Fact check: How is Christian nationalism defined by protestants

1. Summary of the results

The definition of Christian nationalism by Protestants is a complex and multifaceted concept, with various sources providing different perspectives on its meaning and implications. According to Philip Gorski, Christian nationalism is defined as loyalty to one's tribe rather than the country, with adherents believing America was founded by Christians who modeled its laws and institutions after Protestant ideals ^[1]. In contrast, the PRRI/Brookings Christian Nationalism Survey defines Christian nationalism through a battery of five questions about the relationship between Christianity, American identity, and the U.S. government ^[2]. Rev. Cathy Young defines Christian Nationalism as a movement that seeks to fuse government and religion, incompatible with democratic principles, and fueled by white supremacy ^[3]. Other sources, such as Kristin Kobes Du Mez, explain that Christian nationalism is ultimately incompatible with American democracy and that it thrives on an us-versus-them mentality ^[4]. Additionally, Christian nationalism is described as a movement that seeks to create a White Christian America, with a strong emphasis on patriarchal family structures and hostility towards non-White immigrants and secular humanists ^[5]. Key points to note are the fusion of government and religion, the emphasis on White Christian supremacy, and the potential dangers to democracy.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources highlight the importance of understanding the structural underpinnings of Christian nationalism, including its globalization and consequences ^[6]. Others mention the concept in relation to various news events and political figures, implying that Christian nationalism is associated with conservative and potentially extremist ideologies ^[7]. However, there is a lack of discussion on the historical context of Christian nationalism and its evolution over time. Furthermore, alternative viewpoints from non-Protestant Christian perspectives are largely absent, which could provide a more nuanced understanding of the concept. Additionally, the role of other factors, such as economic and social inequality, in shaping Christian nationalist beliefs is not fully explored. According to a source, White evangelical Protestants and Hispanic Protestants are most likely to hold Christian nationalist beliefs ^[8], but more research is needed to understand the demographics and characteristics of Christian nationalists.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks how Christian nationalism is defined by Protestants, but it does not provide any context or background information on the concept. This lack of context may lead to misunderstandings or oversimplifications of the issue. Additionally, some sources may have a bias towards portraying Christian nationalism as a solely negative or extremist ideology, which may not accurately reflect the complexity of the issue ^{[3] [5]}. On the other hand, other sources may downplay the dangers of Christian nationalism or its implications for democracy ^[7]. It is crucial to consider multiple perspectives and sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of Christian nationalism, and to be aware of potential biases or misinformation that may influence one's understanding of the concept ^{[1] [2] [8]}. Ultimately, a nuanced and balanced approach is necessary to accurately define and understand Christian nationalism.