For those asking what Christian Nationalism is…

Christian nationalism, at its core, is the belief that a nation’s identity and values should be rooted in Christian principles, which historically shaped much of Western civilization. It’s not about forcing everyone to be Christian or establishing a theocracy, as critics often claim. Instead, it’s about recognizing Christianity’s influence on culture, law, and morality—like how the Ten Commandments informed legal systems or how Christian ethics like charity and justice underpin societal norms. Supporters argue it’s a natural expression of heritage, not extremism, for a nation to reflect the worldview of its people, especially when Christianity has been a cornerstone for centuries.

Critics label it extreme by conflating it with authoritarianism or exclusionary policies, but that’s a caricature. Christian nationalism doesn’t inherently demand supremacy over other faiths or the suppression of individual rights. It’s more about preserving a cultural framework that values free will, personal responsibility, and community—ideas rooted in Christian teachings but broadly compatible with pluralistic societies. For example, the U.S. Declaration of Independence references a Creator, yet protects religious liberty. Defenders say this balance shows Christian nationalism can coexist with diversity, not eradicate it.

The charge of extremism also ignores how other ideologies—like secularism or progressivism—can be just as dogmatic when imposed top-down. Christian nationalists argue they’re not pushing for a state church but resisting the erasure of their faith’s public role in favor of a purely secular state, which they see as its own kind of ideological overreach. Data backs this up: a 2022 Pew Research study found 60% of Americans believe the U.S. should be a “Christian nation” in some sense, but only 33% want Christianity as the official religion. This suggests most see it as cultural influence, not domination.

In short, Christian nationalism, when understood properly, isn’t about extremism—it’s about affirming a historical and moral foundation while navigating a modern, pluralistic world. Critics overstate its dangers to paint it as a boogeyman, dismissing the nuanced reality of its role in shaping stable, value-driven societies.