The Rising Hostility Toward Conservative Christians

Terms like “Christophasist,” “hate,” and “Ribbean” have become part of the narrative used by some on the left against conservative evangelicals, painting them as a distinct threat to American democracy.

Books such as “Forced to Threaten It Violently: The Christian Movement Threatening Our Democracy” and “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupt Faith” highlight these concerns. There’s a recurring theme in commentary — everyday Christians who support Republican values are seemingly viewed as dangerous.

The tension began to escalate after George W. Bush famously described Christ as his favorite philosopher back in 2000. Fast forward to the Trump administration, and the vitriol aimed at politically engaged Christians intensified, linking them to the extreme behaviors seen on January 6th and stirring unease about their roles in church leadership.

This leads to the troubling perspective that when Christians enter the political arena, their actions might veer into dangerous territory. However, the assassination of Christian political figure Charlie Kirk demands a moment of reflection for those who so readily express disdain for conservative viewpoints.

In a grim twist, it appears that Kirk’s killer was someone who had embedded himself among those who opposed him, revealing a complex layer to this tragedy. It’s crucial to avoid condemning all Democrats or left-leaning individuals for this act. As Vice President JD Vance stated, we share in the collective madness of our times. While figures like Ben Shapiro remind us that it’s individuals—rather than pronouns—that commit these acts, it’s hard to ignore the broader atmosphere of division that’s been fostered online.

Recent left-wing acts of violence add more weight to this conversation. From the targeting of House majority leaders to violent attacks linked to individuals with leftist sympathies, the rise of politically motivated violence is troubling, regardless of party affiliation.

Political violence, in any form, deserves universal condemnation. Several Democratic officials have spoken out strongly against Kirk’s murder, yet some who hold leftist views seem to celebrate violence against those with opposing beliefs, creating a disturbing double standard.

If you’ve listened to elite opinions recently, you might think the sole source of America’s hatred and anti-democratic sentiment resides within conservative Christian circles. There’s a prevailing misconception that all evangelicals are breeding grounds for extremism, overshadowing the numerous attacks aimed at places of worship and believers in recent years.

Some leftist organizations even maintain “hate maps,” labeling significant political figures as threats, which contributes to a narrative that turns faithful Christians into perceived adversaries rather than just ideological opponents.

The national response to Kirk’s murder reflects a different reality. Instead of calls for violence, many opted for peaceful prayer vigils and open dialogues. Pastors emphasized responsibility among younger generations, promoting the values of family and community rather than rebellion.

Understanding these tragic events can be challenging. Many believe that such occurrences are reflections of a spiritual struggle we face in the world. Yet, there’s hope for renewal and healing, as stated by the governor of Utah, emphasizing our shared responsibility to combat political violence and focus on fostering unity.

Both sides of the political spectrum bear the responsibility to safeguard American democracy. We must regard those who disagree with us as fellow citizens deserving dignity, not merely as opponents. Perhaps we could take cues from Lincoln’s words, advocating for friendship over enmity. Together, finding ways to prevent isolation and radicalization in the digital age will be essential.

Ultimately, the challenges we face in America are not just political—they delve into moral and spiritual realms. Maybe it’s time to reconsider who we truly view as the problem in our society.

Daniel Darling’s book, “The Defense of Christian Patriotism,” was published on September 30th.