3 ways Christian nationalism redefined American politics after 9/11

[Celerity]

From Islamophobia to shifts in voting behavior, masculinity, and the Patriot Act, let’s explore the complex interplay of faith and politics that has shaped America's path in the 22 years since the New York terrorist attacks.

https://www.reckon.news/news/2023/09/3-ways-christian-nationalism-redefined-american-politics-after-911.html



Since getting online today, you’ve probably seen posts remembering the events of Sept. 11, 2001. There’s not enough space in this article to contain everything that’s been said about what happened that day. Conspiracies and controversy aside, there’s another layer of 9/11 that deserves its own spotlight: Christian nationalism, a once fringe political view that merges ultra-conservative Christian beliefs with conservative politics that has been embraced by more than half of Republicans, according to Brookings Institution since that tragic day 22 years ago.

Christian nationalists are a diverse group with varying degrees of influence in American politics. They often advocate for policies that align with their interpretation of conservative Christianity, including on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, religious freedom, and education. While they are a minority, they can have a big impact on elections by mobilizing their base of supporters. They often form a significant part of the conservative or Republican voting bloc, which can influence the party’s platform and candidate selection. For instance, one group closely associated with Christian nationalism that’s been effective at mobilizing supporters is Moms for Liberty, a group of conservative, mostly white moms that are taking on their local school boards to limit sex education and human rights education in K-12 classrooms. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State called them a “Christian Nationalist Front Group” earlier this year.

Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich to the Florida Ethics Commission, which has power to interpret the state’s political ethics laws and implement the state’s financial disclosure laws. More than half of Republicans believe the country should be a strictly Christian nation, either adhering to the ideals of Christian nationalism (21%) or sympathizing with those views (33%, according to data from the Public Religion Research Institute, which has been tracking Christian Nationalism’s prevalence in American culture. A Pew Research Center survey also found that 78% White Evangelicals believe they have been “losing” on political issues important to them and more than half of Republicans support Christian Nationalism. This group has been linked to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the capitol and a number of loud but influential politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

What is Christian nationalism?

Christian nationalism is a political ideology that combines American identity with a conservative form of Christianity. It emphasizes a particular version of Christianity that aligns with ultra-conservative values and views “people like us,” who are primarily white, conservative Christians and natural-born citizens, as the chosen ones who should control the political process. This ideology often seeks to privilege and ascribe moral worth to this specific group over others, promoting policies and actions that limit the participation of certain Americans in civic life, including voting. Christian nationalism is seen as a threat to a pluralistic and democratic society because it promotes anti-democratic goals and values, often using religious narratives and symbols to advance its agenda.

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[reymega life]

1. 3000 americans died from something different than Christian Nationalism

[Celerity]

2. And?

Fundie religion is a menace no matter what god or gods its radical adherents worship, especially when it tries to take over the political realm.

[reymega life]

4. islamic terrorists destroyed the world trade enter not christians or maggots

[Celerity]

5. And? This OP is about how christian nationalists are exploiting that & changing American society.

It is not some anti Islam fusillade.

The article details all of the 3 ways.

[czarjak]

3. By 2012, they were voting against the professed Christian...

In favor of the guy who’s religion that says The New Testament is flawed and got it wrong. Funny how that works. Ask Bob Jeffress.