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Fact check: What is the definition of christian nationalism

Checked on September 14, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The definition of Christian nationalism is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been analyzed by various sources. According to Brad Onishi, Christian nationalism is an ideology that believes the United States is a Christian nation, was founded as a Christian nation, and should remain a Christian nation [1]. This ideology is associated with the belief that the federal government should declare the US a Christian nation, laws should be based on Christian values, and being a Christian is important to be a real American [1]. Philip Gorski defines white Christian nationalism as an ideology that believes America was founded by Christians who modeled its laws and institutions after Protestant ideals [2]. Another source describes Christian nationalism as the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way [3]. The sources also highlight the concerns surrounding Christian nationalism, including its potential to undermine democracy and promote authoritarianism [1], corrode democracy, promote violence, and harm the mission of the church [4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide an in-depth analysis of Christian nationalism, its ideology, and its implications on democracy [1], while others discuss its global perspective, affecting countries beyond the United States [4]. The sources also mention the growing presence and influence of Christian nationalism in American politics [5] and its association with key figures such as Charlie Kirk, who has transformed from a secular activist to a Christian nationalist icon [6]. However, the sources do not provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical context of Christian nationalism, its evolution over time, and its relationship with other ideologies. Additionally, the sources do not offer alternative viewpoints from Christian nationalist perspectives, which could provide a more nuanced understanding of the ideology. For instance, the 'Seven Mountain Mandate,' a theology that calls on Christians to take dominion over key spheres of society, is a key aspect of Christian nationalism [6], but its implications and significance are not fully explored.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks for a definition of Christian nationalism without providing any context or background information. This lack of context may lead to oversimplification or misrepresentation of the complex and multifaceted nature of Christian nationalism. The sources provided offer a range of perspectives and analyses, but some may be biased towards a particular viewpoint or agenda, such as the ACLU's analysis, which describes Christian nationalism as dangerous and rejecting religious freedom [3]. On the other hand, sources like [4] and [6] provide a more nuanced and detailed analysis of Christian nationalism, highlighting its implications and significance. Overall, the original statement may benefit from a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of Christian nationalism, taking into account the various perspectives and analyses provided by the sources [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8].

Want to dive deeper?
How does Christian nationalism intersect with white nationalism?
What role does Christian nationalism play in modern American politics?
Can Christian nationalism be separated from its historical ties to racism and xenophobia?
How do Christian nationalist ideologies influence policy decisions on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights?
What are the key differences between Christian nationalism and traditional Christian conservatism?