Church, state and new conservatismーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Christian Nationalism: The belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that Christian values should be prioritized in public policy and law.
• Evangelical Christians: A highly conservative Protestant Christian group, comprising roughly a quarter of the US population, known for strong stances on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
• Separation of Church and State: The constitutional principle preventing the government from establishing a religion or unduly interfering with religious practice.
• Ten Commandments: The set of biblical principles relating to worship and conduct, increasingly being advocated for display in public schools.
• Midterm Elections: US congressional elections held halfway through a president's term, often seen as a referendum on their performance.

The Rise of Christian Nationalism in US Politics Under Trump’s Second Term

This report examines the growing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics, particularly during the second term of President Donald Trump, and its potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections. The analysis focuses on the state of Texas as a key example of this trend.

1. The Core Demographic: Evangelical Christians & Trump’s Support

Evangelical Christians, constituting nearly 25% of the US population, have been a consistent and strong base of support for President Trump. They are largely defined by their opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage and were instrumental in his previous presidential victory. A pastor from a Texas mega-church, which draws 3,000 weekly attendees and thousands more online, explicitly voiced support for Trump, stating, “He’s not a perfect man…but at least he stands for faith and he stands for believers.” This sentiment highlights the perceived alignment between Trump’s policies and the values of this demographic.

2. Policy Manifestations: The Texas Case Study – Ten Commandments in Schools

Under President Trump, policies reflecting Christian values have become more prominent. A specific example is the enactment of a state law in Texas requiring public schools to display posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Lauren Leaky, a Rock Wall County official, actively supported and financially contributed ($1,350) to this initiative, stating the goal is to teach “values that are very important,” not to force Christianity. However, this law has faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing it violates the separation of church and state, leading to temporary suspensions of displays in some counties pending trial outcomes.

3. Counter-Narratives: James Tarico and a “Politics of Love”

The rise of Christian nationalism is not without opposition. James Tarico, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate and a devout Christian himself (whose grandfather was a pastor), presents a contrasting perspective. He actively opposes Christian nationalism, labeling it “a perversion of my faith and a subversion of our democracy.” Tarico advocates for a “politics of love” rooted in Christian values, emphasizing unity and addressing inequality. He champions the separation of church and state, stating, “It’s a sacred boundary that we must protect.” Supporters describe his approach as building community across political divides, fostering a message of unity lost in recent years.

4. Backlash and Defining Christian Nationalism

Tarico’s stance has drawn significant criticism. Opponents accuse him of misrepresenting Christian nationalism, with one conservative faith-based organization leader arguing, “How can it be bad? I mean Christian nationalism…I think we need to get our country back to God and moral values.” This individual suggested those who oppose Judeo-Christian values should consider relocating to another country. The debate centers on the definition of Christian nationalism itself – whether it’s a legitimate expression of faith or a dangerous political ideology.

5. Geographic Distribution and Political Power

Polling data indicates that support for Christian nationalism is strongest in the Southern and Midwestern states, particularly those with strong Republican leanings. While Christian conservatism has long been a force in American politics, the report notes an acceleration of efforts to codify and prioritize these values under Trump’s second term. The increasing political power of the Christian population is underscored by the fact that a Democratic candidate (Tarico) is actively leveraging his faith as a campaign strategy. Approximately two-thirds of the American population identifies as Christian.

6. The Broader Context: Reaction to Biden Administration Policies

The resurgence of Christian nationalism is also framed as a reaction to the Biden administration’s policies, which emphasize the separation of church and state. This perceived threat has fueled a sense of urgency among Christians to reclaim a political space for their faith, leading to a broader and stronger coalition.

Conclusion:

The report demonstrates a significant and growing trend of Christian nationalism in US politics, particularly amplified during President Trump’s second term. This manifests in policy changes like the Ten Commandments displays in Texas schools and is driving both support for and opposition within the political landscape. As the 2026 elections approach, religion is poised to be a crucial factor in voter decisions, with both Republican and Democratic leaders recognizing its increasing political potency. The debate over the role of faith in public life and the interpretation of Christian nationalism will likely remain a central theme in American politics for the foreseeable future.