The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy
by Philip S. Gorski
View on GoodreadsWhite Christian nationalism is a distinct ideology fusing racial, religious and national identity, and Gorski and Perry trace it from the late 1600s to the January 6 Capitol attack. The two sociologists argue it has long justified excluding minorities, and their survey data connect it to the anti-democratic, authoritarian politics you see now.
Core ideas
- Three centuries: Turning points in 1689, 1763, 1889 and 1989 mark its development, with the emphasis on the last thirty years.
- An old alliance: Ethnic nationalism joined to a libertarian strand of Christianity has historically protected white Protestant privilege and kept minorities out.
- From beliefs to politics: Survey data tie Christian nationalist beliefs to specific political positions, and the conclusion weighs a democratic future against an authoritarian one.
Published2022
Pages176
ISBN9780197618684
ReadFeb 2023
