Moral Maze What's the bigger threat to Europe: "cultural erasure", or far-right populism?
Dec 18, 2025
Chris Wickland, a Pastor of the Living Word Church and proponent of Christian nationalism, argues for the importance of faith in politics. Eric Kaufmann, a Politics Professor, discusses how demographic shifts may influence cultural identity and perceptions of tolerance. Political philosopher Adrian Pabst emphasizes the need for renewal in civic identity to combat complacency, while panelists debate whether the threat of cultural erasure or far-right populism poses a greater risk to Europe. The conversation digs into the complexities of inclusion, identity, and belonging.
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Security Strategy Framed As Civilisational Threat
- The US National Security Strategy framed European demographic change as "civilisational erasure", sparking debate about cultural identity.
- That framing fuels far-right parties which increasingly use Christianity as a cultural emblem to resist change.
Pastor's Historical Case For Christian Nationalism
- Chris Wickland described British history as naturally Christian-nationalist, citing King Æthelbert and 1,400 years of Church influence.
- He said cultural Christianity lets non-believers enjoy Christmas while politics should put God back at the heart of the nation.
Legitimacy Risk Of Public Associations
- Association with Tommy Robinson legitimised him in public eyes and raised responsibilities for clergy who join him.
- Wickland insisted a broad spectrum of Christian leaders attended and framed Christmas as cultural heritage rather than sectarian.