Is 'Christian nationalism' a threat to America?

Elliot (No)

Christian nationalism is not a threat in the US, especially since America has only become 'less Christian, more secular, and more liberal in recent years.' While critics vaguely claim a 'rising threat' of Christian extremism, none of these intellectuals can point to specific examples aside from some Christian imagery being present at the January 6th Capital riot. 

If “Christian nationalism” was a threat, we'd see large swaths of society reflecting Christian values. But the opposite seems to be the case as Christianity has dwindled notably from comprising about 90% of the US population decades ago to making up around 64% now. Considering how much of the federal government, academia, the public education system, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, many powerful corporations, and much of the establishment media are all dominated by left-wing ideology, Christian values are far outweighed by every major institution.

While many Americans may still identify as Christian, many do not take their religion very seriously. Statistics show that only about a quarter attend religious services every week, while others attend a few times a month or even just a few times per year. Additionally, studies have shown that Americans tend to self-report their church attendance as much higher than it actually is. 

In contrast, other religious and non-religious groups are increasing. The Muslim population continues to grow at about 100,000 per year and is projected to be the nation's second-largest religious group as early as 2040, despite being historically at odds with feminism and LGBTQ presence. However, America's 'rule of law' and many other principles, like rights and equality coming from God, are heavily rooted in Judeo-Christian values. These things and more are net positive in society and should be maintained for the benefit of everyone.

Chad (Yes)

Christian nationalism is, by definition, exclusionary to many of the diverse groups that make up the United States today. It is antithetical to our constitution, which explicitly prevents Congress from establishing a religion in the country. It is threatening to destroy both our country and religion itself. 

Every type of nationalism is bad for a country like America. White nationalists are believed to have killed more people in the US than any other form of terrorism since 9/11. The rise of nationalism in the US and abroad is one of the leading causes of increased violence and strife worldwide. It makes war more likely and common and reduces society's empathy and compassion for others. 

Christian Nationalism is a form of theocracy. History has shown us that theocracy is one of the most oppressive forms of government. Theocratic countries were where some of our ancestors fled to experience freedom in America. All theocracies in the world tend to be the most oppressive and anti-progressive places to live, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. Throughout US history, Christian Nationalism has been tied to hate groups like the KKK and neo-Nazis, inspiring people like Timothy McVeigh, who carried out the largest domestic attack on US soil prior to 9/11. 

America was founded as and continues to be a bastion of religious freedom worldwide. The Constitution's First Amendment protects the right to practice any religion (or no religion) and to keep the government free from imposing religious influence of any kind on its people. Instead of separating people and oppressing them for their beliefs, we should strive to 'love our neighbors as ourselves' and live up to our country's founding words that 'all men are created equal.'