The separation of church and state

How to End Christian Nationalism

Amanda Tyler
Broadleaf Books, 2024.

Christian nationalism is no longer just an abstract concept for academic debate. It is now shouted with pride by some political leaders, while other people live in fear of its real-life impacts for them. It rallies support from many Christians, while others are embarrassed to be associated with it, and a smaller number actively oppose it. In her book How to End Christian Nationalism, Amanda Tyler explains why Christian nationalism is a threat for the future of Christianity and for healthy democracy. The book reflects Tyler’s deep personal faith, knowledge of public policy formation and dedication to ending this ideology.

The book goes from definition through what it means in real life to practical tools for talking about it with family members or church members, as well as working against it in public life. According to Tyler:

“Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that seeks to fuse American and Christian identities. It suggests that ‘real’ Americans are Christians and that ‘true’ Christians hold a particular set of political beliefs. It seeks to create a society in which only the narrow subset of Americans is privileged by law and in societal practices.”

Recent examples include the assertion that the U.S. is God’s chosen, exceptional nation and reference to a Manifest Destiny for the U.S. during the inauguration of President Donald Trump (and these examples continue to grow today; CC readers can easily draw up a list in their head of such rhetoric). Tyler goes on to explain that this approach is a distortion of the Christian faith, contradicts the way of Jesus and uses Christianity to give legitimacy to actions that do real harm to people and undermine respect for all people in a healthy democracy.

Tyler’s distinction between patriotism and Christian nationalism is helpful because sometimes acts that are unhealthy nationalism are presented as being a healthy love of country or patriotism. Understanding the difference is an important part of effective action. Another practical piece of advice is to avoid calling someone a Christian nationalist. That usually does not open doors for conversation. Based on her extensive experience in churches across the U.S., Tyler suggests ways to have conversations that help people better understand the dangers of the distortions of Christianity that often sound good initially.

Tyler emphasizes that it is the responsibility of every Christian to help end the grip that this ideology has in the United States today. Local organizing, in her view, starts with thinking about how this ideology has affected daily lives. She encourages white Christians to work with others in local communities. Building such communities is part of the solution itself.

This book is exclusively about the U.S. context, although Tyler recognizes that Christian nationalism is also growing in other countries. Her accessible book has critical wisdom to offer any reader seeking to follow Christ and untangle his teachings from those who have distorted them. While many other books on Christian nationalism focus on the theological errors, conceptual foundations and historical development, Tyler’s book keenly highlights strategies and tactics. How to End Christian Nationalism will be helpful for those looking for an easy-to-understand analysis and practical steps to engage in the work of dismantling this harmful and pervasive ideology.