American Christian Nationalism

The Influence of Evangelical Christians on the American Christian Nationalism Political Movement

The intersection of religion and politics has been a defining characteristic of American history, particularly with the rise of evangelical Christianity and its influence on American Christian nationalism.

This movement seeks to shape the nation’s cultural and political landscape according to conservative Christian values. Through historical analogies, political mobilization, and strategic alliances, evangelical Christians have significantly impacted American Christian nationalism, spanning from the early 20th century to the present day.

Historical Foundations and Dominion Theology

American Christian nationalism’s roots can be traced back to dominion theology, which advocates for Christians to govern all aspects of society according to Biblical principles. R.J. Rushdoony’s work in the mid-20th century laid the groundwork for this ideology. His vision of applying Old Testament law to modern society provided a theological basis for the belief that Christians should exert dominion over key societal spheres. This notion was further popularized by the concept of the “Seven Mountains” mandate, introduced by Loren Cunningham and Bill Bright in the 1970s. They identified seven areas of cultural influence—religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business—that Christians should engage with to bring about societal change.

Political Mobilization and Strategic Alliances

The political mobilization of evangelical Christians gained momentum with the founding of the Moral Majority by Jerry Falwell in 1979. This organization aimed to mobilize conservative Christians to become politically active, advocating for policies that align with their values. Paul Weyrich, a crucial figure in this movement, co-founded the Moral Majority and emphasized the need for Christians to influence government and public policy. Weyrich’s efforts were instrumental in creating a robust network of conservative advocacy groups that continue to shape American politics.

The Koch brothers, Charles and David, also played an influential role in this landscape. While not directly associated with Christian nationalism, their extensive funding of conservative causes and political infrastructure indirectly supported the movement. Through organizations like Americans for Prosperity and various think tanks, the Koch network provided resources and support that aligned with the goals of Christian nationalists. Their strategic alliances with evangelical leaders further bolstered the movement’s influence.

The Cyrus Analogy and Contemporary Politics

A significant aspect of evangelical influence on American Christian nationalism is the use of biblical analogies to frame contemporary political figures. The analogy between Donald Trump and Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian king, is a notable example. Prominent evangelical leaders, such as Lance Wallnau, have drawn parallels between Trump and Cyrus, suggesting that Trump, like Cyrus, is a divinely appointed leader chosen to fulfill God’s purposes. This analogy has been particularly compelling for many evangelicals, who view Trump’s actions—such as moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem—as aligning with biblical prophecy and advancing Christian values.

As further explained in the final section of this post, this framing has had profound implications for Trump’s support within the evangelical community. It has helped mobilize evangelical voters, reassured believers that supporting Trump aligns with fulfilling God’s plan, and provided a rationale for overlooking his personal flaws in favor of his political achievements. This narrative has been crucial in maintaining evangelical support for Trump and reinforcing the broader goals of American Christian nationalism.

Conclusion

The influence of evangelical Christians on the American Christian nationalism political movement has been multifaceted and profound. Through the theological underpinnings of dominion theology, strategic political mobilization, and the use of compelling biblical analogies, evangelicals have shaped the nation’s cultural and political landscape. Figures like R.J. Rushdoony, Paul Weyrich, and the Koch brothers, along with contemporary leaders, have played pivotal roles in this process. The analogy of Donald Trump as a modern-day Cyrus the Great exemplifies how historical and biblical narratives are utilized to frame contemporary politics, further solidifying the alliance between evangelical Christians and the American Christian nationalism movement.

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Is God Ever Mentioned in the Constitution of the United States?

No, God is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of the United States. The closest references are in the Preamble, which begins with “We the People,” and the date at the end, “in the Year of our Lord 1787.”

God in the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence does reference God in several ways:

• “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”: This reflects Enlightenment thinking.
• “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”: This phrase emphasizes the belief in a higher power granting fundamental rights.
• “Appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world”: This invokes a sense of divine justice.
• “With a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence”: This expresses trust in a higher power for protection.

Founding Fathers’ Beliefs

The Founding Fathers had diverse beliefs, ranging from devout Christianity to Deism, which emphasized reason and morality over doctrine. While some founders may have seen America as influenced by Christian principles, they also strongly supported religious freedom and the separation of church (religion) and state. Thus, it is misleading to say that they believed America was founded as a strictly “Christian nation.”

Enlightenment Ideals and Masonic Roots

The references to God in the Declaration of Independence align with Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and natural law. Many Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were influenced by these concepts. Additionally, several founders were Freemasons, an organization that incorporated Enlightenment thinking and advocated for moral philosophy, personal liberty, and fraternity.

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The Council for National Policy (CNP)

The Council for National Policy (CNP) is a conservative advocacy and policy organization founded in 1981. It consists of influential members from various sectors, including politics, business, and religion. The CNP has been instrumental in shaping conservative and Christian nationalist ideologies in American politics. It promotes policies that align with traditional Christian values and has played a significant role in mobilizing conservative evangelical voters.

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Milestones of American Christian Nationalism

Before Reagan

• Early 20th Century: The influence of Christian morals was evident in movements like Prohibition and the Social Gospel movement.
• Post-World War II: The rise of evangelical leaders like Billy Graham who emphasized America’s Christian identity.

After Reagan

• Reagan Era: Ronald Reagan’s presidency marked a turning point, with his strong support from the Christian Right and symbolic rhetoric about America’s divine destiny.
• Paul Weyrich’s Theocracy: Co-founder of the Moral Majority, Weyrich advocated for a significant Christian influence in government and politics.
• R.J. Rushdoony’s Dominionism: Promoted the idea that Christians should govern all aspects of society based on Biblical law.
• Moral Majority: Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, it mobilized conservative Christians to become politically active.
• Tea Party: Emerged in 2009, blending fiscal conservatism with Christian nationalist rhetoric.
• Trump Era: Donald Trump garnered strong support from evangelical Christians, emphasizing traditional Christian values and appointing conservative judges.

These milestones highlight the evolving influence of Christian nationalism in American politics, reflecting a persistent effort to align the nation’s policies and identity with conservative Christian values.

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The Persian King Cyrus the Great

The association of Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian king, with Donald Trump within the American Evangelical political movement is a fascinating example of how historical and biblical analogies are used to frame contemporary political figures. Here’s a detailed explanation of this connection:

Who Was Cyrus the Great?

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire (circa 600–530 BC) and is often celebrated for his progressive approach to governance and religious tolerance. He is notably mentioned in the Bible for his decree that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple after the Babylonian exile (Isaiah 45 and Ezra 1).

The Analogy with Donald Trump

1. Biblical Prophecy and Symbolism

• Cyrus as a Deliverer: In the Bible, Cyrus is seen as a divinely appointed leader who, despite not being a Jew, played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish people. This notion of a non-believer being used by God for His purposes resonates with many evangelicals who see Trump as an unlikely, but divinely chosen, leader.
• Isaiah 45: Isaiah 45 is particularly significant because it refers to Cyrus as God’s “anointed.” Some evangelical leaders have drawn parallels between this and Trump’s presidency, suggesting that Trump, like Cyrus, has been chosen to fulfill God’s purposes.

2. Political Actions and Policies

• Support for Israel: One of the key reasons for the Cyrus-Trump analogy is Trump’s strong support for Israel. His decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018 is seen by many evangelicals as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a significant step in supporting the Jewish state, akin to Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem.
• Religious Freedom: Evangelicals point to Trump’s advocacy for religious freedom and his appointments of conservative judges as evidence that he is working to protect Christian values and rights in the United States.

3. Prophetic Statements and Endorsements

• Evangelical Leaders: Prominent evangelical leaders and prophets, such as Lance Wallnau, have explicitly referred to Trump as a modern-day Cyrus. Wallnau, in particular, wrote a book titled “God’s Chaos Candidate,” where he elaborates on this analogy.
• Cultural Resonance: For many evangelicals, this analogy provides a compelling narrative that frames Trump’s unconventional style and secular background in a positive light, suggesting that God can use anyone to fulfill His divine plan.

Impact on Evangelical Support

• Mobilization: The Cyrus analogy has helped mobilize evangelical support for Trump by framing his actions within a biblical context. It reassures believers that supporting Trump aligns with fulfilling God’s purpose.
• Perceived Legitimacy: By drawing this parallel, evangelical leaders have provided a rationale for overlooking Trump’s personal flaws and focusing on his political and policy achievements that align with their religious goals.

Criticism and Controversy

• Skepticism: Not all Christians agree with the Cyrus analogy. Some view it as an opportunistic interpretation of scripture that ignores Trump’s moral and ethical controversies.
• Political Manipulation: Critics argue that this analogy is used to manipulate religious sentiments for political gain, rather than being a genuine theological belief.

Conclusion

The connection between Cyrus the Great and Donald Trump as promoted by the American Evangelical political movement highlights how historical and biblical narratives can be utilized to frame contemporary political figures and actions. This analogy has played a significant role in garnering and maintaining evangelical support for Trump, positioning him as a divinely chosen leader who, like Cyrus, is seen as fulfilling God’s purposes despite his unlikely background.

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The Use of “in the Year of our Lord 1787” in the U.S. Constitution

The phrase “in the Year of our Lord 1787,” found at the end of the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, is a standard way of dating official documents during that period. This phrasing was customary and reflective of the linguistic and cultural norms of the time rather than an explicit theological statement.

Historical Context

• Standard Convention: During the 18th century, it was common practice to use “Anno Domini” (A.D.), Latin for “in the year of our Lord,” as part of formal date notation. This convention was widely accepted in English-speaking countries and throughout Christendom.
• Legal Documents: Similar language appears in other legal and governmental documents from that era, indicating its usage was more about formality and convention than an intentional religious declaration.

Interpretation by the Founding Fathers

• Secular Intent: The Founding Fathers were influenced by Enlightenment ideals and sought to establish a government based on secular principles. The inclusion of “in the Year of our Lord” should be understood within the context of its time as a conventional dating method rather than an endorsement of a specific religious belief.
• Religious Diversity: Many Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Their vision for the new nation included a pluralistic society where no single religion would dominate government affairs.

Source of the Phrase “In God We Trust”

The phrase “In God We Trust” has a distinct origin and history, separate from the Constitution.

Civil War Era

• Initial Usage: The phrase first appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War. It was proposed by Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln, in response to increased religious sentiment and public demand for recognizing divine protection.
• Legislation: Congress passed legislation in 1864 authorizing the use of the phrase on the two-cent coin. Over time, its use expanded to other denominations of currency.

National Motto

• Adoption: “In God We Trust” was officially adopted as the national motto of the United States in 1956 during the Cold War. This move was part of a broader effort to distinguish the U.S. from the atheistic ideology of the Soviet Union.
• Public Law: The phrase was codified into law by Congress and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It has since been printed on all U.S. paper currency and continues to be a symbol of national identity.

Conclusion

The phrase “in the Year of our Lord 1787” in the U.S. Constitution reflects the standard way of dating official documents in that historical context, rather than an intention to make a theological statement about Jesus Christ specifically. The Founding Fathers used this conventional phrasing while envisioning a secular government that ensured religious freedom.

On the other hand, the phrase “In God We Trust” originated during the Civil War and was later adopted as the national motto during the Cold War. It represents a different aspect of America’s cultural and political history, emphasizing the nation’s trust in a higher power while distinguishing itself from atheist ideologies.

Both phrases highlight how religious language has been integrated into American political and cultural life, often reflecting broader societal sentiments and historical contexts.

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Dominionism: An Overview

Dominionism is a theological and political concept that advocates for Christians to assert control over every aspect of society, including government, culture, and economics, based on biblical principles. It is rooted in the belief that God has granted humans dominion over the earth, and this mandate should be reflected in societal structures and governance.

Key Theological Foundations

• Genesis Mandate: Dominionism finds its scriptural basis in Genesis 1:26-28, where God commands Adam and Eve to “fill the earth and subdue it” and to “have dominion” over all living creatures. Proponents interpret this as a divine directive for Christians to extend their influence over all creation.
• Postmillennialism: Many dominionists hold to postmillennial eschatology, which asserts that Christ will return after a thousand-year reign of Christian ethics and values on earth, established through human effort.

Variants of Dominionism

Dominionism is not a monolithic movement; it encompasses various strands with differing emphases and methods. The two primary forms are:

1. Christian Reconstructionism:
   • Founder: R.J. Rushdoony is often credited with founding Christian Reconstructionism in the mid-20th century.
   • Beliefs: This form advocates for the application of Old Testament law to contemporary society, including legal and judicial systems. It aims for a theocratic government where biblical law governs all aspects of life.
   • Influence: Though not widely popular among mainstream evangelicals, its ideas have significantly influenced other dominionist thought streams.
2. Kingdom Now Theology:
   • Proponents: Figures like Earl Paulk and other charismatic leaders have popularized this variant.
   • Beliefs: Kingdom Now theology emphasizes that Christians already possess the authority to claim dominion over earthly realms and should actively work to bring about God’s kingdom on earth in the present age.
   • Focus: Unlike Christian Reconstructionism, this variant places less emphasis on Old Testament law and more on charismatic expressions of faith and spiritual warfare.

The Seven Mountains Mandate

One of the most visible expressions of dominionist thinking in contemporary evangelicalism is the Seven Mountains Mandate, which identifies seven key areas of societal influence that Christians should dominate:

1. Religion
2. Family
3. Education
4. Government
5. Media
6. Arts and Entertainment
7. Business

This strategy was popularized by leaders like Loren Cunningham, Bill Bright, and Lance Wallnau, who advocate for Christians to strategically position themselves in these sectors to effect cultural transformation.

Political and Cultural Impact

• Political Activism: Dominionism has inspired significant political activism within American evangelicalism. Organizations and movements influenced by dominionist thought often seek to influence public policy, promote conservative social values, and advocate for legislative changes that reflect their interpretation of biblical principles.
• Education and Legislation: Proponents have pushed for educational curricula that align with Christian values and have lobbied for laws that restrict abortion, same-sex marriage, and other issues they see as contrary to biblical teaching.
• Criticism and Controversy: Dominionism has faced criticism from both secular and religious groups. Critics argue that it threatens the separation of church and state and can lead to authoritarianism. Even within evangelical circles, some view dominionism as a distortion of Christian teachings that prioritizes political power over spiritual faithfulness.

Conclusion

Dominionism represents a broad and influential movement within certain segments of Christianity, advocating for the application of biblical principles to all aspects of society. While its interpretations and implementations vary, the core belief in Christian dominion over earthly realms remains consistent. Its impact on politics, culture, and theology continues to provoke debate and discussion, reflecting its complex and multifaceted nature.

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