, opposing same-sex marriage, and promoting prayer in public schools—all in the name of Christian values.

In Europe, Christian nationalism has become a driving force behind anti-immigration rhetoric, particularly in countries like Hungary and Poland. Leaders such as Viktor Orbán have positioned themselves as defenders of “Christian Europe” against what they perceive as the cultural and demographic threats posed by Muslim immigration.

Elsewhere, Christian nationalism can be seen in movements in Russia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, where political leaders invoke Christian rhetoric to legitimize their rule and rally support.

Implications for Society

The influence of Christian nationalism on public life can be both profound and polarizing. On one hand, it may mobilize communities, foster social cohesion among believers, and provide a sense of national purpose. On the other hand, critics argue that it threatens pluralism, democratic values, and religious freedom.

One major concern is the erosion of the separation between church and state. When governments adopt explicitly religious policies, they risk alienating citizens of other faiths or no faith. This undermines the principle of equal citizenship and can lead to legal discrimination or social exclusion.

Furthermore, Christian nationalism can exacerbate political polarization. By framing political issues as moral or theological battles, compromise becomes difficult, and opponents are not merely seen as wrong, but as evil or ungodly. This framing contributes to an increasingly toxic political environment.

Additionally, Christian nationalism may conflict with core Christian teachings. Many theologians and Christian leaders have condemned the ideology as idolatrous, arguing that it replaces the universal message of Christ with a narrow, exclusionary vision. Critics within the faith argue that Christian nationalism turns the gospel into a political weapon, distorting the message of love, humility, and peace.

Controversies and Criticisms

Christian nationalism has drawn criticism from multiple quarters. Secular critics argue that it undermines democracy by prioritizing religious conformity over individual rights. Religious minorities see it as a threat to their freedom of belief and expression. Even many Christians object to it, insisting that the kingdom of God transcends national borders and political ideologies.

Academics studying Christian nationalism point out its overlap with other ideologies, including white nationalism, patriarchy, and anti-intellectualism. In some cases, Christian nationalism has been linked to conspiracy theories and extremist violence, most notably during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, where Christian symbols were used by rioters seeking to overturn the election.

The conflation of Christian identity with ethnic or racial identity is especially troubling. In the U.S., for instance, Christian nationalism often correlates with white identity politics, raising concerns about systemic racism and exclusionary policies. This trend is echoed in parts of Europe, where Christian nationalist rhetoric is frequently tied to xenophobic and anti-Muslim sentiment.

Christian nationalism is a powerful and contentious ideology that blends religious identity with national loyalty. While it can inspire unity and moral clarity for some, it also poses significant risks to democratic institutions, social pluralism, and the integrity of the Christian faith itself. As societies grow more diverse and interconnected, the challenge lies in finding ways to honor religious traditions without weaponizing them for political gain. It is essential to distinguish between genuine faith and ideological constructs that use religion as a tool for power. Only by maintaining this distinction can democracies thrive in a world of varied beliefs and identities.