The image is stark, seared into our collective consciousness: angry faces, Confederate flags, tiki torches illuminating a march through a historic American city. Later, a more audacious scene: a violent mob, waving political banners, breaching the very halls of democracy itself. These aren’t isolated incidents of fringe extremism; they are increasingly visible manifestations of a dangerous ideology gaining traction within our nation. Today, my thoughts turn to this unsettling phenomenon: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, and Why We Should All Be Paying Attention.
It is time for a critical examination of a political ideology that fundamentally distorts both religious principle and democratic governance, weaponizing belief to impose a narrow worldview on an entire nation. As a gay man who has personally experienced the profound trauma of religiously motivated persecution (from being kicked out by family to enduring a “pray the gay away” camp) and as a liberal Democrat deeply committed to the principles of pluralism and separation of church and state, I view this ascent with profound alarm. Its implications for human rights, for democratic institutions, and for the very fabric of our diverse society are nothing short of terrifying.
The Problem: A Confluence of Extremism and Ideology
In recent years, the fringes of white nationalism and religious fundamentalism have found common ground in a dangerous ideology known as Christian Nationalism. This is not merely about individuals holding strong religious beliefs; it’s a political ideology asserting that the United States is, or should be, a Christian nation, that its laws should be based on Christian biblical principles, and that its government should actively uphold a particular religious and moral order. This vision fundamentally rejects pluralism, secular governance, and the separation of church and state.
We have witnessed the increasing visibility and boldness of its various manifestations:
- Charlottesville (2017): The infamous “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and other far-right groups marched with tiki torches, chanting racist and antisemitic slogans. This event, and the violence that ensued, served as a stark, early warning of the growing boldness of organized white nationalism in the public sphere. The imagery was chilling, reminiscent of historical authoritarian movements.
- The January 6th Insurrection (2021): The violent assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, was a horrifying climax. Amidst the chaos, Christian nationalist symbols (like “Jesus Saves” banners alongside “Trump 2020” flags), prayers, and declarations of divine mandate were prevalent. This event underscored the profound overlap between a fervent political ideology and a distorted religious conviction, demonstrating its capacity for violence and its fundamental rejection of democratic outcomes.
- The Proud Boys and Public Demonstrations: My own experience provides a visceral understanding of this threat. I was in Nashville in 2024, enjoying a brief respite from professional upheaval with friends, when I encountered a Proud Boys march. This group, known for its right-wing extremism and political violence, paraded through downtown Nashville, openly espousing racist, misogynistic, and explicitly anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry. Their presence, their hateful chants, and their unwavering conviction in their ideology, was deeply unsettling. It was a stark reminder that hate is not confined to the fringes; it walks openly in our streets, fueled by an underlying ideological current.
These are not isolated incidents of individual prejudice; they are connected, reflecting a concerted effort to reshape America into a specific, theocratic vision.
The Pillars of Peril: What Christian Nationalism Demands
Christian Nationalism, in its various forms, demands a fundamental reshaping of American society that directly contradicts democratic principles and basic human rights:
- Erosion of Separation of Church and State: Its core tenet is the rejection of the separation of church and state. It advocates for laws based on a particular interpretation of Christian principles, fundamentally undermining religious freedom for all faiths and for those who hold no faith. It transforms a shield (freedom for religion) into a sword (freedom to impose religion).
- Imposition of a Narrow Morality: It seeks to impose a specific, conservative Christian moral code on all citizens through state power. This directly targets LGBTQ+ rights (marriage equality, trans rights, gender-affirming care), reproductive freedom (abortion bans), and educational curricula (book bans, anti-inclusive teaching). For me, as a gay man who was told my identity was “evil” and faced conversion therapy, this is not just abstract policy; it’s a direct threat to my fundamental dignity and existence.
- Undermining Pluralism and Diversity: Christian Nationalism implicitly rejects the idea of a pluralistic society where diverse faiths, cultures, and identities can coexist and thrive equally. It advocates for a hierarchy where one specific religious identity is privileged and dominant, leading to the marginalization and oppression of others. This stands in stark contrast to the rich diversity that has always been the true strength of America.
- Authoritarian Tendencies: The ideology often aligns with authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing obedience to a divinely ordained leader or a singular, “correct” worldview. It can be hostile to dissent, critical thinking, and the very mechanisms of democratic debate and compromise. When combined with political figures who demonstrate anti-democratic tendencies (like those who attempted to overturn an election), the threat to democratic institutions becomes profound.
- Historical Revisionism: Christian Nationalism often relies on a selective, inaccurate interpretation of American history, claiming the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, despite historical evidence to the contrary. This revisionism is used to justify the imposition of a theocratic agenda in the present.
The Call to Vigilance: Why We Must Pay Attention
The rise of Christian Nationalism is not a fringe concern that can be dismissed as merely “extreme” or “out of touch.” Its ideas are increasingly permeating mainstream political discourse, influencing policy decisions, and gaining traction among certain segments of the population. Ignoring it is a dangerous form of complacency.
- Understanding the Threat: We must clearly understand what Christian Nationalism is (a political ideology, not just a faith) and what it advocates for. This requires media literacy to discern its tactics and its pervasive influence in certain news outlets.
- Defend Democratic Principles: We must actively defend the separation of church and state, pluralism, individual liberty, and the integrity of democratic institutions. These are the very foundations that protect all our rights.
- Amplify Diverse Voices: We must consciously uplift and amplify the voices of marginalized communities—LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, religious minorities—whose lives and rights are directly threatened by this ideology. Their stories are powerful counter-narratives to the rhetoric of hatred and exclusion.
- Engage and Advocate: As citizens, we must remain engaged in the political process, voting with purpose (as the outcome of the 2024 election profoundly demonstrated), advocating for policies that promote inclusion and justice, and challenging bigotry wherever it appears, whether at a dinner table or in a political speech. My commitment to this advocacy is rooted in personal experience and an unwavering belief in a more just society.
The unfurling banner of Christian Nationalism represents a profound challenge to the inclusive, democratic future I believe in. It’s a sobering reminder that the fight for fundamental rights is never truly over, and that vigilance is a constant requirement. But by understanding the threat, by staying engaged, and by standing united for the principles of liberty and equality for all, we can push back against these divisive forces and continue to strive for a nation that truly lives up to its promise of freedom for every individual. This is a battle for the very soul of America, and our attention is paramount.