Understanding Christian Nationalism Makes Current Events Make Sense
Author Note: Political violence is unacceptable. The death of Charlie Kirk was wrong and tragic. We pray for his family. This article should not be construed as disrespecting his life, which was precious—as is all human life. However, his work highlights a larger concern regarding an American version of Christianity that, historically and in contemporary times, has distorted and perverted the cause of Christ.
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A Historical Perspective
In his generation, Frederick Douglass summarized an “Americanized” version of Christianity in 1852:
“I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.” (Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave)
We continue to witness Americanized versions of Christianity tailored to specific groups of people.
Defensiveness
I have interacted with White brothers and sisters who become very defensive whenever something concerning White people is mentioned. The reality is that many of the most devastating events in history, in terms of global impact, were carried out by people of European descent. However, that does not implicate every White person any more than the wrongs committed by some Black people should implicate all Black people, though we are far more accustomed to being treated as a monolith.
What we see today is not only defensiveness but also deliberate attempts to obscure and rewrite history. This is especially evident in figures like Donald Trump, who has actively sought to minimize or erase the egregious acts committed against Black people by those of European descent. Defensiveness is unnecessary because of many good deeds, but White Christian nationalism thrives on a version of history that portrays White actions as noble, heroic, and divinely inspired—even when those narratives are not factual and designed to repress others..
So we never need to become defensive about our ethnic part of the human family. Truth, especially the unpleasant parts, is always far more interesting and helpful than fabrications.
Charlie Kirk and Christian Nationalism
I have been seeking to understand the fascination with the late Charlie Kirk, since I was previously unfamiliar with his work. It seems he epitomized Christian nationalism—specifically White Christian nationalism, since this is not something widely practiced among other ethnic groups within Christianity. White Christian nationalism largely exists for cultural preservation.
I was surprised to learn that he is regarded by many as a martyr for the cause he championed. While Donald J. Trump has never pretended to be a serious Christian, Mr. Kirk fully integrated his version of Christianity and Scripture with public policy.
At this moment, it is essential to pray for his family. At the same time, the impact of his words and works should not be forgotten as much of it was rooted in Christian nationalism, which is self-serving.
Defining White Christian Nationalism
When you understand the definition of White Christian nationalism, much of the fixation on the late Charlie Kirk—and related actions—becomes clearer.
White Christian nationalism is both a political ideology and a cultural identity. It blends elements of nationalism, Christianity (particularly the politically conservative, White-centered version of Protestant Christianity), and a belief that the United States was founded as—and should remain—a distinctly “Christian nation.”
It is important to note that the nation was founded while enslaving people made in God’s image and likeness. This injustice could have been excluded at the founding, yet it was embedded into the very structure of the nation. Such practices were utterly inconsistent with the character of Christ, but intentionally aligned with that distorted version of Christianity.
Core Beliefs of White Christian Nationalism
~ America as a Christian nation: Advocates claim that the U.S. was founded on biblical principles and should privilege Christianity in law, culture, and governance. Yet enslaving fellow humans (particularly Africans) was considered part of their so-called “biblical principles.”
~ White cultural dominance: It assumes that “real” American identity is tied to European ancestry, often sidelining or excluding people of color, immigrants, and non-Christians.
~Authority and order: It frequently supports strict gender roles and strong “law-and-order” policies (law enforcement historically focused on controlling “others”), viewing these as divinely mandated.
White Christian nationalism provides the ideological framework for authoritarian and anti-democratic actions carried out by the current president and the Republican Party, with overwhelming support from majorities of White American voters. The marginalization of “others” functions as a deliberate tactic to confront what is perceived as an existential threat: the projected “browning” of America as demographic shifts continue.
~ Bryan Hudson, September, 2025
Related Reading:
For further insight, consider the words of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk’s quotes and beliefs – The Guardian
“The Debate We Still Need To Have”
By Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Charlie Kirk was no King
By Joel Bowman, Sr.
