References to God and Christianity permeate American culture, evident in the phrase “In God We Trust” on currency and the tradition of presidents swearing their oaths on the Bible. However, a growing movement seeks to elevate this relationship.
Advocates of Christian nationalism contend that the United States was established as a Christian nation, arguing that its laws should embody specific Christian principles. These beliefs resonate with a significant portion of the American populace, cutting across various demographics. According to a 2022 Pew Research poll, 45 percent of Americans support the notion that the country should maintain its identity as a Christian nation, with over half of them advocating for the Bible’s influence in U.S. legislation.
In today’s discussion, we delve into the intricate relationship between Christianity and the United States.
Featured Guests:
Bradley Onishi, Professor at the University of San Francisco and author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism – And What Comes Next
Catherine Brekus, Professor of the History of Religion in America at Harvard Divinity School