Rediscovering the Roots of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics
19th-century Christian Nationalism advocacy by Ezra Stiles Ely
In today's heated political climate, it’s not uncommon to hear supporters of both mainstream parties declaring their candidate as the "real" or the "better" Christian. This debate, however, tends to overshadow a crucial aspect of American democracy — religious freedom.
A generation of white evangelical protestants stands by Trump as the good Christian. On the other hand, Christian supporters of Kamala Harris argue that she embodies the "compassionate heart of Jesus and his teachings." But, the focus on each candidate's Christian character leaves religious freedom, a cornerstone of American democracy, on the sidelines.
This dynamic echoes the 19th-century Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revival, when evangelical Christians tried to mold American law and politics according to their interpretation of Christianity. It was during this time that the idea of the "United States as a 'Christian nation'" first took root.
A Call for Christian Politics
The Philadelphia Presbyterian minister, Ezra Stiles Ely, was a prominent figure of the period, known for his call for a "Christian political party." On the Fourth of July, 1827, Ely delivered "The Duty of Christian Freemen to Elect Christian Rulers," a speech that can be seen as a precursor to modern Christian nationalism. Ely argued for a public office holder who was not just religious but bore a deep understanding of Christianity and acted according to its teachings. He envisioned a union of Christianity and politics, akin to what we now call "Christian nationalism."
Critiques in Defense of Religious Freedom
As Ely drove for a Christian-driven political system, others raised their voices advocating for the separation of church and state. Massachusetts-born and Harvard-educated Supreme Court Justice, Joseph Story, was among these notable figures. He staunchly supported religious freedom, stating, "Religious liberty is the birthright of man [...] Wherever religious liberty exists, it will, first or last, bring in, and establish political liberty."
Christianity and American Democracy
In today's America, the significance of Christianity in political life seems as potent as ever, despite a decline in church attendance. The public square still thrums with Christian appeals, rather than a shared democratic heritage. Former President Donald Trump recently expressed, "We have to bring back our religion. We have to bring back Christianity in this country."
However, the intertwining of Christianity and politics in American democracy risks undermining the core principle of religious freedom, a cornerstone of American democracy. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, warns that Christian nationalism poses a threat not just to Christianity but to our democratic republic.
While debates over Christian virtues amongst candidates might matter within Christian communities, they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of preserving religious freedom for American democracy. Instead, to strengthen our democracy, we should turn to the principles of religious freedom and a shared commitment to our nation's democratic ideals.
- The call for a "Christian political party" by Ezra Stiles Ely in the 19th century, as portrayed in his speech "The Duty of Christian Freemen to Elect Christian Rulers", serves as a historical precedent for the modern-day concept of Christian nationalism in American politics.
- The ongoing intertwining of Christianity and politics in American democracy, as expressed by figures like former President Donald Trump, risks undermining the core principle of religious freedom, originally established as a cornerstone of American democracy, and potentially threatens both Christianity and the democratic republic.
