Christian nationalism, a belief system that intertwines national identity with Christian faith, has been a significant force in American history — and the Christian nationalism timeline may go back further than you think. It erroneously asserts that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation and should be governed by biblical principles.
This flawed ideology has influenced various aspects of American life, from politics to education, and continues to shape the discourse around national identity and public policy. Understanding the evolution of Christian nationalism provides critical insights into its current manifestations and implications for the future.
In recent years, the resurgence of Christian nationalism has become more visible and influential in American politics. The events of January 6, 2021, and the Big Lie rhetoric surrounding the 2020 presidential election highlighted the power and reach of this movement. With key figures like Russell Vought and organizations like Project 2025 advocating for policies that align with their interpretation of Christian values, it is essential to examine the timeline of Christian nationalism to grasp its roots, growth, and contemporary relevance.
Vote them out, while we still can
Then, get to the polls and take everyone you know with you. Do not allow the right-wing to establish a theocracy in this country — no matter what your faith (or lack thereof), we have common interest in preventing any one faith from informing the US government.
Just because they say the words “Christian nation” does not alter the actual history in which the founders were deists who were adamant about keeping the political and religious spheres separate — having seen the ills it can cause to entwine them. Is America a Christian nation? No. We rejected the divine right of kings, very consciously and loudly so at the time. It is easy to pick up this sentiment in the writings of the founders both inside and outside of the founding documents.
Christian nationalism timeline
- 1607 — The Jamestown Colony is established in Virginia. Early settlers bring a mix of Christian beliefs that will influence American culture.
- 1620 — The Pilgrims arrive on the Mayflower, establishing the Plymouth Colony. They seek religious freedom after being persecuted for their lack of conformity to the Anglican church in England, and establish a community based on their Puritan beliefs.
- 1630 — John Winthrop delivers his sermon “A Model of Christian Charity,” articulating the vision of America as a “city upon a hill,” influencing the concept of a Christian nation.
- 1730-1740s — The First Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals, sweeps through the American colonies, strengthening evangelicalism.
- 1776 — The Declaration of Independence is signed. The Founding Fathers, while influenced primarily by Enlightenment ideas, also incorporate some Christian principles.
- 1787 — The U.S. Constitution is drafted, establishing a secular government with the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of religion.
- 1790-1840 — The Second Great Awakening, another religious revival movement, promotes evangelical Protestantism and social reforms.
- 1820s-1830s — The rise of the American Bible Society and other religious organizations aims to spread Christian teachings.
- 1861-1865 — The Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sides invoking Christian imagery and beliefs to justify their causes. However, after losing the war The South reinvented their grievance over slavery as having been a noble cause, really — because slavery (in their interpretation) was mandated by God. They were fighting a holy war and, later, a Lost Cause.
- 1892 — The Supreme Court case Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States declares the U.S. is a “Christian nation” in a non-binding opinion.
- 1927 — Founding of Bob Jones University by Bob Jones, Sr. Under his son, the University would become a flashpoint for conservative backlash against civil rights.
- 1930s — The Great Depression leads to a search for meaning and stability, with some turning to religious and nationalist ideologies. Religious leaders and organizations began to blend Christian beliefs with nationalist sentiments, advocating for a return to traditional values.
- 1930s — Increased influence of fundamentalist Christian groups that advocated for a literal interpretation of the Bible and opposed modernist interpretations of Christianity. These groups often intertwined their religious beliefs with nationalist ideals.
- 1930-1936 — The rise of radio evangelists like Father Charles Coughlin, who used his platform to spread a mix of populist, nationalist, and Christian messages. Coughlin, originally supportive of Franklin D. Roosevelt, eventually turned against him and promoted anti-Semitic and pro-fascist ideas, influencing a segment of American society with his rhetoric.
- 1935 — The founding of the Christian Front by Father Coughlin’s followers. This organization aimed to promote Christian and nationalist principles and opposed communism and other perceived threats to Christian America.
- 1940s — World War II creates a context where nationalism and religious sentiment are intertwined, with many Americans seeing the fight against the Axis powers as a moral and religious crusade.
- 1942 — The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is founded, promoting a unified voice for evangelical Christians and advocating for Christian values in public life.
- 1943 — The phrase “In God We Trust” is first printed on U.S. currency during World War II, reflecting a blend of national and religious identity.
- 1944 — The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill) is passed, providing education and other benefits to returning veterans. Many veterans return with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to preserve American values, often linked with Christian beliefs.
- 1945 — The end of World War II sees a rise in religious revivalism as Americans seek to make sense of the war’s devastation and loss. This period sees an increase in church attendance and religious activities.
- 1947 — The Supreme Court case Everson v. Board of Education upholds the separation of church and state but also reinforces the notion that the government should not be hostile to religion, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of Christianity in public life.
- 1948 — The founding of the modern state of Israel garners strong support from American Christians, particularly evangelicals, who see the event as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and integrate it into their nationalist and religious beliefs.
- Late 1940s — The beginning of the Cold War sees heightened anti-communist sentiment, with many Christian leaders portraying the conflict as a battle between Christian America and atheistic communism. This period strengthens the alliance between nationalism and Christianity in the public consciousness.
- 1950s — The post-World War II era sees a religious revival in the United States, with increased church membership and attendance, reflecting the country’s desire for stability and moral clarity during the Cold War.
- 1952 — The National Day of Prayer is established by Congress, encouraging Americans to turn to God in prayer and meditation.
- 1954 — The Johnson Amendment is introduced by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson (D) and added to the U.S. tax code. The amendment prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, including churches and other religious organizations, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. The goal is to maintain the separation of church and state by preventing tax-exempt organizations from engaging in partisan politics.
- 1954 — The Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson. This unanimous SCOTUS decision was pivotal in the civil rights movement, leading to efforts to desegregate schools and inspiring broader actions against racial discrimination, despite significant resistance, particularly in southern states.
- 1954 — The phrase “under God” is added to the Pledge of Allegiance, reflecting the growing sentiment that the United States is a nation under divine guidance, particularly in opposition to “godless” communism.
- 1956 — “In God We Trust” is adopted as the official motto of the United States and mandated to appear on all U.S. currency, reinforcing the link between national identity and religious faith.
- 1957 — Billy Graham‘s crusades gain national prominence, preaching a message that combines evangelical Christianity with American patriotism. Graham becomes an influential figure, often seen as the spiritual advisor to several U.S. presidents.
- 1958 — The John Birch Society is founded, promoting anti-communism and advocating for a return to Christian values in America. The organization combines religious and nationalist rhetoric, influencing conservative politics.
- Late 1950s — The emergence of suburbanization leads to the growth of evangelical megachurches, which often promote a blend of conservative Christian values and American exceptionalism.
- 1960 Presidential Election — John F. Kennedy’s campaign faced opposition from Protestant groups fearing Vatican influence.
- 1962 — Engel v. Vitale: Official prayer in public schools ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
- 1963 — Abington School District v. Schempp: Bible reading in public schools ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
- 1964 — Civil Rights Act of 1964 sparks a backlash in segregated churches, schools, and other institutions of the South.
- 1970s-1980s — The rise of the Religious Right, with leaders like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Bob Jones and others advocating for a Christian America and influencing politics. They mobilized formerly politically unengaged Christians against secularism, communism, and changing social norms.
- 1973 — The Heritage Foundation founded by conservative political operative Paul Weyrich, DC insider Edwin Feulner, and beer magnate Joseph Coors as an organization bringing Evangelicals into politics.
- 1980 — Ronald Reagan is elected president with strong support from evangelical Christians, cementing the alliance between the Republican Party and Christian conservatives.
- 2001 — Following the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush speaks of America’s mission as a divine calling, reinforcing Christian Nationalist themes.
- 2004 — The re-election of George W. Bush is heavily influenced by Christian conservatives and the push for “moral values.”
- 2009 — The Tea Party movement, with significant support from Christian Nationalists, rises to prominence, advocating for limited government and traditional values.
- 2016 — Donald Trump is elected president, largely supported by white evangelical Christians who see him (bizarrely) as a defender of their values.
- 2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic and the presidential election see increased rhetoric from Christian Nationalists about religious freedom and resistance to government mandates.
- 2021 — The Capitol riot and insurrection on January 6th sees symbols and language associated with Christian Nationalism among the insurrectionists.
- 2022 — Continued debates over religious freedom, abortion, and LGBTQ rights, with Christian Nationalist rhetoric influencing policy and political discourse.
- 2023 — Surveys by PRRI reveal that approximately 30% of Americans identify as Christian Nationalism adherents or sympathizers. This movement is particularly strong in red states and among white evangelical Protestants.
- February 2023 — The Heritage Foundation announces the launch of Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative initiative aimed at preparing for a potential Republican administration in 2025.
- April 21, 2023 — Project 2025 publishes the ninth edition of “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” a 900+ page playbook outlining specific policy proposals and restructuring (and gutting) plans for federal agencies to be implemented by the next conservative administration.
- June 24, 2023 — Donald Trump speaks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference, emphasizing themes that resonate with Christian Nationalists and framing his campaign as a divine mission.
- December 2023 — Trump proposes creating a federal task force to combat anti-Christian bias, asserting the need for government intervention to protect Christian values.
- 2023-2024 — Multiple reports and strategy sessions focus on the influence of Christian Nationalism in local government entities, such as school boards, with right-wing activists delivering religiously themed speeches at public meetings.
- 2023-2024 — Faith-based and secular organizations like Faithful America and Christians Against Christian Nationalism organize protests and advocacy campaigns against Christian Nationalist events and policies, emphasizing the separation of church and state.
- Throughout 2024 — Project 2025 continues to build its policy agenda, personnel database, and training programs to ensure readiness for the first 180 days of the next conservative administration. The initiative focuses on reducing federal government size, promoting conservative values, and ensuring loyal personnel are placed in key positions.
- February 20, 2024 — Project 2025 reaches over 100 coalition partners, continuing to grow in preparation for the next presidential election.
- February 28, 2024 — PRRI releases a detailed survey mapping support for Christian Nationalism across all 50 states, highlighting its significant presence and correlation with Republican Party affiliation and Trump support.
- March 2024 — Donald Trump starts selling the “God Bless the USA Bible”, which is marketed as “the only Bible endorsed by President Trump” and inspired by the patriotic song “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. It includes the King James Version of the Bible along with additional content such as the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Bible was promoted heavily leading up to Easter and is sold for $59.99.
- Early 2024 — Christian Nationalist influence continues to shape Trump’s policy proposals, including restrictions on immigration and opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, as he prepares for the 2024 presidential election.
- July 2, 2024 — Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts cheers the SCOTUS ruling granting Donald Trump immunity for “official acts” they alone can determine, saying the quiet part out loud (very loud): “In spite of all this nonsense from the left, we are going to win. We’re in the process of taking this country back,” Roberts said. “We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless, if the left allows it to be.”
- July 5, 2024 — Donald Trump disavows Project 2025, claiming (absurdly) that he both doesn’t know anything about them *and* that he disagrees with some of what they’re doing. Does Trump support Project 2025? Bigly.
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