A problem defined is a problem half-solved. Curing the disease of racialized Christian nationalism requires we first understand its nature and scope. The first two installments of this series provided a look at the inside of the dangerous heresy of Christian nationalism. In this third section, we’ll look at an informative and research-based analysis of the phenomenon.

Taking America Back for God is the first comprehensive empirical analysis of Christian nationalism in the United States. In it, authors Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry illustrate the tremendous influence of Christian nationalism on debates surrounding the most contentious social issues dominating American public discourse. Drawing on multiple sources, including national survey data collected over the past several decades and in-depth interviews, Perry and Whitehead document how Christian nationalism radically shapes what Americans think about who they are as a people, what their future should look like, and how they should get there.

As you explore Taking America Back for God, consider these questions and prompts: 

• Based on the Perry and Whitehead’s work and the research data they present, how would you describe those who adhere to a Christian nationalist worldview?

• In what ways do the authors assert that proponents of Christian nationalism have influenced a sector of the American electorate?

• Summarize the implicit or explicit dangers of Christian nationalism, as presented by the authors.

Samuel L. Perry

Samuel L. Perry is assistant professor of sociology and religious studies at the University of Oklahoma. His research explores the changing dynamics of religious and family life in the United States. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and he is also the author of Growing God’s Family: The Global Orphan Care Movement and the Limits of Evangelical Activism. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Andrew L. Whitehead

Andrew L. Whitehead is associate professor of sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, where he codirects the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. Whitehead has written for the Washington Post, NBC News, Time, and Religion News Service and speaks frequently about Christian nationalism.

Check out Dr. Whitehead’s newest book American Idolatry, available later this year.

An expert on Christian nationalism identifies three areas–power, fear, and violence–where nationalism conflicts with core gospel beliefs and reveals its theological and spiritual costs in the church before pointing a way forward.

Check out this video resource to hear more from Samuel L. Perry and Andrew L.Whitehead

Whitehead and Perry join Berkley Center at Georgetown University Director Shaun Casey to discuss some of the questions raised in Taking America Back for God.

Responding to Christian Nationalism

Here is a 3-lesson curriculum that corresponds with the “Democracy and Faith Under Siege: Responding to Christian Nationalism” webinar. The curriculum informs a deeper dive into the dangers of Christian nationalism and is intended for churches and other small discussion groups. There is no cost for this guide — click “download” to access a free PDF. Also included is a dropbox link containing corresponding PowerPoint presentations with embedded video clips and facilitators guide for all three lessons.

Disarming Leviathan

Founded by Pastor Caleb Campbell, his mission is to create a resource framework for those working against Christian Nationalism.

While there are many excellent resources that show why and how Christian Nationalism is incompatible with the historic teachings of Christianity, there are few resources available for those working to reach out to Christian Nationalists in our communities, churches, and families.

Disarming Leviathan fills that void by providing practical tools and resources for people seeking to reach Christian Nationalists with the hope-filled message of the gospel of Jesus.

Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World and How to Repair it All by Lisa Sharon Harper

Fortune helps readers understand how America was built upon systems and structures in ways that blessed some and cursed others, allowing Americans of European descent to benefit from the colonization, genocide, enslavement, rape, and exploitation of people of color. As Harper lights a path through national and religious history, she clarifies exactly how and when the world broke and shows the way to redemption for us all. The book culminates with a vision of truth telling, reparation, and forgiveness that leads to beloved community. It includes a foreword by Otis Moss III, illustrations, and a glossy eight-page black and white insert featuring photos of Harper’s family.