@PRRIpoll & @BrookingsInst just released the findings from a new survey of over 6,000 Americans. This report helps us know who embraces Christian nationalism, and what those folks believe. #ChristianNationalism
For instance, around 29% of Americans are at least sympathetic to Christian nationalism. @PRRIpoll labels these folks "Adherents" and "Sympathizers".
They asked 5 different questions and created a Christian nationalism scale. This is similar to what we did in Taking America Back for God.
Glad to see a continuation of what questions are asked which help us further specify what Americans really believe and desire.
As expected, a majority of White evangelical Protestants are at least sympathetic to #ChristianNationalism (64%).
An important continuation of past findings, though, is that sympathy for CN is not solely located w/in this group.
Another interesting finding: Christian nationalism adherents and sympathizers are much more likely to "prefer the US be a nation primarily made up of Christians."
Christianity as a key marker of national identity, and who is a true American.
Be sure to check out the report--it also shows how Christian nationalism is intertwined with anti-black racism, anti-immigrant views, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim views, and gender views.
Like below: strong association w/ "replacement theory"--immigrants replace "our culture"
One finding that should worry us all--Christian nationalism again strongly linked to embracing QAnon.
QAnon believers (see the ?s @PRRIpoll asked) are much more likely to be CN adherents and sympathizers.
Again, check out the full report. Lots of interesting findings that will help us further understand what Christian nationalism means for our nation going forward.
"White Christian nationalism is a cultural framework that idealizes and advocates for a fusion of a particular expression of Christianity with American civic life." (p. 28)
"It holds that this version of Christianity should be the principal and undisputed cultural framework in the United States and that the government should
vigorously preserve that cultural framework."
"Christian nationalism combines a number of elements. The first element is a strong moral traditionalism based on creating and sustaining social hierarchies. Oftentimes these revolve around gender and sexuality."
Does Christian nationalism make Americans less Christ-like?
Consider some evidence:
Americans who embrace Christian nationalism are *more likely* to say political violence is sometimes necessary in order to "save our country."
(@PRRIpoll /Brookings, 2023)
Americans who embrace Christian nationalism are more likely to believe immigrants "undermine American culture," "increase crime," and should be kept from coming to the US.
(Whitehead & Perry, 2020)
Americans who embrace Christian nationalism are *more likely* to be uncomfortable w/ interracial marriage, deny racial differences in policing, and believe police officers use violence against Black Americans more often because Black Americans are inherently more violent.
Sent to me from a friend in east Tennessee. An evocative representation of how guns (and all they have come to represent in the US) are a key cultural icon of Christian nationalism in the United States.
The redefining of the "right to bear arms" to mean that any (white) citizen should be able to access, purchase, and use almost any type of firearm with little to no oversight . . .
highlights the individualism, populism, authoritarianism, and idolization of violence inherent to Christian nationalism.
Gun are viewed as a vital ingredient to fulfill their particular interpretation of God's will for the country.
Real talk: sometimes (as a Christian) I've found it poses less risk to converse with atheist or agnostic friends when experiencing deep pain or suffering than it is with some fellow Christians.
Why?
1) I've found there's less of a chance of being bright-sided.
What's bright-sided?
It's the "often toxically positive and well-meaning attempt to offer comfort, it's the phenomena where someone insists that, no matter your situation, you look for some kind of positive."
I've come to see this propensity to "bright side" as likely due to American Christianity being marked by a kind of triumphalism, of always “winning.”