Throughline: A History of Christian Nationalism

NPR’s Throughline, hosted by Rund Abdelfattah and Ramtin Arablouei, delves into the intricate and often contentious relationship between Christianity and the United States. In the episode titled "A History of Christian Nationalism," the hosts explore the origins, evolution, and resurgence of Christian nationalism in America, drawing from historical narratives, expert insights, and personal stories to provide a comprehensive understanding of the movement.

1. Introduction & Historical Roots

The episode opens in the midst of the American Revolutionary War, highlighting how early American leaders intertwined religious narratives with the nation's struggle for independence. Reverend Nicholas Street of Connecticut exemplifies this by comparing the American fight against British tyranny to the biblical Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

Notable Quote:

Reverend Nicholas Street [01:45]: "We are ready to marvel at the unreasonable vileness and cruelty of the British tyrant... the same wicked temper and disposition operating in Pharaoh, king of Egypt, above 3,000 years ago."

This analogy not only bolstered morale but also positioned the American cause as divinely sanctioned, laying the groundwork for the notion of America's exceptionalism.

2. Founding Ideals and Religious Influence

The founders navigated a landscape rich in diverse Protestant denominations, each with its own interpretation of Christianity. This diversity made the establishment of a single state church impractical, fostering the principle of religious freedom embedded in the First Amendment.

Notable Insights:

• Catherine Brekus [12:21]: Emphasizes the absence of a unified Christianity in early America, reflecting the varied Protestant landscape.
• Rand Abdelfattah [14:38]: Discusses the modern misinterpretations of the separation of church and state, highlighting debates among Christian nationalists.

Despite the formal separation, Christian values permeated American society. Benjamin Franklin, though skeptical of organized religion, invoked biblical narratives like the Exodus to symbolize freedom and moral governance.

Notable Example:

Catherine Brekus [13:00]: "Benjamin Franklin... proposed that the new seal of the United States should be an image of Moses parting the Red Sea and leading the Israelites to freedom."

3. Evolution Through the 19th and 20th Century

As America expanded, religious rhetoric was both a tool for unity and oppression. While some Christians advocated for abolition and social reforms, others justified slavery and supported exclusionary practices against minorities and immigrants.

Key Developments:

• Trail of Tears (1830s): Christian rhetoric was employed to rationalize the forced relocation of Native Americans.
• Anti-Catholic Sentiment: Protestant majorities perceived Catholicism as a threat to democratic and Protestant values, leading to violent actions against Catholic institutions.

Notable Quote:

Rand Abdelfattah [31:22]: "Goldwater gave a permission structure for extremism that still resounds today."

4. Political Mobilization and the Rise of the Religious Right

The mid-20th century marked a significant shift with the emergence of megachurches in Southern California and the political ascendance of figures like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. These leaders explicitly connected America's divine destiny with Republican politics, fostering a coalition of conservative Christians.

Notable Moments:

• Barry Goldwater's 1964 Campaign: Advocated for a libertarian government grounded in "the laws of nature and of nature’s God," aligning political conservatism with Christian nationalism.

  Notable Quote:

  Goldwater [31:07]: "Freedom under a government limited by the laws of nature and of nature’s God."

• Ronald Reagan's Endorsement [37:06]: Reagan publicly supported the religious right, solidifying the alliance between conservative politics and evangelical Christianity.

5. Modern Resurgence and Present Implications

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a resurgence of Christian nationalism, characterized by attempts to reassert Christian values in public life and governance. Events such as the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot exemplify the extreme manifestations of this ideology, where religious symbols and rhetoric fueled political extremism.

Key Points:

• Demographic Shifts: A declining percentage of Americans identifying as Christian has heightened fears among Christian nationalists of cultural decline.

  Notable Insight:

  Catherine Brekus [42:41]: "Christians have had a really privileged place in American culture, and that privileged place is disappearing."

• Political Polarization: Christian nationalist beliefs continue to influence voting patterns, predominantly aligning with the Republican Party but cutting across racial lines.

Notable Quote:

Catherine Brekus [43:56]: "To treat them as anything less than a fellow human being is ... that's not a way forward."

6. Personal Narrative: Bradley Onishi

A significant portion of the episode centers on the personal journey of Bradley Onishi, a former Christian nationalist. Raised in an evangelical church in Orange County, California, Bradley found a sense of belonging and purpose. However, events like 9/11 and subsequent theological studies at Oxford University led him to question and ultimately reject the entwined identities of his faith and nationalism.

Notable Highlights:

• Community and Belonging: Bradley describes the church as a "family" that provided emotional support during personal upheavals.
• Disillusionment: Post-9/11 reflections and academic exposure to diverse perspectives catalyzed his departure from Christian nationalism.
• Current Work: Bradley now studies the resurgence of the movement, emphasizing fear as a driving force behind its appeal.

Notable Quote:

Bradley Onishi [50:04]: "The beliefs I subscribed to as part of Rose Drive Friends Church were Christian nationalism. I no longer identify as part of that movement..."

7. Conclusions and Reflections

The episode concludes by distinguishing between genuine Christian patriotism and Christian nationalism. While the former embodies a faith-loving America, the latter seeks to impose a singular religious narrative, threatening the country’s religious diversity and democratic foundations.

Final Thoughts:

• Catherine Brekus [52:05]: "To be a Christian who loves your country is not to be a Christian nationalist."
• Hosts' Reflection: Emphasize understanding the human need for community and meaningful narratives without endorsing exclusionary ideologies.

Notable Quote:

Rand Abdelfattah [49:23]: "The danger is it comes when we say we're going to try to impose one story of the beginning of the world... on everyone else."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Intertwining: Christianity has deeply influenced American identity and politics since the nation's inception.
• Complex Legacy: Christian nationalism has been both a force for social good and a tool for oppression, reflecting America's fragmented religious landscape.
• Modern Challenges: Demographic changes and political polarization have reignited Christian nationalist sentiments, posing challenges to religious freedom and pluralism.
• Personal Impact: Individual stories, like that of Bradley Onishi, highlight the personal transformations and societal implications of Christian nationalism.

Through a meticulous exploration of historical events, expert analysis, and personal narratives, Throughline provides a nuanced perspective on Christian nationalism, urging listeners to comprehend its roots and address its contemporary manifestations thoughtfully.