One Nation Under God?: Understanding Christian Nationalism: Is the United States a “Christian nation?” Do we have a secular government? Today, many people are concerned about something called (white) Christian nationalism, but it is not always clear what exactly that is. The purpose of this course is first to think historically about the relationship between religion (especially Christianity) and the U.S. nation and, then, to analyze contemporary political discourse.
Throughout U.S. history, many people have believed that there is something special about this nation and its relationship to God, and they have made claims about the essential Christian character of the nation. Through these arguments, they claim moral authority, situate themselves in world-historical religious narratives, make ethnonationalist arguments, and more. These have not always been rightwing or conservative projects; many progressive activists, including antislavery and civil rights advocates, have argued for their causes on the basis of Christian principles.
With these histories in mind, we will assess recent news, commentary, and scholarship on the supposed rise of Christian nationalism, asking historical and critical questions.
Throughout U.S. history, many people have believed that there is something special about this nation and its relationship to God, and they have made claims about the essential Christian character of the nation. Through these arguments, they claim moral authority, situate themselves in world-historical religious narratives, make ethnonationalist arguments, and more. These have not always been rightwing or conservative projects; many progressive activists, including antislavery and civil rights advocates, have argued for their causes on the basis of Christian principles.
With these histories in mind, we will assess recent news, commentary, and scholarship on the supposed rise of Christian nationalism, asking historical and critical questions.
- Teacher: Charlie McCrary