Christian Nationalism: Threat or Faith? A Deep Dive

In one of a number of special episodes focused on the state and direction of the US as it approaches its 250th anniversary, this week, we explore the rise and influence of Christian Nationalism in US politics and religious life — what it is, its theological roots, and how the ideology is shaping politics, society, and even democracy itself, both in the US and beyond. We reflect upon the social consequences of the ideology for education, civil rights, and attitudes toward "the other," contrasting the movement's beliefs with the positions taken by other Christians, and their effects for minority communities, women, immigrants and many millions of Americans. As always, we consider where we might focus our intentions and prayers. Disclosure: We do take an editorial position in this episode. Intentions and prayers begin at 37 minutes 27 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary amid a time of deep difference over its future course, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that all Americans will have the grace to see that those with whom they may disagree are not enemies but are human beings made in God's image or have an equal right to be heard, be safe, and be free. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy’ by Matthew D. Taylor. On Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Violent-Take-Force-Christian-Threatening/dp/1506497780/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 ‘The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism’ by Tim Alberta. On Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Power-Glory-Evangelicals-Extremism/dp/006322688X/ref=sr_1_1 A prayer for America Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/aprayerforamericanow. Labyrinth Around America. https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/laa/index.html Related episodes of Impact! Men Behaving Badly: Leaders Who Play The Religious Card, https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s4zbu-18e6f49 Spain on Edge: Inside a Nation Deeply Polarized, https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p2wbg-1947f34 Chapter markers: 00:00:00                                 Introduction 00:01:00                                 Understanding Christian Nationalism 00:02:55                                 Ideology and Influence 00:05:18                                 Patterns and Demographics 00:08:08                                 Political Violence and Extremism 00:09:00                                 Global Perspectives 00:12:04                                 Theological Foundations of Christian Nationalism 00:15:36                                 Historical Context 00:21:24                                 Critiques and Concerns 00:25:55                                 Social and Political Effects 00:32:46                                 Education and Christian Nationalism 00:33:06                                 Immigration Policies 00:34:46                                 Emotional and Psychological Impacts 00:36:25                                 The Role of Social Media 00:37:27                                 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/what_is_christian_nationalism https://www.missioalliance.org/christian-nationalism-what-defines-it/ https://news.wfsu.org/all-npr-news/2024-02-28/christian-nationalisms-support-is-strongest-in-rural-conservative-states https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/10/27/global-far-right-christian-nationalists-00063400 ‘The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism,’ Paul D. Miller, 2022, InterVarsity Press. https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/why-the-rise-of-christian-nationalism-around-the-world-is-deeply-concerning/14740.article https://canopyforum.org/2024/11/06/the-rise-of-the-christian-right-in-europe/ https://midamerica.edu/articles/41/doug-wilson-christian-nationalism-and-the-theonomic-debate https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-seven-mountains-mandate-and-how-is-it-linked-to-political-extremism-in-the-us-260034 https://www.freedomforum.org/what-is-christian-nationalism/ https://religionnews.com/2022/02/09/new-report-details-the-influence-of-christian-nationalism-on-the-insurrection/ https://www.psephizo.com/life-ministry/is-christian-nationalism-a-contradiction-in-terms/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/losing-our-religion/ https://www.ncronline.org/news/major-christian-leaders-asked-jan-6-committee-investigate-christian-nationalism https://kettering.org/how-christian-nationalism-weakens-democracy-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/ https://www.au.org/the-latest/church-and-state/articles/origin-story-the-history-of-christian-nationalism-is-littered-with-hate-and-extremism/ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/charlie-kirk-turning-point-donald-trump-christian-nationalism-rcna156565 https://openandaffirming.org/christian-nationalism/ https://interfaithalliance.org/post/how-project-2025-threatens-religious-freedom-amp-democracy-2f854 https://openjournals.ugent.be/snm/article/id/90195/download/pdf/ https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/10/2/97/pdf?version=1550484453 https://theconversation.com/christian-nationalism-in-the-u-s-is-eerily-reminiscent-of-dominionist-reformers-in-history-250600 https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/news/crisis-faith-christian-nationalism-and-threat-us-democracy https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/01/28/comparing-levels-of-religious-nationalism-around-the-world/ https://www.americanprogress.org/article/christian-nationalism-is-single-biggest-threat-to-americas-religious-freedom/ https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/8/4/68/pdf?version=1492442199 https://religionunplugged.com/news/2024/2/19/what-god-and-country-gets-wrong-about-christian-nationalism https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/books-film/the-seven-mountains-mandate-christian-dominionisms-playbook/ https://www.seenandunseen.com/christian-nationalism-uncontrollable-ideological-fusion https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/8/1/6/pdf?version=1483706332 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01419870.2024.2328334?needAccess=true https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/2/95/pdf https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/14687968231207980 https://www.au.org/the-latest/articles/christian-nationalism-in-america-and-in-our-political-education-threatens-the-pursuit-of-justice/ https://prri.org/research/a-christian-nation-understanding-the-threat-of-christian-nationalism-to-american-democracy-and-culture/ https://religiondispatches.org/new-report-on-white-christian-nationalism-and-the-j6-insurrection-shows-just-how-dire-the-threat-is/ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/03/15/christianitys-place-in-politics-and-christian-nationalism/ https://www.salon.com/2020/01/20/religious-wars-with-the-christian-right-on-the-offensive-activists-are-fighting-back/ https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/10/497/pdf https://christoverall.com/article/concise/how-many-americans-are-christian-nationalists/ https://contendingmodernities.nd.edu/global-currents/religion-politics-and-trumps-christian-nationalism/ https://www.au.org/the-latest/church-and-state/articles/trump-nationalism-and-the-culture-war/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/01/evangelicals-criticize-evangelicalism-russell-moore/ https://time.com/6309657/us-christian-nationalism-columbus-essay/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6707544/ https://providencemag.com/2021/01/gods-transcendence-antidote-polarization-america-politics/ https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/JGS/article/download/61767/31685/375964 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/christians-have-a-role-to-play-in-defending-u-s-democracy/ Join us in person for intention holding:  https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls   https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.   Our websites:    www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.   https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.   https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.   https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.   https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.   Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.   Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.   Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.   Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).   Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.   Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.