The Power Worshippers

1. Christian Nationalism: A Political Movement Disguised as Religion

This is not a "culture war." It is a political war over the future of democracy.

A movement for power. Christian nationalism is not primarily a religious or cultural movement, but a political one aimed at gaining control over American society. Its ultimate goal is to replace democratic principles with a state grounded in a particular version of Christianity that serves the interests of its wealthy funders and allied political leaders.

Characteristics of the movement:

• Claims to represent America's "Christian heritage"
• Seeks to implement laws based on their interpretation of the Bible
• Opposes separation of church and state
• Aims to privilege conservative Christians in government and law

The movement has gained significant influence within the Republican Party and has played a crucial role in recent elections, including the 2016 presidential race.

2. The Origins: Slavery, Segregation, and Anti-New Deal Sentiments

The roots of the present crisis in the American political party system lie at the juncture of money and religion.

Historical foundations. The ideological roots of Christian nationalism can be traced back to proslavery theology and opposition to the New Deal. Key figures like R.J. Rushdoony drew inspiration from these sources to develop a theocratic vision for America.

Key historical influences:

• Proslavery theologians like Robert Lewis Dabney
• Opposition to civil rights and desegregation
• Resistance to New Deal economic policies

This historical context reveals that Christian nationalism is not a new phenomenon, but a continuation of longstanding efforts to maintain social hierarchies and economic privilege through religious justification.

3. Abortion: A Strategic Political Tool, Not a Moral Imperative

It wasn't until 1979—a full six years after Roe—that evangelical leaders, at the behest of conservative activist Paul Weyrich, seized on abortion not for moral reasons, but as a rallying-cry to deny President Jimmy Carter a second term.

Political strategy. The anti-abortion stance of the Christian nationalist movement was not primarily driven by moral concerns, but was adopted as a political strategy to unify conservatives and mobilize voters.

Key points:

• Before 1979, many conservative Christians were ambivalent about abortion
• The issue was chosen to create a clear dividing line between conservatives and liberals
• It has since become a litmus test for political candidates and judicial nominees

This strategic use of abortion as a political tool has dramatically reshaped American politics and continues to be a central issue for the movement.

4. The Takeover of Public Education Through Charter Schools and Vouchers

Vouchers are also favored among disciples of the free market advocate Milton Friedman, who saw them as a step on the road to getting government out of the education business altogether.

Undermining public education. Christian nationalists have sought to weaken public education and promote religious schooling through charter schools and voucher programs. This effort is often framed as promoting "school choice" but serves to funnel public funds to religious institutions.

Key tactics:

• Promoting charter schools with minimal oversight
• Advocating for school voucher programs
• Inserting religious curriculum into public schools
• Homeschooling and private religious academies

These efforts not only serve to promote religious education but also to undermine support for public education more broadly, aligning with the movement's anti-government ideology.

5. Data-Driven Voter Mobilization and Political Manipulation

We have about 200 million files, so we have pretty much the whole voting population in our database. What we do is we track to see what's going to make somebody either vote one way, or not vote at all.

Sophisticated targeting. Christian nationalist organizations have developed advanced data operations to identify, mobilize, and influence voters. These efforts often operate through church networks and religious organizations.

Key strategies:

• Building massive voter databases
• Targeting messaging based on religious affiliation and other factors
• Mobilizing pastors and congregations for political action
• Exploiting tax-exempt status for political purposes

These data-driven efforts have given the movement significant political influence, often operating below the radar of traditional political analysis.

6. "Religious Liberty" as a Weapon Against Civil Rights and Healthcare

The "religious liberty" of Christian nationalists can cost you your dignity, your health, your job, and even your life.

Redefining religious freedom. Christian nationalists have co-opted the concept of religious liberty to justify discrimination and deny healthcare services, particularly in areas of reproductive health and LGBTQ+ rights.

Examples of impact:

• Denying reproductive healthcare services in Catholic hospitals
• Allowing pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions based on religious beliefs
• Permitting businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals
• Restricting access to end-of-life care options

This redefinition of religious liberty prioritizes the beliefs of certain religious groups over the rights and healthcare needs of others, effectively establishing a form of religious privilege.

7. The Global Holy War: Christian Nationalism's International Reach

Global liberalism, as the warriors see it, is a hydra. It has "multiple faces," says Ignacio Arsuaga, the founder and president of the ultraconservative Christian activist group CitizenGO.

International movement. Christian nationalism is not confined to the United States but is part of a global network of right-wing, religious nationalist movements. These groups share common enemies and strategies across national borders.

Key aspects:

• Collaboration between U.S. and international religious right groups
• Shared opposition to "global liberalism," feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Efforts to influence politics in multiple countries
• Growing ties between religious conservatives and far-right political movements

This global dimension demonstrates that Christian nationalism is part of a broader international trend challenging liberal democracy and secular governance.

Last updated: December 2, 2024