The piety movement unsettles the nationalist-identitarian imaginary shared by its critics.

Evidence

Christian nationalism is significant because calls to “take America back for God” are not primarily about mobilizing the faithful toward religious ends. Some social scientists have argued that when evangelicals appeal to the religious heritage of the United States or work toward privileging Christianity in the public sphere they are focused on encouraging greater religious devotion. We disagree. They are instead seeking to retain or gain power in the public sphere—whether political, social, or religious. Christian nationalism is, therefore, ultimately about privilege. It co-opts Christian language and iconography in order to cloak particular political or social ends in moral and religious symbolism. This serves to legitimate the demands, wants, and desires of those embracing Christian nationalism in the transcendent. — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 455 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Nationalist ideology turns dissent into treason and undermines civil society — Neil DeVotta, Sinhalese Buddhist Nationalist…, 56; Christian nationalism functions as a power grab disguised in religious language, not genuine piety — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 455

Broader Connections

• Christian nationalism functions as a power grab disguised in religious language, not genuine piety #complicates (0.78) — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 455