Rep. Jared Huffman on Christian Nationalism and Church-State Separation in America

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] nationalism is becoming a central force in American politics and public debate. In this episode, Congressman Jared Huffman joins Faithful Politics to discuss Christian nationalism in the United States, how it is defined, and how it is influencing government, policy, and political rhetoric in 2026. This conversation explores what people mean when they use the term Christian nationalism and why it has become a major topic in discussions about democracy, religious liberty, and the role of faith in public life.Huffman explains how lawmakers and policy experts identify Christian nationalism in legislation and government action, and how it differs from personal religious belief or individual expressions of faith. The discussion looks at church-state separation, the First Amendment, and how Christian nationalism is showing up in debates over education, federal agencies, public funding, and political messaging. The episode also covers the Congressional Free Thought Caucus, the Religious Liberty Commission, the Anti-Christian Bias Task Force, and the ongoing relevance of the Johnson Amendment.The conversation examines how Christian nationalism is framed by supporters and critics, why the term is contested, and how it connects to broader questions about pluralism, religious diversity, and democratic norms. Huffman outlines how members of Congress evaluate whether policies cross into religious favoritism and what tools exist to respond when concerns about church-state boundaries arise. The episode also addresses how political movements, media narratives, and demographic shifts are shaping the current conversation around Christian nationalism in America.Learn more about the Freethought Caucus: https://freethoughtcaucus-huffman.house.govGuest bioJared Huffman represents California’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is co-chair of the Congressional Free Thought Caucus, a group focused on church-state separation, religious liberty, and the role of religion in public policy. Huffman has led congressional briefings and initiatives examining Christian nationalism, pluralism, and the influence of religion in American politics. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast