For years now, Democrats and the liberal media have voiced concerns about the perceived dangers linked to something called “Christian nationalism.” This term often refers to those who, while opposing various ideologies, identify as Christians. Notably, over 60% of adults in the U.S. identify as Christians.
Recently, CNN seems to be reviving this discussion with a documentary titled “The Rise of Christian Nationalism,” just in time for the midterm elections. The documentary allegedly aims to create fear, with host Pamela Brown arguing it portrays a movement trying to reshape America into a Christian nation influencing everything from families to schools.
In a promotional summary aired, CNN stated: “Brown investigates the increasing impact of Christian nationalism, which suggests that America was established as a Christian nation and that its laws should represent Christian values.” The documentary showcases how this movement, once mainly a fringe element within evangelical circles, has gained substantial political influence.
Brown claims to have gathered insights by talking to critics and engaging with communities associated with Pastor Doug Wilson. A report from The Wall Street Journal earlier highlighted the growth of this ideology during the Trump presidency.
According to Brown, her interactions with former church members have revealed worries about this ideological shift. “What we’ve discovered is crucial, no matter your beliefs or location,” she noted.
The documentary includes perspectives from Matthew Taylor, who has written about supposed threats to democracy posed by Christianity. He indicated that the memorial service for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk exemplifies how many American Christians are galvanized by the perception that they are being persecuted.
Yet, there are complexities surrounding accusations of radicalization. Despite claims of being persecuted, evidence suggests that Christians face challenges in the U.S., from legal restrictions to physical threats against places of worship.
Brown referenced statements from Taylor suggesting that some Christians view Trump as an appointed leader, implying this indicates a moment of significance for Christian nationalists. However, some viewers might feel that labeling these individuals as “nationalists” overlooks their genuine faith and patriotism.
Brown has defined “Christian nationalism” as the ideology asserting that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, advocating for legal and institutional alignment with Christian principles. This broad classification seems to capture a wide range of beliefs, as a 2022 Pew Research survey indicated that 60% of American adults felt the Founding Fathers intended for the nation to be Christian.
In recent studies, researchers have suggested a somewhat nuanced interpretation, viewing Christian nationalism as a serious threat to American democracy. They propose that one can gauge someone’s alignment by their responses to specific statements about religious influence in governance.
- “The U.S. government should declare America a Christian nation.”
- “American laws should reflect Christian values.”
- “If America strays from its Christian roots, it risks losing its identity.”
- “Being a Christian is essential to being a true American.”
- “Christians are called to dominate all aspects of American life.”
Generally, it seems the label “Christian nationalist” is often imposed from the outside rather than chosen by individuals themselves. For instance, Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged the notion that while Americans need not be Christians, Christianity should be viewed as a foundational American tenet. Nevertheless, he has been labeled a “Christian nationalist.”
Despite previous claims to the contrary, after Kirk’s death, he stated that “Christian nationalism” has been used to silence dissenting voices. Interestingly, Kirk himself was categorized as a Christian nationalist in Brown’s documentary.
Following the documentary’s release, many patriotic Christians expressed frustration, particularly regarding its timing. Kevin Roberts, from the Heritage Foundation, pointed out the release coincided with a significant time in Lent and noted how Kirk’s death was portrayed by some as a celebrated event.
Roberts described the documentary as “bigotry from a left that has increasingly shown hostility towards Christians and their values.” Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, added that concerns about radicalization should be directed toward the real threats faced by Christians rather than dismissing their worries.
