Preparing For War: White Christian Nationalism's Extremist History

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Onishi, author and professor, discusses the rise of White Christian Nationalism, particularly its roots in Southern California. He explores how the movement's fusion of Christian and American identity has grown since the 1960s, shaped by factors like the Civil Rights Movement and political shifts. Onishi shares his personal journey from a devout Evangelical to a critic of Christian Nationalism, highlighting the role of pastors, media figures, and political leaders in cultivating this ideology. He offers hope, acknowledging that many people are leaving the movement, yet warns of its ongoing appeal through xenophobia, nationalism, and patriarchy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Christian nationalism in the U.S. can be traced back to the 1960s, when white conservative Christians, feeling threatened by societal progress (e.g., Civil Rights Movement), began to see their culture and identity as under attack.
• 😀 Southern California, particularly Orange County, became a significant epicenter for the rise of white Christian nationalism in the mid-20th century, influenced by the defense industry, migration, and a homogenous political landscape.
• 😀 The fusion of Christianity and American identity, central to Christian nationalism, emphasizes that to be a 'real' American is to be a Christian, and vice versa. This belief has shaped political and religious discourse for decades.
• 😀 The migration of conservative Christians to Southern California led to the creation of mega-churches that merged anti-communism with evangelical Christianity, reinforcing a narrative that Christianity and America are inseparable.
• 😀 Christian nationalism is closely tied to a sense of fear and victimhood among white Christians, particularly as they feel their cultural dominance is being replaced by other groups (e.g., immigrants, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ rights).
• 😀 There is a deep connection between Christian nationalism and Zionism, particularly the notion of a 'chosen land' and territorial significance, which overlaps in the belief that both America and Israel have a divine purpose.
• 😀 The concept of Christian nationalism has evolved from a set of religious and political beliefs to an organized, cultural identity that blends the political and religious realms, particularly through figures like Jerry Falwell and conservative leaders.
• 😀 The rise of right-wing media figures like Charlie Kirk, Ben Shapiro, and Matt Walsh has become more influential than traditional pastors in shaping the worldview of many Christians, especially among younger generations.
• 😀 The use of religious imagery in political movements, such as at events like January 6, illustrates the way Christian symbols and narratives can be harnessed to mobilize people with a sense of urgency and cosmic significance in political causes.
• 😀 Breaking out of Christian nationalism is a complex process, often requiring both intellectual curiosity and disillusionment with the fusion of religion and politics. Personal journeys like the author's highlight that this shift is more about 'dropping out' than 'dropping in.'

Q & A

What is white Christian nationalism, according to Brad Onishi?

White Christian nationalism is the fusion of American nationalism and evangelical Christianity, where being a 'real American' is seen as synonymous with being a devout Christian. It is an ideology that believes America’s identity is inherently Christian, and to be a true American, one must adhere to this belief.

How did the white Christian nationalist movement emerge in the United States?

The movement gained significant momentum in the 1960s in response to social changes like the Civil Rights Movement and women’s rights. Many conservative Christians, particularly white evangelical communities, viewed these movements as threats to their understanding of America and its traditional values, which led to the rise of white Christian nationalism as a reactionary force.

Why did Brad Onishi’s personal experience with Christianity lead him to question white Christian nationalism?

Onishi, who converted to evangelical Christianity as a teenager, began to question the blending of American nationalism with his faith. He felt that after 9/11, the focus shifted from religious values to political nationalism, especially with how the church aligned itself with American flags and political ideologies. His intellectual curiosity and discomfort with the political shifts in his church led him to reevaluate his beliefs.

What role did Southern California play in the development of white Christian nationalism?

Southern California, particularly Orange County, became a hub for the development of white Christian nationalism in the mid-20th century. The region saw a migration of conservative Christians from the South and Midwest, bringing their religious and political ideologies with them. The area also saw the rise of influential figures like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, cementing its role in American conservatism.

How does Brad Onishi view the relationship between Christianity and American nationalism?

Onishi argues that for many evangelical Christians, the two are inseparable. He explains that Christian nationalism is not just a political ideology, but an identity. The American story is often intertwined with the Christian faith, and the idea of America as a 'Christian nation' is seen as central to what it means to be a true American.

What does Onishi mean by the 'distillation' of white Christian nationalism in Orange County?

Onishi uses the term 'distillation' to describe how the unique cultural and political landscape of Orange County, free from the diverse ethnic and religious communities that existed elsewhere, allowed a pure form of white Christian nationalism to take root. The region lacked the social checks that might have diluted this ideology, allowing it to flourish more easily.

How did Onishi’s intellectual curiosity contribute to his departure from evangelical Christianity?

Onishi’s intellectual curiosity led him to critically examine the doctrines and history of the evangelical church. His growing dissatisfaction with the fusion of Americanism and Christianity, particularly in the wake of 9/11, sparked his desire to understand the deeper theological and historical issues at play, eventually leading him to leave the movement.

How does Brad Onishi explain the appeal of white Christian nationalism for some evangelical Christians?

Onishi explains that white Christian nationalism appeals to evangelical Christians when they feel their cultural and religious identity is under threat. The rise of social movements advocating for civil rights and gender equality has been framed as a 'replacement' or 'threat' to white Christian dominance, motivating them to cling to this worldview in an effort to preserve their cultural and political power.

How has Donald Trump’s presidency influenced white Christian nationalism?

Trump’s presidency further solidified the connection between evangelical Christianity and American nationalism. His rhetoric and policies, such as anti-immigration stances and defense of traditional gender roles, resonated deeply with white Christian nationalists, reinforcing their belief in the necessity of aligning Christianity with American political and cultural values.

What is Onishi’s perspective on the potential for people to leave white Christian nationalism?

Onishi remains hopeful that many people are beginning to question and leave white Christian nationalism, particularly after events like the 2016 election and the murder of George Floyd. He notes that there are many individuals who have left evangelical communities because they no longer see their faith aligning with the xenophobia, misogyny, and nationalism present within those spaces. However, he also cautions that these movements are still growing and attracting new followers.