To the extent that such views become reflected in public policy, the growing percentage of Americans who are not Christian will undoubtedly feel ostracized, treated as though they are not fully American.

Christian nationalism is rarely concerned with instituting explicitly “Christ-like” policies, or even policies reflecting New Testament ethics at all.

they have begun to make small shifts toward a more oppositional response to Christian nationalism as well.

Christian nationalism] is political idolatry dressed up as religious orthodoxy.”

Matthew does not consider the possibility that the values of other nations might somehow augment or improve America’s core values. Rather, he sees the situation in terms of purity and corruption.

Like Jeffress’s sermon suggests, faithfulness to “our Christian country,” in the minds of Ambassadors and many Accommodators, has little to do with personal piety; it is about political influence. That

Why is this important? Obviously it would be a mistake for sociologists or other observers to conclude that “religious commitment” necessarily inclines Americans to hold more conservative political positions. In fact, religious commitment often appears to do the opposite.

Like Robert Jeffress, some Americans endorse the idea that Christianity and our national identity are inextricably bound together. Those who disagree with him are “seculars” and “liberals” blinded to the truth and out to suppress religious freedom.

Americans to take positions on issues and rally behind candidates that will defend their cultural preferences, preserve their political influence, and maintain the “proper” social order.