1. Since we’re talking about it this morning, here’s a quick thread on Christian nationalism, which has developed into one of the most important political forces animating our republic today.
The upshot: it’s been around for a long time, but it has TRIUMPHED under Trump.
The upshot: it’s been around for a long time, but it has TRIUMPHED under Trump.
2. Vague conflations of God and country are as old as America itself. Some REALLY wanted America to be a theocracy early on…
…But they failed. So while rhetoric about God and country—often called “civil religion”—remain common, hardcore Christian nationalism was rarer.
…But they failed. So while rhetoric about God and country—often called “civil religion”—remain common, hardcore Christian nationalism was rarer.
3. And it’s this more hardcore version—typically rooted in the idea that America is a Christian nation—that has proven to be a powerful force on the right.
Trump, however, introduced a new twist: Christian nationalism with HIMSELF at the center —
> thinkprogress.org/trump-is-creat…
Trump, however, introduced a new twist: Christian nationalism with HIMSELF at the center —
> thinkprogress.org/trump-is-creat…
4. Versions of Christian nationalism in other countries that attach themselves to a leader have, shall we say, a much darker history.
Like, REAL dark, and at least one scholar is kind of freaked out about it: thinkprogress.org/history-christ…
Like, REAL dark, and at least one scholar is kind of freaked out about it: thinkprogress.org/history-christ…
5. (Note: The scholar isn’t making direct comparisons here, and took pains to not the difference of the American context. He’s just pointing out trends he finds concerning, etc.)
6. Anyway, the overriding version of modern American Christian nationalism was arguably birthed in the 1930s, when a group of business tycoons and fundamentalists (and early mega pastors) teamed up to preach a pro-capitalist message (see @KevinMKruse): thinkprogress.org/big-business-m…
7. Side note: their numbers at least tangentially included a pastor Trump has specifically listed as a favorite: Norman Vincent Peale
8. Fast forward to the late 90s/Bush era, and contemporary Christian nationalists began to coalesce in various forms, with heroes that included — I kid you not — disgraced Alabama Senate Candidate Roy Moore!
This group, as it turns out, loved Trump. thinkprogress.org/trumps-christi…
This group, as it turns out, loved Trump. thinkprogress.org/trumps-christi…
9. Why?
Well, it’s helpful to think of modern Christian nationalism as less of a theological argument and more of an IDENTITY—something similar to but also distinct from ethnic, racial, or religious identities.
It’s very, very powerful, and Trump hit key notes while campaigning
Well, it’s helpful to think of modern Christian nationalism as less of a theological argument and more of an IDENTITY—something similar to but also distinct from ethnic, racial, or religious identities.
It’s very, very powerful, and Trump hit key notes while campaigning
10. Sociologist @ndrewwhitehead and his colleagues figured out just how powerful it was when they analyzed some polling data on it.
In fact, they list Christian nationalism as one of the key reasons for Trump’s success. thinkprogress.org/christian-nati…
In fact, they list Christian nationalism as one of the key reasons for Trump’s success. thinkprogress.org/christian-nati…
11. One of the only greater indicators for Trump support was Islamophobia, which researchers noted wasn’t at all disconnected from Christian nationalism.
12. Interestingly, although Christian nationalism seems to show up quite a bit in white evangelical circles, versions of it also appear to permeate OTHER religious groups.
E.g., Steve Bannon, a Catholic, arguably preaches a version of it. thinkprogress.org/radical-faith-…
E.g., Steve Bannon, a Catholic, arguably preaches a version of it. thinkprogress.org/radical-faith-…
13. Taken together, a pattern emerges: Christian nationalism in a political context is less concerned with theological purity and more about IDENTITY OF SELF, which is something Trump has proven himself able to tap into.
Hence “Merry Christmas” fights, anti-Islam rhetoric, etc.
Hence “Merry Christmas” fights, anti-Islam rhetoric, etc.
14. Anyway, there is a lot on this topic, and the research is still emerging.
But keep an eye out for stuff like this: it resonates with a very specific — and very large — audience.
But keep an eye out for stuff like this: it resonates with a very specific — and very large — audience.
15. Also, this is an important point from @JournoJoshua:
