If there is such a thing as “Christian nationalism,” it was on display this weekend in PA-10

In a recent political rally held in Linglestown, Pennsylvania, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson joined U.S. Representative Scott Perry in a campaign event that showcased elements of Christian nationalism. Perry, a prominent figure in the Republican Party known for his strong support of former President Donald Trump, is currently facing a competitive race against television news personality Janelle Stelson. The rally, held at American Legion Post 272, emphasized a narrative of existential battle against perceived evil forces, framing the upcoming midterm elections as a critical moment for the country.

The event began with an invocation by York pastor Bill Schutt, who underscored the theme of spiritual warfare. Schutt characterized the political climate as a struggle between good and evil, positioning Perry as a champion of good against his opponent, whom he labeled as evil. This rhetoric set the tone for the rally, where the speakers repeatedly invoked religious language to galvanize support among attendees. The overarching message was that the Republican Party is engaged in a fight not just for political power, but for the very soul of the nation.

Perry echoed this sentiment during his address, framing the midterms as a pivotal battle for America's future. He emphasized the need to honor the sacrifices of previous generations by ensuring that "evil does not prevail." His remarks were steeped in religious metaphor, suggesting that the political opposition is a direct threat to the nation's moral fabric. Perry’s language aimed to rally the crowd around a shared sense of purpose, urging them to unite against what he described as an adversary intent on destroying the country.

Despite the dramatic and combative language, Perry also highlighted the importance of civic engagement through voting. He encouraged attendees to ensure that their ballots were cast and counted, framing this as a peaceful yet powerful means of effecting change. This call to action was couched in the context of a larger spiritual struggle, reinforcing the idea that political engagement is not merely a civic duty but a moral imperative.

Perry's history of challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election results adds another layer to his rhetoric. He was a vocal opponent of the election outcome and participated in efforts to overturn the results, which were ultimately dismissed by the courts. As he concluded the rally, Perry urged the crowd to continue their efforts in "saving our country" and keeping "evil out," encapsulating the rally's themes of moral warfare and civic responsibility. The event serves as a vivid illustration of how religious language and themes of good versus evil are increasingly woven into contemporary political discourse within certain factions of the Republican Party.