In the National Catholic Reporter, Michael Sean Winters expresses frustration over the discussion of “Christian nationalism,” arguing that using the term alienates religious voters and drives them toward MAGA politicians. He claims that calling Christians “Christian nationalists” makes them feel derided for their beliefs, potentially bolstering MAGA support.
However, Warren Throckmorton questions Winters’ perspective, suggesting it’s unlikely voters would shift to Trump solely based on being labeled. He highlights that there is substantial evidence of Christian nationalism, as many conservative Christians actively embrace the term and advocate for its principles, such as promoting Christianity in governance and education.
Throckmorton asserts that Winters fails to define Christian nationalism clearly. He cites historian Paul Matzko’s definition of it as a state run by Christians that privileges Christianity in law and policy. Contrastingly, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. expressed their Christian values without seeking to establish a Christian state, advocating for equal rights for all faiths.
Throckmorton emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation around Christian nationalism, especially as a growing movement within American evangelicalism seeks to impose its beliefs on the political landscape. He critiques Winters for suggesting silencing the term without proposing an alternative vocabulary to discuss such an important issue, which he believes could lead to detrimental consequences for freedom of religion in the future. Overall, a nuanced dialogue on Christian nationalism is essential to address the realities of its implications in American society.
