WTL Conversations [S3E3]: The Rise of Christian Nationalism and the Future of Democracy (Double Feature)

And an invitation to the public release of the new PRRI/Brookings Christian Nationalism Survey (February 8 at 10 a.m. ET)

Feb 6, 2023

Dear #WhiteTooLong readers,

First, thanks for all of the shares and feedback on my most recent post, “Living Into Lament: A white response to the killing of Tyre Nichols by police.” The column has been viewed over 10,000 times and is now the second most read piece in the history of my Substack newsletter. ICYMI, it’s below. If you find it engaging, please do share it with those in your circles.

White Too Long by Robert P. Jones

Living into Lament

I’m learning. I’m learning that it is hard to feel the impact of the violence. It is difficult to make it real, to bring it close enough to sense its cold shadow. It passes by the window, like the neighbor who briefly triggers the dog to bark and is soon gone. But it doesn’t come to the door, and it doesn’t force its way in…

4 months ago · 19 likes · 2 comments · Robert P. Jones

In this edition of WTL Conversations, in anticipation of the release of the PRRI/Brookings Christian Nationalism Survey (details and registration info here), I’m bringing you a double feature of two amazingly rich conversations about the threat that Christian nationalism poses to the future of our democracy.

1. Anthea Butler and Andrew Whitehead talk about the Rise of White Christian Nationalism on NBC’s Meet the Press

2. A roundtable conversation about Christian nationalism and the future of democracy, sponsored by the University of Denver and the Straight White American Jesus Podcast

An Invitation: Understanding the threat of white Christian nationalism to American democracy today

The rising influence of white Christian nationalism in some circles of American politics is posing a major threat to the health of our democracy and our culture. A new PRRI/Brookings survey of more than 6,000 Americans takes a closer look at the underpinnings of white Christian nationalism, providing new measures to estimate the proportion of Americans who adhere to and reject Christian nationalist ideology. The survey also examines how Christian nationalist views intersect with white identity, anti-Black sentiment, patriarchy, antisemitism, anti-Muslim sentiments, anti-immigrant attitudes, authoritarianism, and support for violence. Additionally, the survey explores the influence Christian nationalism has among our two political parties and major religious subgroups today.

On February 8, Governance Studies at Brookings and the Public Religion Research Institute will host the release of this new groundbreaking national survey. A panel of experts will discuss the survey results and what they reveal about Christian nationalism, the state of American democracy, and the health of our society.

In addition to EJ Dionne Jr. and Bill Galston from Brookings, the panel will include three writers who each have their own Substack newsletters:

Jemar Tisby

Kristin Du Mez

, and

Pete Wehner

Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing events@brookings.edu or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #ChristianNationalism.