Christian Nationalism's Ascendance: Unveiling Its Influence in the United States and Beyond
Author: EMAN Staff
The influence of Christian nationalists in the United States has undergone significant growth in recent years, with the Bible Belt states serving as their stronghold. Christian nationalism, rooted in the belief that America should be a “Christian nation” governed by biblical principles, has gained traction in various aspects of society, including politics, education, and social values.
The Bible Belt, encompassing states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, has long been recognised as a region where conservative Christianity holds significant sway. Within the Bible Belt, Christian nationalists have successfully shaped political agendas, with politicians openly aligning themselves with Christian nationalist values and incorporating religious rhetoric into their campaigns. This influence extends beyond the region, as endorsements and support from the Bible Belt can sway national elections and influence policy debates.
Christian nationalists are indeed making significant efforts to influence public policy in the United States. One notable example can be observed in Texas, where Senate Bill 763 was passed. This bill allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers to provide support, services, and programs for students as designated by the board of trustees or governing bodies. The funds allocated for improving security and safety can now be used for chaplains, licensed counsellors, social workers, and behavioural health services.
The passage of Senate Bill 763 reflects the ongoing efforts of Christian nationalists to influence educational policies within the Bible Belt and beyond. It underscores the broader push to intertwine religious beliefs with public life and raises questions about the balance between religious values and the principles of secular education in the United States.
It further demonstrates the strong alliance between the far-right and Christian nationalists, opening doors for potential replication in other states. These groups, driven by shared goals, cooperate in diverse ways to advocate for conservative social values, uphold traditionalist interpretations of religion, and influence public policy in alignment with their beliefs.
Far-right politicians and conservative Christian leaders often join forces, endorsing each other’s campaigns and advocating for policies that align with their shared agenda. This collaboration helps consolidate their collective political power and amplify their influence, as seen at the recent CPAC conference in Hungary.
The event attracted figures from far-right populist movements worldwide, illustrating the global consolidation of Christian nationalists. Hungarian President Viktor Orbán, known for his affiliation with the movement, openly touted his country’s conservative Christian political turn during the conference, describing himself as “an old-fashioned freedom fighter”, “the only anti-migration political leader of our continent” and “the leader of a country that is under the siege of progressive liberals day by day”. This international convergence underscores the expanding reach and impact of Christian nationalism.
Within American fundamentalist circles, in particular, there exists a widely held belief that white Christians have been anointed as the divine guardians of America, entrusted with the responsibility to establish and advance the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth through the ideology of Christian nationalism.
A significant development is the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. The Court further issued a series of rulings that expand the role of religion in public life, including allowing school prayer and providing funding for religious education. States have also taken proactive measures, with many enacting abortion bans. For instance, Florida has implemented a law prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early elementary school, while Texas has ordered investigations into parents with transgender children for potential child abuse. These examples highlight the growing influence of conservative Christian values on policy decisions and the broader cultural landscape.
The concurrent rise of the Christian nationalist movement within the United States and globally requires careful examination. As nationalist sentiments intersect with extremism, the fragile fabric of American democracy is at stake. There is a significant role to be played by law enforcement, not just religious leaders, to address these challenges. It is also important to acknowledge that extremism exists across different ideologies, including within religious and political contexts. While the Christian nationalist movement and legalistic Islamist extremists, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, differ in their religious foundations and political goals, it is crucial to recognise that both pose risks to societal harmony and democratic principles.
Both ideologies believe in the superiority of their values and the desire to shape society according to their extremist interpretations of Christianity and Islam. While the manifestations and methods of these groups may differ, it is essential to understand that extremism, regardless of its religious or political roots, can undermine pluralism, tolerance, and democratic principles. By recognising the potential dangers and addressing extremism in all its forms, societies can strive for a more inclusive and peaceful coexistence.
