The History, Usage, and Evolution of the Phrase “Christian Nationalism”

I wanted to see how the phrase “Christian nationalsim” has changed over the years. One event forever changed the meaning – January 6, 2021.

Introduction

The term “Christian nationalism” has surged into public discourse, particularly after the events of January 6, 2021. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of “Christian nationalism,” tracing its origins, historical usage, and how its meaning and perception have evolved, especially in the context of recent events.

Origins and Historical Context

Christian nationalism, as a concept, can be traced back to the intertwining of Christianity and state politics throughout history. The idea that a nation’s identity and governance should reflect Christian values is not new and has roots in various historical periods and contexts.

1. Medieval Christendom: During the medieval period, European kingdoms often merged religious and political authority, with monarchs claiming divine right to rule. This period saw the church wield significant influence over state affairs, a precursor to the concept of a Christian nation.
2. The Reformation and National Churches: The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to the establishment of national churches, such as the Church of England, where the monarch served as both the political and religious head. This further cemented the idea that national identity could be closely tied to a particular form of Christianity.
3. Colonial America: In the early American colonies, many settlers sought to create societies based on their religious convictions. The Puritans, for example, envisioned a “city upon a hill” where their interpretation of Christian values would shape all aspects of life, including governance.

Early Usage of “Christian Nationalism”

The specific term “Christian nationalism” is relatively modern, although the ideology it describes has been present for centuries. The early usage of the term often referred to the idea that a nation’s laws and policies should reflect Christian morals and values.

1. 19th Century: In the 19th century, American nationalism often intertwined with Protestant Christian values. Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was divinely ordained to expand across the continent, was one such expression of Christian nationalist ideology.
2. 20th Century Developments: Throughout the 20th century, various movements and groups promoted the idea that America was a Christian nation. This included the rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s, which sought to influence American politics based on evangelical Christian principles.

The Phrase “Christian Nationalism” Before January 6, 2021

Before the events of January 6, 2021, “Christian nationalism” was a term used mainly in academic and political discourse to describe the blending of Christian identity with national identity. This period saw a relatively benign usage of the term, though it was not without its controversies.

1. Academic Discourse: Scholars used “Christian nationalism” to analyze how religious beliefs influenced national identity and policy. This included examining the role of Christian symbols in public spaces and the push for laws reflecting Christian morals.
2. Political and Social Movements: Groups like the Christian Coalition and later the Tea Party movement often used rhetoric that could be described as Christian nationalist, advocating for policies based on their interpretation of Christian values and emphasizing America’s supposed Christian heritage.

Evolution After January 6, 2021

The events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, marked a significant turning point in the perception and usage of the term “Christian nationalism.” The insurrection brought to light the extreme elements within this ideology and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals.

1. Increased Scrutiny and Redefinition: Post-January 6, scholars, journalists, and political commentators have scrutinized “Christian nationalism” more intensely. The term has become associated with the radicalization of certain Christian groups and their role in undermining democratic principles.
2. Association with Extremism: The presence of Christian symbols and rhetoric among the Capitol rioters highlighted how Christian nationalism can fuel extremist actions. This has led to a broader understanding of the term encompassing political advocacy and a dangerous, exclusionary, and sometimes violent ideology.
3. Political Reactions and Public Discourse: Politicians and public figures have responded to the rise of Christian nationalism in various ways. Some have condemned it as a threat to democracy and religious freedom, while others have defended it as a legitimate expression of patriotism and religious conviction.

Detailed Historical Analysis

To understand the evolution of Christian nationalism, it is essential to examine key historical events and figures that have shaped this ideology.

1. Early American Republic: In the early years of the United States, the concept of a Christian nation was debated among the founding fathers. While the Constitution established a separation of church and state, many leaders believed in the moral guidance of Christianity for the new nation.
2. Civil War and Reconstruction: The Civil War era saw Christian rhetoric used on both sides of the conflict, with both Union and Confederate leaders invoking divine support for their causes. Post-war, Christian nationalism played a role in the Reconstruction era as the nation grappled with issues of race, citizenship, and national identity.
3. 20th Century Movements: The 20th century saw the rise of movements like the Moral Majority and Christian Right, which sought to influence American politics based on evangelical Christian principles. These movements laid the groundwork for contemporary Christian nationalism by promoting the idea that America should return to its “Christian roots.”

Modern Usage and Controversies

The modern usage of “Christian nationalism” is fraught with controversy, reflecting the deep divides in American society.

1. Political Campaigns: In recent political campaigns, Christian nationalist rhetoric has been used to rally some conservative Christian voters. This includes advocating for policies like prayer in schools, anti-abortion laws, and opposition to LGBTQ rights.
2. Social Media and Misinformation: Social media has played a significant role in spreading Christian nationalist ideas, often intertwining them with conspiracy theories and misinformation. This has amplified the reach and impact of this ideology, contributing to the radicalization of individuals and groups.
3. Legal and Constitutional Debates: The rise of Christian nationalism has sparked legal and constitutional debates about the separation of church and state. Court cases and legislative battles over issues like religious displays on public property and the funding of religious schools reflect the ongoing tension between secular and religious visions of American identity.

Impact of January 6, 2021

The Capitol events was a watershed moment that brought Christian nationalism into the national spotlight.

1. Visible Symbols: The presence of crosses, Bibles, and Christian flags among the rioters illustrated the deep connection between their actions and their religious beliefs. This visual imagery has become emblematic of the extremist elements within Christian nationalism.
2. Rhetoric and Justifications: Rioters and their supporters often used Christian rhetoric to justify their actions, framing the attack as a divine mandate to “save” America from perceived corruption and moral decay.
3. Public and Scholarly Responses: In the aftermath of January 6, numerous reports and scholarly articles have been published analyzing the role of Christian nationalism in the attack. These analyses highlight the dangers of this ideology and call for a reevaluation of its place in American society.

Final thoughts

The phrase “Christian nationalism” has undergone significant transformation over the years. Historically, it emerged from the intertwining of Christianity and state politics, with deep roots in medieval Christendom, the Protestant Reformation, and colonial America. The early and 20th-century usage of the term often reflected the aspiration to integrate Christian values into national governance and identity.

Before January 6, 2021, “Christian nationalism” was primarily a concept discussed in academic and political contexts, describing the merging of Christian and national identities. It was associated with various movements and policies that sought to reflect Christian morals in public life and governance.

The events of January 6, 2021, however, brought a pivotal shift in the understanding and perception of Christian nationalism. The attack on the U.S. Capitol, where rioters used Christian symbols and rhetoric, highlighted the extreme and violent elements within this ideology. Post-January 6, Christian nationalism has been increasingly scrutinized for its association with radicalization, violence, and efforts to undermine democratic principles.

The phrase “Christian nationalism” has evolved significantly from its historical roots to its current association with extremism and violence. Understanding this evolution is crucial for recognizing how individuals and groups use the phrase and how the public sees individuals labeled “Christian nationalists.” This article seeks to shed light on the history of the phrase and its evolution. These things can be forgotten over time.

Citations:

1. Britannica, “Christian Nationalism,” Britannica
2. Wikipedia, “Christian Nationalism,” Wikipedia
3. Pew Research Center, “In their own words: How Americans describe ‘Christian nationalism’,” Pew Research Center
4. Institution for Social and Policy Studies, “Understanding White Christian Nationalism,” Yale ISPS
5. BJC, “Report on Christian nationalism and the January 6 insurrection,” BJC Online
6. Pulitzer Center, “Christian Nationalism After the Jan. 6 Capitol Attack,” Pulitzer Center
7. Berkley Center, “White Christian Nationalism: The Deep Story Behind the Capitol Insurrection,” Berkley Center
8. Religion News Service, “How Christian nationalism paved the way for Jan. 6,” Religion News
9. Baptist News Global, “Five takeaways from the Report on Christian Nationalism and January 6,” Baptist News Global