Whose Jesus? The Left and Right Fight Over Faith in the Midterms

Christian nationalism—the belief that Christian doctrine should shape American politics regardless of tradition—has been growing in America for some time. A faction within this movement advocates for a spiritual crusade to gain control over the United States, aiming to influence schools, public policy, and courts. This surge in influence aided Donald Trump's first presidential victory and persists in key government positions, including his second term cabinet.

The impact of this movement on midterm elections is a topic of interest. Kiera Butler, a Mother Jones national correspondent who has been studying Christian nationalism, explains the evolution of its leaders. During Trump's first term, charismatic prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation dominated. In his second term, ascetic figures are now at the forefront, with Doug Wilson standing out.

Wilson is the pastor who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and co-founded the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches—a global network comprising 160 congregations. Notable among these is Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has incorporated Wilson's teachings into Pentagon worship sessions.

Kiera discusses the movement's growing political power and its role in shaping political figures such as Hegseth and JD Vance. She notes how the right-wing has attempted to redefine basic Christian compassion as a sin. On the other side, the left is attempting to reclaim the discourse by emphasizing Jesus as a figure who welcomes strangers and immigrants.

Kiera's concern is the rise of fundamentalism in all its forms, particularly the efforts to bypass the separation of church and state. She believes this trend is troubling and fears its implications for religious pluralism in America. The full transcript will be added to this piece shortly.