Christian nationalism is a term that is becoming prominently tied to MAGA Republicans. By the way, a MAGA Republican is one that fully subscribes to the ways and ideals of Donald Trump.

Christian nationalism is the belief that the United States is a Christian nation, where Christianity should have a valued place in society and law, schools and public life should be heavily influenced by Judeo Christian values.

In addition to the exclusivity of other religions in Christian nationalism, there is also a racial and cultural divide. In general, Christian nationalists are white and have overlaps with white supremacist ideas.

My belief, in general, is that we are not a Christian nation. Many of our founders were Christians but not all. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were Deists – a philosophical belief emphasizing reason, morality and natural law. The First Amendment was written to keep religious views out of laws and policy.

Christian nationalism threatens that view by litigating personal preferences and health and lifestyle issues – LGBTQ+, Abortion, extreme policies on the vulnerable and cuts to social welfare programs.

Why are Republicans so insistent on closing the doors of Planned Parenthood? And restricting who can marry whom? Planned Parenthood provides resources for teens to get support for prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancy as well as learning about the changes they are experiencing. In a safe space, without judgment. So many teens don’t have two parents these days and so this is a critical aspect of PP. Planned Parenthood is not an abortion clinic…..but it is being defunded by the “Big” bill.

LGBTQ+ should absolutely not be touched. This is a minority group which is seeking a voice and to be heard. While I am not LGBTQ+, I do support the group as an ally and do not wish to see Christian nationalists destroy the progress that has been made in understanding and accepting and loving this group of people.

There is hope. I believe that Christian nationalism is a temporary trend in the Republican party. Donald Trump will eventually cede his control of the Republican party. When he hostilely took over the party in 2015, it changed the course and direction from a moderate party to extremists. I think there are still moderates like Marco Rubio that, if positioned well, can bring the party back to center.

This is what is needed. A return to center by the parties. Agreement to not litigate personal lives from religious perspective.

We will see in 2026 where things go from here.