In Depth:  Christian Nationalism

John Stevens

The religion and society think tank Theos has just published the results of their research into current attitudes towards Christianity and Britishness in the UK.

Their conclusions are complex, and reveal that both the UK population, and Christians in the UK, are deeply divided on the relationship between Christianity and Britishness. 

James Mildred

The Christian think tank Theos has published a new report on Christian nationalism in the UK. It is both timely and sobering.

Following a survey of 1,765 UK adults, the report identifies five distinct groups and summarises their attitudes towards British national identity and Christianity. Perhaps the most striking finding is that among the group who most closely associate Christianity with British identity, the majority do not attend church weekly. This "Identity Integrationist" group included 81% who identified as Christian, but only 13% attend church weekly. 

James Burnett

Living in Belfast, the cultural response to a Sudanese suspect who allegedly stabbed a white person in June’s evening daylight was predictable: streets, buses and houses were ablaze in full technicolour hatred in time for the ten o'clock news, the self-justified expression of pent-up aggression against migrants.

One Pastor in North Belfast, Jack McKee, made the local news for speaking out against the violence and standing up for his parishioners: “They’re good Christian people and they’re getting put out just because they’re black... I’m doing my best to help them, it’s as simple as that". ^[1]

Jake Owen

A few years ago, I would rarely hear the concept of “Christian nationalism” discussed in a British context.

Aside from a passing mention by a speaker I heard in 2023 whilst at Forum - the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) summer gathering of students - the term's use was confined to American discourse on American phenomena, such as the 6 January Capitol riots and the theonomic propositions of Presbyterian pastor Doug Wilson.

Michael Reade

Political theology at its best can be an edifying pursuit as we learn together how to engage faithfully in our post-Christendom nation. However, the subject of "Christian nationalism" has become a flashpoint, where rigorously irenic disagreement seems to have been sacrificed for a series of alarmist diatribes.

Whilst legitimate critiques can be made of any number of the sprawling ideologies labelled "Christian nationalism," it does not serve anyone well to overreact. Indeed, those who ricochet against Christian nationalism are in danger of not only forcing today’s church into passionless political passivity, but also anathematising the vast majority of Christians throughout history who faithfully pursued Christian influence at a national level.

Peter Lynas

As mass demonstrations blend Christian imagery with nationalist politics, questions are growing about how Christians should respond to Christian nationalism.

Many Christians are uneasy about the ways faith and politics are increasingly intertwined.

Ryan Burton King

“I’m not a racist.” My observation is that if this were in fact the case, such protest would be unnecessary. I have learned to brace for what inevitably and almost immediately follows.

Seldom however, are these the first words spoken. Various thoughts and reflections slowly simmer and are finally brought to the boil of whatever "controversial" words apparently require this disclaimer. Indeed, the door of the conversation often bears no resemblance to this hinge on which it opens, or the grim hallway beyond.

Dave Williams

Do you remember six years ago, when we were becoming aware of a new coronavirus? Novel because this particular strain of virus had not been seen before. It spread around the world like wildfire, resulting in many deaths.

Over time, that virus mutated into different strains. The mutations were all slightly different, sometimes with different symptoms and different levels of virulence and resistance to vaccines but were related closely enough to still be considered the same virus.

Cameron Collington

Warily at first, I stood there in Whitehall on Saturday afternoon for Tommy Robinson’s "Put Christ back into Christmas" carol service. I wanted to experience for myself this apparent toxic nationalism. I would give it one go – one too many in the eyes of some.

I stand against racism of any kind and I had been issued with plenty of warnings in the last few weeks on social media by other Christians, notably bishops of my own denomination: this former criminal would be politicking cynically, out to hijack the faith for his evil agenda, I was told. Oh yes, there might be karaoke carols blasted into the open-air that day but watch out! It would be a guise for hate and all that this church and nation should oppose.

Graham Nicholls

Christmas decorations are now up everywhere. For some people, this is a welcome relief from the ongoing proliferation of the various UK flags in all those places and more.

When it comes to the flags, some of us find it tempting to make harsh and hasty judgements about those putting them up, perhaps condemning a caricature of Christian nationalism as we do so.