Christian nationalism is a political ideology that merges Christian identity with national identity, asserting that a nation is defined by its adherence to Christian values and beliefs. Though its expressions vary across cultures and historical periods, Christian nationalism has had significant influence in shaping political ideologies, state institutions, and social movements across the Western world and beyond. Understanding its historical development requires an exploration of its religious roots, political entanglements, and nationalistic transformations over time.
Origins in the Roman Empire and Medieval Christendom
The foundations of Christian nationalism can be traced back to the Roman Empire, particularly after Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the early 4th century. By legalizing and promoting Christianity, Constantine initiated a transformation in which the Roman state and Christian church began to support and reinforce each other. The subsequent establishment of Christianity as the state religion under Theodosius I in 380 CE further solidified the union between church and empire.
In medieval Europe, Christian nationalism took shape through the concept of Christendom—a unified Christian society under the spiritual authority of the Pope and the temporal power of monarchs. The Crusades, beginning in the 11th century, exemplified this intertwining of religious zeal and national interests, as European powers launched military campaigns under the banner of Christianity to reclaim or protect holy lands. This era established the pattern of aligning Christian identity with the political and territorial aims of kingdoms and empires.
The Reformation and Rise of National Churches
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century marked a turning point in the development of Christian nationalism. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged the universal authority of the Catholic Church and promoted the idea of national churches governed by local rulers. This shift encouraged the emergence of religiously defined national identities, particularly in places like England, where the Church of England became a tool of state power under Henry VIII.
In the following centuries, the consolidation of Protestantism in Northern Europe and Catholicism in the South contributed to the formation of distinct religious-national identities. Religion and patriotism became increasingly intertwined, as being English meant being Protestant, and being Spanish or French often implied being Catholic.
Christian Nationalism in the American Context
In the United States, Christian nationalism evolved in a unique way. The American Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment ideals of liberty and secular governance, but many of the founding fathers and early settlers held deep Christian convictions. The idea of America as a “city upon a hill”—a beacon of Christian virtue and purpose—has been a recurring theme since the Puritan settlers arrived in the 17th century.
Christian nationalism gained renewed strength in the 19th and 20th centuries, often emerging in opposition to perceived threats such as immigration, secularism, or communism. Movements like Manifest Destiny, which justified westward expansion as divinely ordained, or the Cold War-era belief that America was fighting atheistic communism, both reflected a Christian nationalist ethos. The phrase “In God We Trust” added to U.S. currency in the 1950s and the inclusion of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance during the same period underscore the institutional embedding of this ideology.
Global Expressions and Contemporary Trends
Christian nationalism is not limited to the West. In Russia, the close relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin under leaders like Vladimir Putin reflects a form of Christian nationalism that emphasizes Russian Orthodox identity as central to national unity. Similarly, in parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America, Christian nationalist movements have gained ground by promoting conservative moral values and traditional family structures, often in reaction to globalization and liberalism.
In recent decades, Christian nationalism has seen a resurgence in the United States and other democracies. It often manifests through political rhetoric that frames national policies in explicitly Christian terms and portrays the nation as divinely chosen. This resurgence is frequently associated with debates over religious freedom, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and education, and is viewed by both supporters and critics as a powerful force shaping political discourse.
The history of Christian nationalism is complex and multifaceted. It has served as both a unifying force and a source of division, shaping national identities, justifying wars, and influencing governance. While its expressions have evolved, the core idea—that national identity and Christian faith are inextricably linked—remains a potent and often controversial force in global politics. As societies continue to grapple with pluralism, secularism, and cultural change, the future of Christian nationalism will likely remain a subject of significant debate and reflection.