I Don’t Know Any Christian Nationalists

Central premise: The term “Christian nationalist” is frequently used in political and cultural discussion, but Jason questions whether the people being given that label actually meet a meaningful definition of Christian nationalism.

Key points:

• Being a Christian and a patriot does not automatically constitute Christian nationalism.

• Believing Christianity influenced America’s founding does not automatically constitute Christian nationalism.

• Allowing Christian beliefs to influence one’s vote does not automatically constitute Christian nationalism.

• The meaningful dividing line is political privilege: whether Christians should possess governmental rights, status, or eligibility denied to non-Christians.

• Article VI of the Constitution expressly prohibits a religious test for federal office.

• Jason argues that despite hearing frequent warnings about Christian nationalism, he personally does not encounter Christians advocating the kinds of unequal political rights described in the episode.

• The episode challenges listeners to distinguish between people who actually fit a definition and people who have simply been assigned a political label.

• Jason’s conclusion is that he does not see evidence, from his own experience, of the widespread Christian nationalist movement often portrayed in public discussion.

I Don’t Know Any Christian Nationalists: And I’m Beginning to Wonder Who Does

The term “Christian nationalist” has become increasingly common in American political conversation. But what does it actually mean, and who actually fits the definition?

In this episode of American Considerations, Jason Curtman examines the difference between being a Christian patriot, believing Christianity influenced America’s founding, voting according to Christian convictions, and believing Christianity should receive special political privilege from government.

Jason also considers Article VI of the U.S. Constitution and its prohibition against religious tests for federal office.

After a lifetime of knowing Christians from across the political and denominational spectrum, Jason asks a simple question: Where are the Christian nationalists everyone keeps talking about?

Perhaps before applying the label, we should first ask what the person actually believes.

American Considerations is a Liberty Heritage Radio commentary feature examining American history, culture, government, faith, liberty, and the ideas behind the issues of the day.

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