White Christian Nationalism

A Threat to American Democracy

Introduction

White Christian Nationalism (WCN) is a potent ideological movement that intertwines religious beliefs with nationalistic and political objectives. This white paper explores WCN’s historical roots, its contrasts with American democratic principles, and its growing influence on the Republican Party (GOP). By examining WCN’s antidemocratic nature and its role in recent political developments, it highlights its challenges to democracy and pluralism in the United States.

Historical Roots of WCN

White Christian Nationalism has deep historical roots in the United States, dating back to the 1690s. The movement has evolved from biblical narratives used to justify slavery and conquest, such as the stories of the Promised Land and the End Times, to a potent political ideology that frames America as a divine project. This perspective often conflicts with the pluralistic foundations of American democracy, which emphasize equality and religious freedom for all citizens, regardless of their faith or lack thereof (YaleNews, 2021; Gorski, 2017).

WCN’s View of Freedom and Democracy

WCN presents a concept of freedom marked by libertarianism and individualism, often contrasting with democratic ideals of collective responsibility and the common good. This perspective upholds a social order dominated by white men and has been used to justify violence and undermine democratic institutions, as seen in the Capitol insurrection of January 6, 2021 (Brookings Institution, 2021; Whitehead & Perry, 2020). WCN’s vision of freedom is inherently exclusionary and challenges the principles of equality and inclusivity central to American democracy.

WCN’s Influence on the GOP

In recent years, WCN has significantly reshaped the Republican Party, aligning it with a form of social and cultural conservatism that often contradicts democratic and inclusive values. The GOP’s platform, influenced by WCN, has increasingly embraced divisive issues and conspiracy theories, contributing to political polarization and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions (PRRI, 2021; Baker, 2020). This shift has been particularly noticeable in the party’s stance on issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion, which often reflect WCN’s core beliefs.

Public Perception of WCN

Despite its growing influence, WCN faces substantial public criticism, and surveys show a largely negative perception of the term “Christian nationalism” among the American public. Most Americans prefer a pluralistic society that respects the separation of church and state, challenging WCN’s vision of a predominantly Christian nation (PRRI, 2021; Pew Research Center, 2020). This public opposition to WCN highlights the movement’s divergence from mainstream American values and the importance of countering its anti-democratic tendencies.

Countermeasures and Recommendations

Combating the challenges posed by WCN requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes enforcing anti-militia laws to prevent the formation of armed groups that seek to undermine democratic institutions and prevent the infiltration of extremist ideologies into government agencies and law enforcement (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2021; Belew, 2018). Additionally, promoting education and media literacy programs that counter misinformation and conspiracy theories is crucial in building resilience against WCN’s divisive narratives (WFSU News, 2021; Thompson & Hawley, 2022).

WCN’s Antidemocratic Nature

At its core, White Christian Nationalism combines elements of white supremacy, Christianity, and nationalism to promote a vision of the United States that contradicts the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. This ideology is inherently exclusionary, often labeling advocates for a pluralistic democracy as un-American or even “evil” (America Magazine, 2021; Fea, 2020). By positioning itself as the sole arbiter of American identity and values, WCN undermines the very foundations of democratic society, which rely on the free exchange of ideas and the respect for diversity.

Expanded Analysis: WCN and the Constitution

WCN’s ideology starkly contrasts the constitutional principles of equality and religious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment. By advocating for a state aligned with specific religious doctrines, WCN challenges the Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from favoring one religion over others or promoting religion over non-religion (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2021; Green, 2015). This constitutional violation not only undermines the rights of non-Christians and non-believers but also erodes the very foundations of American democracy, which are built upon the idea of a secular government that represents all citizens equally.

WCN’s Role in Recent Political Developments

The influence of White Christian Nationalism has been particularly evident in recent political developments, such as the GOP’s embrace of far-right extremism and the Capitol insurrection of January 6, 2021. WCN played a significant role in shaping the rhetoric and motivations of the insurrectionists, who sought to overturn the results of a free and fair election in the name of defending a perceived “Christian nation” (Brookings Institution, 2021; Dias & Graham, 2021). This event highlighted the dangerous consequences of allowing antidemocratic ideologies like WCN to gain a foothold in mainstream politics and underscored the urgency of addressing this threat to American democracy.

Conclusion

White Christian Nationalism represents a significant divergence from American democratic principles, promoting an exclusionary vision of the United States that undermines the constitutional separation of church and state and the ideals of equality and religious freedom. As WCN continues to influence the Republican Party and shape the broader political landscape, it poses a growing threat to the health and stability of American democracy. Countering this threat will require a sustained effort to expose the antidemocratic nature of WCN, promote education and media literacy, and strengthen the institutions and values that underpin a pluralistic, inclusive society. Only by reaffirming our commitment to the principles of democracy and rejecting the divisive, exclusionary rhetoric of White Christian Nationalism can we safeguard the future of the United States as a beacon of freedom and equality for all.

References

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Baker, J. O. (2020). A revival of white Christian nationalism? Examining the link between “lost cause” ideology and contemporary attitudes. Social Science Quarterly, 101(4), 1446-1459. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssqu.12825

Belew, K. (2018). Bring the war home: The white power movement and paramilitary America. Harvard University Press.

Brookings Institution. (2021). A threat to our democracy: White Christian nationalism. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2021/01/14/a-threat-to-our-democracy-white-christian-nationalism/

Dias, E., & Graham, R. (2021, January 11). The roots of Josh Hawley’s rage. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/josh-hawley-religion-politics.html

Fea, J. (2020). Believe me: The Evangelical road to Donald Trump. Eerdmans.

Gorski, P. (2017). Why evangelicals voted for Trump: A critical cultural sociology. American Journal of Cultural Sociology, 5(3), 338-354. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41290-017-0043-9

Green, S. K. (2015). Inventing a Christian America: The myth of the religious founding. Oxford University Press.

Pew Research Center. (2020). White Christians continue to favor Trump over Biden, but support has slipped. https://www.pewforum.org/2020/10/13/white-christians-continue-to-favor-trump-over-biden-but-support-has-slipped/

PRRI. (2021). Understanding the threat of white Christian nationalism. Retrieved from https://www.prri.org/research/understanding-the-threat-of-white-christian-nationalism/

Southern Poverty Law Center. (2021). White Christian nationalism: A threat to American democracy. Retrieved from https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2021/01/12/white-christian-nationalism-threat-american-democracy

Thompson, J. B., & Hawley, G. (2022). The long Southern Strategy: How chasing white voters in the South changed American politics. Oxford University Press.

WFSU News. (2021). Combating the rise of white Christian nationalism in America. Retrieved from https://news.wfsu.org/wfsu-local-news/2021-01-19/combating-the-rise-of-white-christian-nationalism-in-america

Whitehead, A. L., & Perry, S. L. (2020). Taking America back for God: Christian nationalism in the United States. Oxford University Press.

YaleNews. (2021). Understanding white Christian nationalism and its threat to democracy. Retrieved from https://news.yale.edu/2021/01/15/understanding-white-christian-nationalism-and-its-threat-democracy