Christian nationalists’ professed support for religious pluralism is often drowned out by perceptions that Christians are under threat

Christian nationalist beliefs in the United States often mask a fundamental concern for religious pluralism, according to a recent study. The research, published in the academic journal Politics & Religion, surveyed 1,500 American Christians in January 2024. While many respondents endorsed religious pluralism, the study found that this support is often overshadowed by a perception that Christians are under threat.

The survey asked participants about their least liked social group, such as Christian fundamentalists, environmental activists, Trump supporters, or atheists. Respondents then rated the extent to which they believed members of that group posed a threat to the American way of life. Interestingly, strong supporters of Christian nationalism exhibited the same level of tolerance for disliked groups as those who strongly rejected Christian nationalist ideas.

This suggests that support for religious pluralism alone is not enough to mitigate the perceived threat among those who hold Christian nationalist views. The study highlights the need to address the root of the problem, which lies in the perception of threats posed by disliked groups, rather than a lack of support for religious pluralism or a willingness to love thy neighbor.

The Christian media ecosystem is saturated with messages that American Christians are marginalized and at risk, which can trigger authoritarian tendencies and support for taking away civil liberties from disliked others. More research is needed to understand the contours of threat and how it can be reduced in both lab experiments and real-life experiences of Christians.