Questions
What Is Christian Nationalism?
Summary: Christian nationalism is the triumphalist ideology that—as sociologists Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry define it—“idealizes and advocates a fusion of American civic life with a particular type of Christian identity and culture,” seeking national dominion through political mechanisms rather than discipleship.
First, we should note that the term “Christian nationalism” is used in a variety of different ways. Some employ it as a derogatory term applying it to any Christian participation in politics while others claim it proudly as a moniker associated with ACR. The phrase, as we will use it here, is well described by sociologists Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry as, “an ideology that idealizes and advocates a fusion of American civic life with a particular type of Christian identity and culture.” It is a triumphalist ideology that seeks dominion.
This sort of Christian nationalism believes the United States was and should be identified as a Christian nation. Adherents hold that the government should promote or protect a “Christian” identity in law, culture, and public life. Christian nationalism often assumes that the preservation of America depends on restoring a stronger Christian influence in national institutions or policies. Surveys of American attitudes toward Christian nationalism often include claims such as declaring the United States a Christian nation, basing laws explicitly on Christian values, or believing that being Christian is an essential part of being truly American.
Key Takeaways: Defining the Term
- Whitehead and Perry’s Definition: Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry define Christian nationalism as “an ideology that idealizes and advocates a fusion of American civic life with a particular type of Christian identity and culture.”
- Core Commitments: The U.S. was and should be identified as a Christian nation; government should promote or protect Christian identity in law and public life.
- Survey Indicators: Declaring the U.S. a Christian nation; basing laws explicitly on Christian values; believing Christian identity is essential to American identity.
- The “So What”: Christian nationalism is software running on liberalism’s firmware and ACR’s sacred framing—inheriting both streams, pursuing ACR’s sacred vision through liberalism’s political machinery.
About the Author — James Spencer, PhD, is a theologian, author, and host of the Thinking Christian podcast, where he writes and speaks on Christian formation, political theology, and technology. He holds a PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and completed the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He serves as President of the D.L. Moody Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, as adjunct faculty in Wheaton College’s MA in Leadership program, and as an Associate Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, Christianity.com, and Sojourners; he has been quoted in The Telegraph; and he is a regular guest on Stand in the Gap Today with the American Pastors Network. His forthcoming book is Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press, Fall 2026). Learn more at jamesgspencer.com.