Catholic Christian nationalism is having a moment in the US

Aug 02, 2024

By Ruth Braunstein
Christian nationalism has long been associated with white evangelicals. Now Catholics are emerging as some of Christian nationalism’s most muscular champions. This shift marks a significant evolution in American religious and political landscapes, characterised by prominent figures and movements that blend conservative Catholicism with nationalist fervour.

One notable figure in this emerging narrative is J.D. Vance, a recent convert to Catholicism and a prominent Republican politician. Linked to Catholic integralism, an ideology advocating for Christian principles to heavily influence societal governance, Vance exemplifies a trend where Catholicism intersects with Christian nationalist objectives. Despite some doctrinal differences, integralism shares key policy goals with Christian nationalism, particularly in advocating for a government shaped by Christian values. Vance’s elevation as a Republican vice-presidential nominee amplifies the platform of this distinctive Catholic strain within the broader Christian nationalist movement.

Another significant influence is the Heritage Foundation’s Kevin D. Roberts, described as a “cowboy Catholic” and a proponent of what he calls a “second American Revolution.” Roberts, aligned with figures like Stephen K. Bannon, promotes Christian nationalist views through media platforms such as “The War Room,” positioning himself at the forefront of this ideological wave.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, himself a conservative Catholic, also plays a pivotal role. His involvement in decisions like the 2022 case overturning Roe v. Wade, coupled with controversies such as his wife’s display of flags associated with Christian nationalism, underscores the influence of Catholic perspectives within pivotal institutions of American governance.

Beyond political elites, cultural and religious movements like Trad Cath (Traditionalist Catholicism) have gained attention for their socially conservative views. Trad Cath adherents, drawing on Catholic tradition and imagery, propagate a narrative of a threatened Western civilisation, aligning closely with broader Christian nationalist sentiments.

The emergence of Catholic Christian nationalism challenges the conventional association of Christian nationalism with white evangelical Protestantism. While a significant majority of white evangelical Protestants endorse Christian nationalist ideas, only a minority of white Catholics do so. Nonetheless, within this minority, there exists a potent strain of Christian nationalist fervour, underscoring the polarisation within American Catholicism on issues of national identity and governance.

The historical trajectory of Catholicism in America has been marked by shifts from exclusion to inclusion within the broader Christian identity. Formerly viewed with suspicion and hostility by Protestant-dominated American society, Catholics gradually integrated into the mainstream Christian narrative, particularly during the Cold War era when shared Judeo-Christian values were emphasised in contrast to atheist Communism.

The alignment of conservative Catholics with white evangelical Protestants during the 1970s solidified a coalition advocating for socially conservative policies, notably on issues like abortion. This collaboration not only blurred denominational lines but also facilitated the integration of Catholics into the broader Christian nationalist movement, where they now play influential roles in shaping American political discourse and policy.

Looking ahead, the influence of Catholic Christian nationalism reflects a complex interplay of theology, history, and contemporary political aspirations. As conservative Catholics continue to assert their influence across various spheres of American life, their distinct religious identity and institutions will undoubtedly shape debates on the role of religion in public policy and governance.

While American Catholicism remains politically diverse, the rise of Catholic Christian nationalism highlights a potent and evolving force within the broader landscape of American religious and political identities. This phenomenon not only challenges traditional narratives of religious influence but also underscores the dynamic nature of religious engagement in shaping contemporary American society. As these dynamics unfold, understanding the nuances and motivations behind Catholic Christian nationalism becomes essential in grasping its impact on American politics and culture. --NCR

(Ruth Braunstein is an associate professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut and the director of the Meanings of Democracy Lab.)

This is an abridged version. To read the full article, go to: https://rb.gy/y70b1m