3.7b The Use of Religious Imagery to Achieve Political Goals

The attack at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by U.S. citizens, exemplifies how groups use a particular religious worldview (in this case, one drawing on Christianity) to support violent attempts at keeping power. Supporters of President Trump tried to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results, which declared Joe Biden the president.

Participants, who were not necessarily devout, used religious ideology (Evangelical Protestant beliefs) and symbolism (crosses) in their efforts to achieve their political goals. For example, the rioters carried crosses and Bibles, lead prayers to God, and held signs with Christian messages (Schor, 2021). Researchers have shown how White Christian nationalists use Evangelical Protestant beliefs to support their expansive worldview.

Photo 3.20

Tear Gas Outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021

White Christian nationalism is an ideology that uses the language and symbols of Christianity to promote a more considerable influence of fundamentalist Christianity, White supremacy, and other ideologies that uphold stratification in the U.S. government and everyday life (see Chapter 6). For example, a growing number of conservative politicians are calling for laws to make it harder to divorce and using Christianity and nationalism as justification (Herchenroeder, 2023).

Broadly, White Christian nationalist beliefs encompass several key ideas (Whitehead & Perry, 2020). These include the false idea that the United States is, and has always been, a Christian nation; nativism, which seeks to protect the interests of those born in the United States over immigrants; and White supremacy, which reinforces a racial hierarchy placing White people at the top (see Chapter 6). White Christian Nationalist ideology also upholds patriarchy, prioritizing men’s interests and granting them the most power and status in society, and embraces heteronormativity, promoting heterosexuality as legitimate and privileged while oppressing other forms of sexuality (see Chapters 6 and 8). Authoritarianism is another core element, emphasizing strict obedience to authority figures and keeping rigid boundaries between right and wrong, as is militarism, the belief in a strong military used to promote national interests.

White Christian nationalism stands in stark contrast to democratic principles such as those prescribed by the U.S. Constitution. Most people view democratic values as especially important to the United States. For example, 98% agree that the right to vote and the right of everyone to equal protection under the law are essential (Fields & Thomson-Deveaux, 2024).

The current prominence of White Christian Nationalism contrasts with the number of people who support its ideology. A survey of more than 6,000 U.S. adults finds that fewer than half agree or completely agree with at least one of the beliefs listed in Figure 3.5, which inform White Christian Nationalist ideology. Only 10 percent agree or completely agree with all five statements. In contrast, 29 percent disagree entirely with all five statements (PRRI Staff, 2023). So, while White Christian Nationalists have gained power in the United States, they hold minority viewpoints (PRRI Staff, 2023).