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Definition of Christian Nationalism Using the provided definition of nationalism as a political ideology or sentiment that emphasizes the interests, culture, identity, or sovereignty of a nation or group united by shared characteristics (such as language, history, or ethnicity), and which promotes the nation's unity, independence, and pride—sometimes at the expense of other groups or individual rights—Christian nationalism can be understood as a specific variant of this ideology. It applies nationalist principles to a vision where the shared characteristics binding the nation are rooted in Christianity, including its doctrines, moral values, historical narratives, and cultural practices. In this framework, the nation (often specifically the United States in modern contexts) is viewed as inherently Christian in its founding, identity, and purpose, with policies, laws, and governance ideally aligned to uphold and promote Christian principles. This can manifest as civic Christian nationalism, emphasizing shared Christian values like justice, mercy, and responsibility as foundational to citizenship and societal well-being, or as ethnic/religious nationalism, where Christianity is tied to ancestry, culture, or even racial identity, potentially leading to exclusionary policies that prioritize Christians or Christian interpretations over others. Proponents may see it as inspiring self-determination for a "Christian nation," such as advocating for laws reflecting biblical ethics on issues like family, education, or foreign policy, while critics within and outside Christian circles argue it risks aggressive or exclusionary outcomes, like enforcing religious doctrine through state power. Contrast with Common Derogatory Usage Today While the core definition ties Christian nationalism to a fusion of Christian identity with national sovereignty and pride, its common derogatory usage in contemporary discourse—particularly in media, politics, and online discussions—often amplifies its extreme manifestations and frames it as a dangerous, anti-democratic force. In this pejorative sense, the term is frequently weaponized to equate it with white supremacy, racism, authoritarianism, xenophobia, or even fascism, portraying adherents as seeking to impose a theocratic regime that undermines religious pluralism, separation of church and state, and minority rights. For instance, it's commonly linked to events like the January 6 Capitol riot, where some view it as an ideology fueling racialized violence or efforts to subvert democratic processes in favor of a "Christian-dominated" America. This usage often dismisses or caricatures conservative Christian political engagement as inherently extremist, using the label to discredit views on issues like immigration, gender, or abortion without engaging the nuances of civic versus ethnic forms. In contrast to the neutral or positive self-descriptions by some supporters—who see it as simply loving one's country through a Christian lens or reviving moral foundations in society—the derogatory framing assumes malicious intent, such as merging church and state to create a "white Christian" hegemony that excludes non-Christians, people of color, or LGBTQ+ individuals card. This shift in usage has made the term a polarizing slur in debates, with left-leaning sources emphasizing threats to democracy and right-leaning ones arguing it's a fabricated bogeyman to vilify patriotism informed by faith. For example, while historical figures like the U.S. Founding Fathers are sometimes retroactively labeled under this derogatory lens for their moral-religious views on governance, defenders point out that such interpretations ignore the Constitution's protections for religious freedom. Overall, the derogatory connotation has grown since the 2010s, often blending factual critiques of exclusionary elements with broader smears that overlook how many Christians reject theocratic nationalism in favor of pluralistic engagement. #ChristianNationalism #Nationalism ,