What is Christian nationalism?
Christian nationalism is a tight fusion of national identity and of allegiance to Christian religiosity so as to lead adherents to use political and cultural means to achieve compliance with and implementation of Christian practices and ethics — as perceived and defined by those adherents — in and by society as a whole.
Notice the three key elements:
1. An underlying presumption: “My national identity and Christian allegiance are inseparable.”
2. A pro-active stance: “Because of this fusion, I will use political and cultural means to achieve Christian goals.”
3. A specific Christian vision: “My Christianity has practices and ethics that need to be adopted by society as a whole.”
All three are key. Lose any of the three and the likelihood that someone is a Christian Nationalist lessens.
Isn’t this just another word for religious conservatism?
No, not really. In fact, there have been progressive forms of Christian Nationalism in the past. And to too closely link the term to its current expression in the United States overlooks its varieties in other countries and in prior periods of history.
The “not justs” of Christian nationalism
Not just now. Christian Nationalism has occurred repeatedly around the world over the last 1,500 years — including prior periods of United States history. The German Christian Movement in the 1930s and 1940s is one sobering example.
Not just conservative. Some historical examples have come from more liberal or progressive Christians — the abolition movement, the women’s suffrage movement, and the push by social gospel clergy to enter World War I all carried Christian nationalist elements.
Not just one kind of American. While there are tendencies and trends, Americans from various races, socio-economic groups, educational levels, and political affiliations hold Christian nationalist views. Some sociologists have found that some Christian Nationalists are not even Christian.
Not just here. Forms of Christian Nationalism currently shape the governments of Hungary and Russia. In Russia it has been a basic fuel feeding the invasion of Ukraine.
Not just one kind of theological rationalization. There are three main theological emphases: a special covenantal relationship between God and America; a call for Christians to exercise dominion over culture and government; and a desire to preserve a God-given social order.
What triggers Christian nationalism?
Like other forms of religious nationalism, Christian Nationalism seems to arise out of deep anxieties about the direction of one’s nation and culture. Most current American Christian Nationalists point to cultural shifts they associate with the 1960s and 1970s — Supreme Court decisions relating to religion in public life, the rise of feminism, Roe v. Wade, the sexual revolution, and the LGBTQIA movement.
Three types of American Christian nationalism
Type 1: Covenant nation celebrators
This type celebrates the United States as an exceptional nation in a special covenant relationship with God, paralleling how ancient Israel had a special covenant relationship with the Lord. Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings curses. The telltale biblical text is 2 Chronicles 7:14. In worship, this type produces elaborate services coordinated with national holidays — especially the Fourth of July — featuring national colors, flag ceremonies, the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem, and military honors.
Type 2: Dominionists
This type holds that Christians are called to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth as it is in heaven — to take dominion over the seven spheres of cultural influence (the Seven Mountains Mandate). It is a late 20th century development arising from Pentecostalism. In worship, Dominionists repurpose Pentecostal liturgical practices — extended praise and worship at strategic locations, intercessory prayer for political purposes, prophetic declarations, decrees, and spiritual warfare prayer.
Type 3: Divine order preservationists
This type emphasizes and defends a stable divine order within the created and social realms, often showing affection for prior periods of Christendom. In worship, this type tends toward liturgical preservation — the Latin Mass, the Regulative Principle of Reformed worship — and excludes women from liturgical leadership.
Why look at worship?
Worship is a window into the hearts of Christian Nationalists and a venue into what they value and love most. Their different theologies shape their respective spiritualities, and their spiritualities shape how they worship. Look at their worship and you can see what captivates and motivates them. The same theologies can also be turned around and used as guides for the shaping of solid, orthodox Christian worship.
How to use this site
This site is designed for practitioners — worship leaders, pastors, Christian education directors, small group leaders, and thoughtful church members who want to understand this phenomenon and know what to do about it. Start with the Examples section to see real instances of Christian nationalist ideology in worship. Visit Why It Matters for the deeper theological analysis. And use the Resources section for practical tools for your own congregation.