Christian Political Engagement and Its Critics: Populism, Nationalism, and Patriotism

When & Where:

Event Summary:

Over the past decade a range of elected officials, activists, and scholars have expressed alarm about the threat of “Christian nationalism.” Indeed, some sociologists argue, “Christian nationalism is an existential threat to American democracy” and the “single biggest threat to America’s religious liberty.” Is this the case?  These claims are rooted in a burgeoning, but flawed, academic literature that re-writes U.S. history, questions key ideas such as patriotism and the central role of religion in American public life, and justifies the alarm with problematic academic research results.

Panelists will look carefully at the trend toward what one social scientist calls “anti-systemic movements” of both the political right and left, while debunking some of the exaggerated claims that America faces a dire internal threat from a hyper-chauvinism known as “Christian nationalism.” Panelists will also consider whether this trend is simply another attempt to ban religious individuals, ideas, and organizations from America’s public square.

Speakers:

• Honorable Michele Bachmann, Dean, Robertson School of Government, Regent University
• Mark David Hall, Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Politics, George Fox University
• Elizabeth Spalding, Vice Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, Founding Director of the Victims of Communism Museum, Senior Fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, and Visiting Fellow at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government
• John Zmirak, Senior Editor of The Stream, and author of several books
• Eric Patterson, Executive Vice President, Religious Freedom Institute

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