The Ideology of Christian Nationalism (w/ Paul Matzko)
Jun 8, 2024
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Historian and author Paul Matzko discusses the rise of Christian nationalism, its impact on the far right, and the challenges it poses to liberalism. Topics include the evolution of Christian nationalism, syncretism within American evangelicalism, mythology, tradition, gender roles, and the clash with liberal values.
Christian nationalism has evolved from a pejorative term to a self-identity embraced on social media.
Christian nationalists resist societal changes that conflict with traditional cultural values and gender roles.
Deep dives
Evolution of Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism has evolved from being a pejorative term to a self-identity some proudly embrace, marking a shift witnessed live on social media. Factors include declining status of conservative Christianity, rejection of liberal premises, and the influence of white supremacists online, leading to a purity spiral towards extreme views.
Challenging the Notion of Christian Nationalism
The conversation around Christian nationalism reveals a complex interplay between self-identification and underlying beliefs. Individuals who did not initially identify as Christian nationalists might have had predispositions aligning with Christian nationalist ideas, showcasing a changing landscape in how these beliefs are embraced.
Impact of Cultural Shifts on Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalists are driven by a perceived threat to traditional Christian cultural values in an evolving society where institutions are less sympathetic to these values. The tension arises from a desire to maintain specific cultural norms and resist societal changes that conflict with those beliefs.
Challenges to Traditional Gender Roles and Cultural Interpretations
Assertions of preserving traditional gender roles are viewed through a lens of conservatism but are, in fact, radical shifts from historical norms. The discussion on cultural Christianity and gender roles highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of cultural interpretations and traditional beliefs, challenging the notion of conserving an idealized past.
Among the various ideologies opposing liberalism that have seen new or renewed prominence in the last decade is Christian nationalism. It motivates quite a lot of the far right in the culture war, played a role in the attempted overthrow of American democracy on January 6th, and seems to be everywhere on social media.
But what is it? Where did it come from? And how can liberalism respond?