US politics amidst the sway of a political ideology dubbed Christian nationalism, originating from the alt-right circles.
In recent years, nationalism, particularly white nationalism, has experienced a dramatic surge in both the United Kingdom and the United States. This form of nationalism seeks to maintain a white racial and national identity, a belief system that gained major prominence during the 2021 Capitol Riots.
One of the most radical expressions of Christianity in relation to the American political landscape is Christian nationalism. This belief system posits that the country was founded as a fundamentally Christian nation with a specific historical role, often promoting laws and symbols that favor Christian morals and practices. It is typically associated with right-wing politics, including opposition to immigration and minority groups, and is not to be confused with Christian politics more broadly, which encompasses the participation of Christians in political life based on biblical and spiritual values.
Prominent figures within the white nationalist movement include Tommy Robinson, Nicholas Fuentes, and Donald Trump. Fuentes, a leader in both the white nationalist and Christian nationalist movements, is known for his insidious brand of anti-semitism and promotion of white power, racial and gender stereotypes. He has been banned from social media platforms for hate speech.
The alt-right, a predominantly online political group, also taps into this narrative, using internet forums and social media to perpetuate racial stereotypes. The electronic music genre of the alt-right, known as fashware, is problematic and serves as another platform for these harmful ideologies.
The followers of the alt-right are motivated by maintaining white socioeconomic status and power. This intertwining of Christian nationalism with white nationalism is a significant concern, as both movements demand to be at the top of the order and seek to achieve their goals by force, rather than through democratic means.
However, it's important to note that not all Christians in the US subscribe to these radical beliefs. In fact, Christianity in the US is less in decline and more in a state of transformation, particularly for young Gen Zers, especially men. Some Christian nationalists, such as Texas state representative James Talarico, have spoken out against homophobic, sexist, and racist laws.
Louis Theroux's documentary series Forbidden America features an episode on young white Christian men promoting homophobia, racism, and misogyny online. Fuentes, for instance, does not believe that women should have the right to vote.
Despite the efforts of some to combat these radical beliefs, Christian nationalism shows no sign of slowing down or losing its momentum. With an escalation of extremism, violence, and radicalization, it remains a significant and growing concern in both the UK and the US.
