Teaching Christian nationalism: Part Two

In his recent post, John Fea discusses his adult course on Christian nationalism and shares insights from his book, *In God We Trust: Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?* The initial weeks of the course focused on defining Christian nationalism to help students recognize its presence in contemporary political discourse. Fea provides a working definition, highlighting that Christian nationalists believe the United States was established as a Christian nation and that they intertwine biblical principles with patriotism to further a specific political agenda. They also see the U.S. as divinely chosen for a unique role in history, which goes beyond mere American exceptionalism to a belief in providentially ordained exceptionalism.

Fea emphasizes that Christian nationalists advocate for Christians to reclaim control over various cultural spheres, a concept often referred to as “7 Mountain Dominionism” or “Reconstructionism.” This definition serves as a foundational understanding for the course, setting the stage for deeper exploration of the topic.

In addition to defining what Christian nationalism is, Fea delineates what it is not. He clarifies that not everyone who believes that rights derive from God or Judeo-Christian ideals qualifies as a Christian nationalist. Furthermore, he points out that many Christians who supported Donald Trump, hold conservative views on social issues like abortion and marriage, or wish to integrate their faith into public life do not necessarily identify as Christian nationalists. This distinction is crucial for understanding the varied landscape of beliefs among conservative evangelicals.

Fea also notes the difference between civil religion and Christian nationalism, stating that while both draw from Judeo-Christian values, they are not synonymous. This distinction is important for students to grasp the nuances within the broader context of American religious and political life.

The post concludes with an invitation for readers to stay tuned for more insights in the series, indicating that Fea will continue to explore the complexities surrounding Christian nationalism and its implications in contemporary society.