Christian nationalism is radical, not conservative, and undermines democratic institutions

Evidence

Perhaps the most salient impediment to our understanding of the movement is the notion that Christian nationalism is a “conservative” ideology. The correct word is “radical.” A genuinely conservative movement would seek to preserve institutions of value that have been crafted over centuries of American history. It would prize the integrity of electoral politics, the legitimacy of the judiciary, the importance of public education, and the values of tolerance and mutual respect that have sustained our pluralistic society even as others have been torn apart by sectarian conflict. Christian nationalism pretends to work toward the revival of “traditional values” yet its values contradict the long-established principles and norms of our democracy. — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 33

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Religious disaffiliation correlates with rising opposition to Christian nationalism. — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 178; Christian nationalism, unlike devout religiosity, elevates militarism and rejects social justice morality. — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 87; Multiracial democracy and white Christian nationhood are logically incompatible in the US — Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry, The Flag and the Cross: White Christian…, 49 (+11 more)

Broader Connections

• Christian nationalist political theory centers monarchy, not democracy #expands (0.85) — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 211
• Christian nationalism operates as a top-down elite project, not a grassroots uprising #expands (0.80) — Katherine Stewart, The Power Worshippers, 37
• Christian nationalism functions as a power grab disguised in religious language, not genuine piety #complicates (0.75) — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 455