Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics
In the United States, a paradox surfaces with unsettling regularity: the profusion of Christian Nationalism within the corridors of a constitutionally secular state. This political ideology, steeped in the conviction that the U.S. was fundamentally Christian at its inception, advocates for governance aligned with biblical principles. It exerts significant influence on policy and the national conscience, which is evident among the more devout members of Congress. We should be aware of and afraid of its implications.
The roots of Christian Nationalism can be traced back to a time preceding the nation's founding, a time marked by the Puritans' voyage across the Atlantic. Their vision of a 'City upon a Hill' infused early American self-perception with a sense of divine mission, hinting at a new beginning and a theocratic blueprint. This theological idealism, though secularized, persisted as the nation shaped its identity.
By the 19th century, these religious undertones had evolved into Manifest Destiny, a belief that Americans were divinely chosen to expand their dominion across the continent. This was less policy than ethos, painting imperial ventures with a veneer of sanctity and recasting the American expansion as a new chapter in biblical prophecy, akin to the Israelites' journey to the promised land.
The resurgence of fundamentalism in the early 20th century marked a reactionary pivot back to doctrinal basics. The movement championed a literal interpretation of scripture. It reached its cultural nirvana with the Scopes Trial, a courtroom showdown between creationism and Darwinism that underscored the deep-rooted tension between religious orthodoxy and emerging modernist thought. The trial, which took place in 1925, was a landmark event in the debate over teaching evolution in public schools. It pitted William Jennings Bryan, a prominent Christian fundamentalist, against Clarence Darrow, a renowned defense attorney and advocate for science and reason.
Post-World War II America saw this blend of piety and patriotism intensify against the backdrop of the Cold War. The existential threat posed by an atheist Soviet Union galvanized the U.S. to embed religious identifiers such as "In God We Trust" on currency and "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance—each measure a cultural bulwark against the communist other.
The rise of influential figures like Billy Graham in the mid-20th century further blurred the boundaries between piety and policy. Graham's evangelistic crusades and his ability to access the corridors of power infused the national agenda with religious fervor, portraying the U.S. as a divine actor on the global stage. His influence extended beyond religious circles, significantly shaping public opinion and policy.
By the late 20th century, the evangelical movement's alignment with the burgeoning conservative political tide gave rise to the Moral Majority. The Moral Majority was a political action group founded in 1979 by Jerry Falwell and other conservative religious leaders. This coalition transformed the political landscape, embedding a Christian Nationalist agenda deeply within the Republican Party, influencing policy and public opinion alike. The Moral Majority was instrumental in mobilizing conservative Christian voters and shaping the political discourse around issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and school prayer, a fact that should raise our concern and awareness.
As the new millennium dawned, and particularly after the September 11 attacks, national discourse adopted an almost crusader tone, framing the global War on Terror in primarily religious terms. This era not only reinvigorated Christian Nationalist rhetoric but also aligned it closely with national security priorities, cementing its role in public and political discourse.
The emergence of the Tea Party and the presidency of Donald Trump did not mark the birth of Christian Nationalism, but they did serve as catalysts that brought latent Christian Nationalist sentiments to the forefront. While ostensibly focused on economic and governance reforms, both movements capitalized on a nostalgic longing for a romanticized Christian past. The Tea Party, for instance, advocated for limited government intervention, a stance that aligns with Christian Nationalist principles of individual freedom and self-reliance. Similarly, Trump's presidency witnessed the appointment of several Christian Nationalist figures to key positions, further solidifying the influence of this ideology in the political landscape.
Today, Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley exemplify this creed in Congress, championing legislation that echoes the nation's Puritan roots and intertwining religious convictions with the mechanics of government. This legislative zeal is not merely a nod to America's spiritual heritage but a determined push to mold future policy through the lens of biblical doctrine.
As Christian Nationalism stands at a crossroads, its future trajectory will hinge on the nation's demographic shifts and cultural evolutions. The ongoing tension between secular governance and religious fervor presents a dynamic challenge, reflecting a more profound cultural paradox that continues to shape American identity and policy. This ideological persistence in a purportedly secular age not only underscores the unique American narrative but also poses questions about the nature of democracy and the limits of religious influence in public life. The potential implications of this tension could include a redefinition of the separation of church and state, a polarization of public opinion, and a shift in policy towards more conservative social values. Once again, stated emphatically, we should be aware of and afraid of its implications, urging us to act urgently and cautiously.