Episode 2: Christian Nationalism is a Threat to Democracy
Sep 25, 2023
auto_awesome
Andrew Seidel, sociologist studying the anti-democratic facets of Christian nationalism, discusses how it shapes attitudes about police brutality, democratic processes, voting rights, immigration rights, and the separation of church and state. He explores its role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, the influence of Christian nationalism and biblical literalism on conspiracy thinking, and the connection between Christian nationalism, a fractured media landscape, and the attack on the US government. He emphasizes the need for immediate and long-term actions to protect democracy.
Christian nationalism played a significant role in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, as insurrectionists saw themselves on a righteous mission to restore a Christian nation.
Christian nationalism poses a threat to democracy beyond political violence, with ongoing efforts to suppress voters' rights and manipulate the political system to ensure desired outcomes.
Deep dives
The Prevalence of Christian Nationalism in the United States
Christian nationalism, which advocates for a fusion of Christianity and American civic life, has a significant presence in the United States. It is a cultural framework that idealizes a particular version of Christianity as the primary cultural influence in the country, emphasizing the preservation of this cultural framework by the government. This view is held by a spectrum of Americans, from strong advocates known as ambassadors to those who lean towards supporting it, accommodators. These beliefs are often tied to moral traditionalism, authoritarian control, strict boundaries of national identity, and a populist inclination. Christian nationalism played a key role in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol and continues to pose a threat to democracy in America.
The Role of Christian Nationalism in the Insurrection
Christian nationalism not only provides theological cover for those who engage in extremism, but it also fosters an atmosphere where more extreme attitudes and actions can flourish. The insurrectionists at the Capitol saw themselves as part of a righteous mission to restore a Christian nation as they waved flags with Christian symbolism alongside those supporting Donald Trump. The language of Christian nationalism, combined with the four elements of the big lie, comfort with political violence, conspiratorial thinking, and a fragmented media landscape, were strong drivers of the insurrection. It is crucial to grapple with Christian nationalism to truly understand the events of January 6th and the ongoing threat it poses to American democracy.
Distorted Perception of the Insurrection
Christian nationalism continues to shape how Americans perceive the events of January 6th. Over time, there has been redefinition happening among those who embrace Christian nationalism, leading to a reinterpretation of the insurrection. The influence of Christian nationalism has led to a decline in the belief that those who attacked the Capitol should be prosecuted. This ongoing reinterpretation underscores the importance of addressing the power of Christian nationalism in shaping public opinion and memory of the insurrection.
The Threat of Christian Nationalism to Democracy
Christian nationalism poses a serious threat to democracy beyond acts of political violence. There are ongoing efforts to suppress voters' rights, manipulate election outcomes, and rework the political system to ensure desired results. By focusing on power and privileging a particular group's interests, Christian nationalism undermines the foundations of a pluralistic democracy. Combating Christian nationalism requires both short-term responses to protect democratic access and long-term efforts to change hearts and minds surrounding its detrimental impact on democracy.
Andrew draws on dozens of sociological studies in order to demonstrate the anti-democratic facets of Christian nationalism. He shows how Christian nationalism shapes attitudes about police brutality, democratic processes, voting rights, immigration rights, and the separation of church and state. He also consults expert voices who echo his warning: Andrew Seidel, Abigail Vegter, Robert Jones, and more.