A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals that approximately one in three Americans aligns with Christian nationalism or sympathizes with its ideologies, which are closely tied to support for the Republican Party and Donald Trump. CEO Melissa Deckman highlights the dangers this poses to democracy, as Christian nationalists often endorse illiberal and authoritarian views.
The survey indicates that 11% of Americans are active Christian nationalists, while 21% are sympathizers. A majority, 64%, are skeptics or rejecters of the ideology. Notably, 56% of Republicans support Christian nationalism, in contrast to 25% of independents and 17% of Democrats.
Regions with the highest support for Christian nationalism are predominantly in the South, with Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Oklahoma leading. Influential pastors in Idaho, such as Doug Wilson, advocate for a theocratic government based on Christian principles. Critics, including pastor Ben Cremer, warn that such ideologies threaten democratic rights and marginalize women and minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism has become more pronounced under Trump’s administration, with several Christian nationalists appointed to influential roles. Deckman points to demographic shifts, particularly among younger, more secular voters, as a potential counter to this movement, emphasizing the importance of voting to reshape the political landscape.
