PDF Summary:The Flag and the Cross, by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry

In The Flag and the Cross, Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry examine white Christian nationalism—the belief system rooted in the idea that the United States was founded by white men based on Christian principles and their ancestral heritage. In this guide, you'll learn about the origin and evolution of this ideology through various historical events, its influence on contemporary conservative movements and views, and concerns it may pose to American democracy.

The authors trace white Christian nationalism from its Puritan roots, highlight its progression into convictions of Anglo-Protestant supremacy and an aversion to racial equality, and dissect its relation to evangelical economics and apocalyptic expectations. They demonstrate how it affects attitudes on voting rights, the pandemic response, and more. Ultimately, they warn that white Christian nationalism's emphasis on ethnic identity opposes liberal democracy's core tenets, threatening its future.

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Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the authors delve into the emergence of the narrative commonly referred to as the "Lost Cause" in the vanquished South. The authors portray an exaggerated narrative that equates the decline of the Southern states with a virtuous deed, akin to the sacrifice of Christ, and predicts a revival of Southern influence and traditional values. As the American frontier no longer served as a frontier for growth, the authors depict the evolution of the ideology that previously championed white Christian supremacy within the country, reshaping itself to accommodate an increasingly varied ethnic landscape, which involved embracing different European immigrant communities while simultaneously justifying the exclusion of non-white populations like Mexicans and Asians. During this period, the rise of unfounded racial ideologies and the misapplication of Darwin's theories reinforced the conviction that white Christians were superior, which in turn fueled ambitions of imperialism.

Practical Tips

• Explore the influence of historical narratives on modern perspectives by engaging in a book club that focuses on historical fiction from different eras. Choose novels that depict the 18th and 19th centuries and discuss with your group how the themes of nationalism and transformation are portrayed and how they resonate with today's societal issues.
• Engage in role-playing games (RPGs) that simulate historical events, such as the colonial clashes between France and Britain. By taking on a character from that era and interacting with others in a game setting, you can experience firsthand the decisions and dilemmas faced by people during those times, which can offer a unique perspective on how these events might have shaped national identities.
• Create a personal timeline of key historical events and social movements that have influenced your understanding of freedom and progress. By placing these events in chronological order, you can visualize the progression and interplay of different ideologies over time. For instance, if you're interested in the concept of freedom, you might include milestones such as the signing of the Magna Carta, the American Revolution, and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Connect with others who share your ancestry by joining a cultural or genealogical society related to your heritage. These societies often have resources and events that can provide a deeper understanding of the historical context your ancestors lived in. Engage in discussions, attend lectures, and participate in cultural events to see how collective historical experiences, such as religious threats, have forged communal bonds.
• Engage with local history by visiting museums, historical sites, and attending lectures in your area. Pay special attention to how the history of the South and the Civil War is presented. Take notes on whether the "Lost Cause" narrative appears in these settings and consider the implications of its presence or absence on community memory and identity.
• Create a book club with a focus on reading and discussing works by authors from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This will expose you and your group to different perspectives and narratives that challenge the traditional views of white Christian supremacy. Choose a variety of genres and authors to ensure a broad and deep exploration of the topic. During discussions, encourage members to share their insights on how these works reflect and contrast with the evolving ethnic landscape.
• Engage in conversations with individuals from communities that have been historically excluded. Approach these discussions with openness and the intention to listen and learn. This direct interaction can offer personal stories and perspectives that deepen your awareness of the ongoing effects of exclusion and can challenge any preconceived notions you might hold.
• You can challenge your own biases by taking implicit association tests online to uncover subconscious preferences. These tests, often available for free, measure the strength of associations between concepts (e.g., race, gender, age) and evaluations (e.g., good, bad). After taking a test, reflect on the results and consider how they might influence your behavior and decisions. This self-awareness can be a first step in reducing the impact of unconscious biases.
• Reflect on personal beliefs and how they influence your actions by journaling daily about decisions you make and what drives them. This self-reflection can help you identify if and how your beliefs might be leading you to seek control or influence in various aspects of your life, similar to how the belief in imperialism drove nations to exert control over others.

Throughout the 20th century, the ideology of white Christian nationalism became progressively more integrated with the beliefs of conservative evangelicals, who also fervently backed free-market capitalism, held apocalyptic expectations, and frequently showed support for authoritarian leaders.

Jerry Falwell and Gary North played a pivotal role in blending Christian libertarianism with the conviction that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation.

The ideology and political aspects of White Christian nationalism evolved during the 20th century as conservative white evangelicals stepped into leadership positions. The writers highlight the rise of a movement that intertwines traditional Christian faith with a strong endorsement of capitalist free market ideals, often depicting social hierarchy and economic inequality as having divine approval.

Key figures in this movement include Jerry Falwell, the founder of the Moral Majority, and Gary North, an economist who combined Calvinist teachings with neoclassical economic theories. The book illustrates how key figures in the conservative Christian libertarian movement were instrumental in solidifying the link between conventional Christian values, the pursuit of economic independence, and a strong belief in the uniqueness of America. They also note that individuals like Strom Thurmond adeptly utilized language championing individual liberty, thereby resonating with white apprehensions about racial equality and attracting a new group of white conservatives to the Republican fold.

Context

• The blending of Christian libertarianism with nationalism gained momentum during the Cold War, when fears of communism and secularism prompted many Americans to seek a return to what they perceived as traditional Christian values.
• The embrace of capitalist ideals by Christian nationalists is partly rooted in the belief that economic freedom is a God-given right and that free markets align with biblical principles of stewardship and individual responsibility.
• The movement frequently aligns with cultural conservatism, advocating for traditional family structures and social norms, which are seen as under threat from liberal policies and secularism.
• Viewing social hierarchies as divinely sanctioned can serve as a powerful argument against social reforms aimed at reducing inequality, reinforcing the status quo.
• Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1979, this influential political organization aimed to mobilize conservative Christians as a political force, advocating for traditional family values, opposition to abortion, and support for school prayer.
• Originally a Democrat, Strom Thurmond switched to the Republican Party in 1964, reflecting a broader realignment in American politics where many Southern Democrats moved to the Republican Party due to civil rights issues.

Political landscapes often reflect nationalist sentiments that are deeply intertwined with a white Christian sense of identity.

White Christian nationalism has fueled the rise of conservative political factions like the Tea Party and the movement supporting Donald Trump.

These movements intertwine ideologies of the free market with discourse that is intricately linked to Christian nationalism and articulate matters related to race.

Gorski and Perry argue that the considerable sway held by white Christian nationalism in contemporary American political life has catalyzed the rise of counter-progressive movements like The Tea Party and Trumpism. The movements depicted are fervently against "globalism," occasionally hinting at anti-Semitic views, advocate for staunch libertarian economic ideals that prioritize free markets and individual responsibility, and harbor a profound skepticism of political, academic, and cultural "elites," whom they accuse of undermining traditional Christian values and the foundational characteristics that define the United States. They exalt a mythical, romanticized narrative of history rooted in a perspective that endorses the dominance of white Christianity in the country.

The authors contend that these movements meld the perspective that Christian nationalist principles, along with libertarian economic ideologies and inherent racial tensions, are foundational to the United States. The authors observe that the Tea Party, while seemingly advocating for financial responsibility, frequently employed rhetoric and invoked sentiments that originated from a profound sense of religious patriotism, conjuring up an idealized era in history. Trumpism, while not explicitly invoking religious language, resonated with white Christian nationalists by promising to restore a past era of significant American dominance and cultural sway, encapsulated in the slogan "Make America Great Again."

Other Perspectives

• The idea that these movements are counter-progressive assumes a linear progression of political ideology, which may not account for the cyclical nature of political change where various ideologies rise and fall in influence over time.
• Opposition to "globalism" may sometimes stem from a desire to protect local industries and jobs, which can be adversely affected by international competition and trade agreements that do not adequately safeguard domestic interests.
• Emphasizing traditional Christian values does not necessarily equate to endorsing a romanticized history of white Christian dominance; it can also be about preserving cultural heritage and moral frameworks that some believe have positively shaped society.
• The movements might argue that their focus is on preserving the cultural values and freedoms that they believe have been central to America's identity and success, rather than on promoting a specific religious or racial identity.
• The framing of racial tensions as foundational overlooks the efforts and contributions of various racial and ethnic groups throughout American history and the ideals of equality and justice embedded in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The ideology entrenched in white Christian nationalism shapes perspectives on numerous political issues, encompassing approaches to managing the COVID-19 crisis and beliefs regarding voting rights.

People who are firmly rooted in the ideology that combines white supremacy with Christian identity often prioritize "religious freedom," support restrictions on voting rights, and show leniency towards aggressive behaviors if carried out by members of their own community.

Gorski and Perry employ distinctive survey results to show how white Christian nationalism shapes a wide array of political opinions. The authors scrutinize how individuals firmly rooted in white Christian nationalism responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their preference for individual liberty and economic expansion over collective health measures, as well as their growing skepticism towards established scientific expertise and mainstream media channels.

Furthermore, they demonstrate how this belief system profoundly influences attitudes toward voting rights and participation in democratic processes. Individuals with a strong alignment to white Christian nationalism tend to have heightened concerns regarding the integrity of elections, oppose measures designed to simplify the voting process, and support strict regulations that tend to obstruct voting access for specific demographics, particularly racial minorities. These viewpoints imply a democratic framework that limits complete involvement to individuals considered "worthy," reflecting the traits and convictions of a society primarily rooted in Christian traditions and European ancestry.

Other Perspectives

• There may be an argument that the measures supported are not intended to obstruct voting access for specific demographics, but to create a uniform standard that applies to all voters equally.
• The concept of leniency might be subjective and could vary depending on the context or the specific actions being considered.
• The correlation between white Christian nationalism and attitudes towards the pandemic response does not necessarily imply causation, and other underlying factors could be influencing these attitudes.
• Emphasizing economic expansion over collective health measures might not account for the fact that a healthy workforce is essential for sustained economic productivity and growth.
• The rise of misinformation and the complexity of scientific communication can contribute to skepticism, as laypeople may find it challenging to discern credible sources from unreliable ones.
• The belief in stricter voting regulations could be driven by a desire for election security rather than an intent to limit democratic participation.
• Emphasizing election integrity without evidence of widespread fraud can undermine public trust in the democratic process.
• Modernizing and streamlining the voting process can lead to more efficient elections, reducing the potential for human error and increasing the speed and accuracy of vote counting.
• Some believe that claims of voter suppression are often politically motivated and not supported by evidence that shows a significant impact on the turnout of racial minorities.
• The idea of restricting democracy to "worthy" individuals could be seen as a form of gatekeeping that contradicts the inclusive nature of democratic ideals.
• Emphasizing European ancestry as a foundation for societal values fails to recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of indigenous peoples and the impact of colonialism on non-European societies.

The ideology of white Christian nationalism poses a substantial threat to the democratic underpinnings of the United States.

The viewpoint that white Christian nationalism is fundamentally based on ethnic identity sharply diverges from the core principles of liberal democracy.

It defines the country's people by emphasizing certain ethnic and religious characteristics, instead of acknowledging the equal rights of all citizens.

Gorski and Perry issue a stern caution that the belief system rooted in white Christian nationalism poses a considerable threat to the democratic principles of the United States. They explain that its vision, which characterizes "the people" using restrictive criteria centered on ethnicity, faith, and place of origin, is fundamentally at odds with the broad-minded tenets of liberal democracy. This perspective, according to the authors, erodes the bedrock of a diverse community in which every individual is afforded the same freedoms and chances, irrespective of their origins.

The book emphasizes the tendency of Trump and his supporters to craft a narrative suggesting that political dissenters were not true Americans, a sentiment reflected in their choice of language. The writers clarify that this perspective reinforced an unfounded story that placed the blame for the loss exclusively on deceitful external factors, thus justifying efforts to overturn the results of the election.

Practical Tips

• Encourage critical thinking by creating a personal blog or social media page where you analyze and discuss current events through the lens of democratic values. Use this platform to dissect news stories, political decisions, and social trends, highlighting where they align or conflict with the principles of democracy. This practice can sharpen your analytical skills and provide a space for others to engage in thoughtful discourse.
• Create a personal "Faith and Origin" journal where you reflect on stories from individuals of different faiths and origins you encounter in daily life, such as coworkers, neighbors, or service providers. Writing down these stories can help you appreciate the rich tapestry of experiences that define a community, challenging restrictive criteria of belonging.
• Engage in 'Policy Pen Pals' by pairing up with someone from a different political or cultural background to exchange letters or emails discussing current policies and their impact on inclusivity. This helps you gain firsthand insight into different perspectives and challenges your own views in a constructive manner.
• You can start a 'perspective journal' to track and challenge your own viewpoints. Each day, write down a situation where you noticed diversity or a lack of it, and reflect on how your perspective might contribute to either supporting or eroding a diverse community. For example, if you notice a group being underrepresented at your workplace, consider how your actions or inactions might influence this and what steps you could take to advocate for equal representation.
• Volunteer with a nonpartisan organization that works to protect voting rights or increase voter turnout. By supporting the fundamental democratic process, you contribute to a system that values all voices, including those of dissenters, reinforcing the principle that every American has a stake in the country's future.
• Experiment with word substitution to refine your persuasive skills. Each week, select a word or phrase you frequently use that has a neutral or negative connotation and replace it with a more positive alternative. Observe how this change affects the attitudes and behaviors of those you communicate with. For instance, instead of saying "problem," use "challenge," and see if it encourages a more solution-oriented mindset in your discussions.
• Develop a personal "cause and effect" map for understanding the outcomes of specific events. Take a recent event that didn't go as planned and create a visual map that starts with the outcome and works backward, identifying all the contributing factors, including your own actions or inactions. This can help you see the complex interplay between different elements and recognize your own agency in the process.
• Develop your debate skills by organizing a discussion group focused on contentious historical events. Choose a historical event where the outcome was widely debated, such as the use of atomic weapons during World War II. Assign roles to group members to argue different perspectives, ensuring that each participant researches their position thoroughly. This will help you practice constructing and defending arguments based on historical evidence.

Advocates of White Christian Nationalism frequently endorse actions that undermine democratic processes, including the introduction of obstacles to voting and disputing the validity of electoral results.

The authors warn that should advocates for a nation under the dominion of white Christians regain power, it might lead to the collapse of democratic governance in the United States.

Gorski and Perry argue that the principles of white Christian nationalism endanger the core principles of American democracy by making anti-democratic behaviors seem acceptable and justified. The authors illustrate this tendency by highlighting the numerous voting restrictions enacted in Republican-led states. These rules are often presented as safeguards for election integrity, but they consistently obstruct minority voters from having an equal opportunity to engage in the voting process.

Furthermore, the authors highlight comparable tactics employed by Trump and his allies, which mirror those observed in governments worldwide that fail to uphold the tenets of a representative and free democratic system. These regimes, often guided by populist autocrats in alliance with religious nationalist groups, intentionally undermine democratic institutions by promoting distrust in the press and the legal system, centralizing power, and normalizing the use of force against political adversaries and marginalized segments of the population. Gorski and Perry voice concerns that the resurgence of nationalism tied to white Christian identity in the United States has the potential to erode the foundations of democracy and may even lead to its collapse.

Context

• Similar dynamics have been observed in other countries where religious nationalism has led to authoritarianism. For example, in countries like Hungary and Turkey, leaders have used religious and nationalistic rhetoric to consolidate power and weaken democratic institutions.
• White Christian nationalism is an ideology that seeks to merge American identity with a specific interpretation of Christianity, often emphasizing the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed by Christian principles. This ideology frequently intertwines with racial identity, suggesting that white Christians are the rightful cultural and political leaders of the nation.
• The Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder weakened the Voting Rights Act, allowing states with histories of discrimination to change voting laws without federal approval, leading to a surge in new voting restrictions.
• Tactics can include gerrymandering, voter suppression, or discrediting electoral processes to maintain power and limit opposition.
• Autocrats may use state security forces to suppress dissent, often justifying such actions as necessary for maintaining order. This can lead to human rights abuses and the targeting of political opponents and minority groups.
• The emphasis on a singular national identity can undermine social cohesion by excluding diverse voices and experiences, which are essential for a healthy democracy.

Possible paths for the belief system associated with white Christian nationalism.

The trend within white Christian nationalism is becoming more defined by an emphasis on native-born ideologies, a tendency to endorse conspiratorial ideas, and a fervent belief in a prophetic mission.

Supporters feel a growing sense of persecution directed at whites and Christians, viewing figures such as Trump as protectors destined by divine will.

Gorski and Perry argue that white Christian nationalism adapts and transforms in reaction to the changing social and political landscape. They underscore its growing inclination toward nativism, focusing on concerns regarding demographic changes reshaping American society and the movement of people across borders.

The authors delve into the worrisome link between the spread of conspiracy theories, particularly the bizarre emergence of QAnon, and the influence of white Christian nationalism. The authors depict an alliance formed from a deep sense of injustice and oppression among believers, who perceive themselves as besieged by a covert alliance of leaders advocating for progressive change, intent on eroding the core tenets of Christianity and the very nature of what it means to be American. The authors propose that this defensive posture has sparked an eager expectation for defenders uniquely equipped to defend the interests of White Christian America against challengers.

Other Perspectives

• The sense of persecution could be exacerbated by selective reporting and confirmation bias, where individuals are more likely to notice and remember events that support their belief in being persecuted.
• The belief that any political figure is destined by divine will is subjective and not universally accepted, as it is based on personal or group religious beliefs that may not be shared by all individuals within a diverse society.
• The concept of nationalism, especially when tied to a specific race and religion, may inherently resist adaptation and transformation because it often idealizes a particular historical narrative or set of cultural values.
• It's possible that the perceived nativism is not growing but rather becoming more visible due to the current political climate, social media, and the amplification of extreme views.
• The framing of demographic change as a threat may ignore the historical context of the United States as a nation built on immigration and the continuous integration of diverse groups.
• The spread of conspiracy theories could be driven by a general distrust in institutions and authority figures, which transcends the boundaries of white Christian nationalism.
• The feeling of being under siege might stem from a natural resistance to social change, which often occurs regardless of political leadership, as societies evolve over time.
• The idea of needing "defenders" suggests a siege mentality that may not reflect the actual status of whites and Christians in a society where they still hold considerable power and influence.

The authors foresee that if proponents of a belief system that intertwines Christian nationalism with white identity gain control, it might result in the establishment of a society biased towards a specific ethnic group or in the disintegration of the country.

A wide coalition of forward-thinking individuals, encompassing secular proponents of reform as well as conventional believers, can avert the gravest consequences by confronting the difficult elements of their respective histories.

The portrayal by Gorski and Perry offers an alarming outlook on the political direction the United States may take in the future. Should the sway and electoral power of white Christian nationalism persist in its growth, the authors warn that the nation may be on a path toward one of two equally troubling futures. The first, drawing on the concept of “Herrenvolk democracy” coined by sociologist Pierre Van Den Berghe, envisions the creation of a contemporary version of Jim Crow, where political participation and fundamental rights are consistently denied to those not included in the prevailing white Christian demographic. The authors contend that this system would manifest as pervasive disenfranchisement, systemic discrimination, and unchecked animosity towards communities of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The second scenario envisions an increasingly divided nation, both ideologically and geographically, potentially leading to the dissolution of the United States. The writers propose that the escalating rift, marked by a rise in distrust and disdain, could intensify between supporters of "MAGA" and their opponents.

At this pivotal moment, Gorski and Perry urge a united response to confront the dangers posed by the ideology known as white Christian nationalism. They call for the formation of a broad alliance encompassing secular progressives, classical liberals, and reform-minded religious conservatives, who can find common ground in their commitment to liberal democratic principles. This collaboration calls for a thorough analysis of historical challenges linked to endeavors that are both secular and rooted in faith. Leaders within the Christian faith must genuinely and morally address the ways in which their spiritual teachings have been manipulated to endorse racial bias, imperial control, and the exclusion of certain segments of society. Secular progressives should acknowledge that their history is closely linked with a type of nationalism that is exclusionary and elitist, and realize that their scorn for religious beliefs has played a role in igniting a populist response. By grappling with these challenging realities, the authors contend that Americans can forge a future that truly epitomizes democracy and honors a multiplicity of cultures.

Context

• This concept, originating from apartheid South Africa, describes a political system where only a specific ethnic group enjoys full democratic rights, while others are systematically excluded. It highlights the dangers of a democracy that is only accessible to a dominant racial or cultural group.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of "forward-thinking" is subjective and could exclude individuals who may have valuable perspectives but do not align with what the coalition defines as progressive or reformist.
• The prediction does not take into account the resilience of American institutions and the historical capacity for reform and self-correction within the U.S. political system.
• The prediction of dire futures underestimates the potential for cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue to mitigate extremist views and foster a more inclusive national identity.
• The idea that a "Herrenvolk democracy" could emerge may underestimate the resilience of American democratic institutions and the checks and balances designed to prevent the dominance of any single group.
• The idea of dissolution underestimates the strength of national identity and the commitment of many citizens to the integrity of the United States.
• It assumes that current trends will continue without considering the impact of new leadership or political movements that could emerge to counteract division.
• Focusing solely on white Christian nationalism might overlook other forms of extremism that also pose significant threats to liberal democratic principles.
• Classical liberals may prioritize individual freedoms to an extent that conflicts with the collective action or regulatory measures sometimes favored by secular progressives, potentially causing friction within the alliance.
• It could be argued that the emphasis on past misuses of Christian teachings might alienate some believers who feel their faith is being attacked, which could be counterproductive to the goal of fostering a more inclusive society.
• The history of secular progressivism is diverse and cannot be uniformly characterized as linked with exclusionary and elitist nationalism, as it includes many movements that have actively fought against such ideologies.
• Some secular progressives actively engage in interfaith dialogues and partnerships, demonstrating respect and understanding rather than scorn for religious beliefs.
• The assumption that a broad coalition can effectively address these issues may be overly optimistic, as such coalitions can be fragile and prone to internal disagreements that hinder their ability to enact change.