In this insightful discussion, scholar Robbie Jones, who leads the Public Religion Research Institute, uncovers the troubling ties between white evangelical churches and political nationalism. He highlights how Trump’s presidency intensified rifts within faith communities, revealing a surprising embrace of conservative ideologies and conspiracy theories like QAnon. The conversation delves into personal narratives, illustrating the complex interplay of faith and politics, while shedding light on how these divisions challenge core humanitarian values in evangelical spaces.
The rise of evangelical support for Trump reflects a complex interplay of political allegiance and traditional gender hierarchies rooted in Christian nationalism.
QAnon conspiracy theories resonate within evangelical communities, illustrating a deep distrust of institutions and intertwining with their political identities.
Deep dives
The Shift in Church Dynamics Post-Trump
The election of Donald Trump marked a significant turning point for many evangelical churches, where his aggressive rhetoric became an endorsement for his followers to express their own hostility, especially towards perceived threats like immigrants. At Desert Springs Bible Church, Pastor Caleb Campbell noticed a drastic shift among congregation members who had previously supported humanitarian efforts towards immigrants, leading to heated confrontations with those who viewed these initiatives as a betrayal of their faith. This discontent showcased a growing divide within the church, where previously unified members were now at odds, questioning long-standing church missions due to the influence of Trump's controversial politics. Campbell's experiences highlighted a larger trend, where the echo chamber of right-wing media and Trump's polarizing stance exacerbated existing tensions among churchgoers and leaders alike.
Historical Roots of the MAGA Movement
The allure of Trump's MAGA movement among white evangelical voters stems from deep-seated fears of losing their social status amidst shifting cultural landscapes and growing political correctness. This movement's roots can be traced back to the Tea Party, which fostered a belief that the ‘real America’ was under attack, thereby laying the groundwork for Trump’s appeal as a non-political candidate ready to reclaim traditional values. Trump’s promise to prioritize pro-life policies and restore a perceived lost identity resonated strongly with white evangelicals, despite his personal conduct often contradicting their moral values. This contradiction illustrates a complex relationship where political allegiance often trumps ethical considerations, reflecting a broader testament to the shifting ideologies within evangelical Christianity.
Christian Nationalism and Gender Hierarchy
The rise of Christian nationalism intertwined with the Trump era has emphasized a traditional gender hierarchy, promoting the notion of a patriarchal structure where men dominate leadership roles both at home and in society. Figures within the evangelical movement have promoted ideologies that elevate masculine authority as divinely ordained, often using military rhetoric that frames societal issues as battles to be won against perceived enemies. This militant masculinity resonates with adherents who feel threatened by social changes, reinforcing the idea that true Americans must uphold an agenda rooted in conservative Christian values. The linkage between these concepts reveals how evangelical support for Trump is not merely a political alignment but also a quest for maintaining traditional gender and racial hierarchies.
Conspiracy Theories and the Evangelical Base
The proliferation of QAnon conspiracy theories exemplifies the anxieties within the evangelical community, reflecting a profound distrust of established institutions and mainstream narratives. Many believers within this demographic are drawn to these theories, which resonate with a sense of apocalyptic urgency and validate their feelings of disenfranchisement in a rapidly changing society. Surveys indicate that a substantial number of white evangelicals either support or align with these beliefs, showcasing an ideological alignment between QAnon narratives and the MAGA movement. This suggests that these conspiracy theories are not just fringe ideologies but embedded within the theological and cultural fabric of many evangelical communities, further complicating their political and social identities.
Political divisions within Pastor Caleb’s church and at a leading Christian magazine reveal how predominantly white evangelical spaces became hothouses for Christian nationalism. Republican politics, militant masculinity and QAnon conspiracy theories all contribute to its spread.
Napp Nazworth, Ph.D., is Executive Director of American Values Coalition. He previously worked in academia teaching courses in U.S. government, Congress, and religion and politics; and as a journalist, serving as opinion editor and politics editor for The Christian Post.
Kristin Kobes Du Mezis a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics, and her most recent book is Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.
Lionel Estrada is a father, grandfather, Jesus follower, worship leader, songwriter and addiction/trauma therapist from Phoenix, AZ. He has been a member of Desert Springs Bible Church for almost 20 years.
