What Is Christian Nationalism?
A neutral, attributed definition — what the term means and how supporters and critics use it.
Christian nationalism is a term for the belief that a nation — in the U.S. context, America — is or should be defined by Christianity, and that its laws and public life should reflect that identity. Definitions vary widely, which is part of why the term is contested: it is used for everything from a broad cultural conviction that faith belongs in the public square to a specific ideology fusing national and religious identity.
The label is applied and understood very differently across the debate. Some people embrace a version of it, arguing the nation's founding was shaped by Christian principles that should continue to inform its laws. Others reject the label as a mischaracterization of ordinary Christian civic engagement, while critics use it to warn against merging church and state or privileging one religion. Because usage ranges from self-description to accusation, its precise meaning depends heavily on the speaker.
Why definitions differ
Scholars, activists, and religious leaders define Christian nationalism in incompatible ways — as a demographic attitude, a political movement, or an ideology. Survey researchers measure it through agreement with statements about America's Christian identity, while critics and defenders dispute whether those measures capture a real movement or ordinary faith-informed citizenship.
How the term is used approvingly
Some who accept a version of the idea argue that America's institutions and morality were historically shaped by Christianity, and that public policy should continue to reflect Judeo-Christian values. Many who hold this view still affirm religious liberty for all and distinguish their position from establishing a state church.
How the term is used critically
Critics use "Christian nationalism" to warn against blending religious and national identity in ways they say threaten the separation of church and state, pluralism, or the rights of non-Christians. Opponents of the label argue it is often deployed too broadly to discredit any public expression of Christian faith.
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Christian Nationalism — Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Christian nationalism mean?
- Christian nationalism broadly refers to the belief that a nation's identity, laws, and public life should be defined by Christianity. Definitions differ widely — from a cultural conviction that faith belongs in the public square to a specific fusion of religious and national identity — and the term is used both as self-description and as criticism.