Political scientist Eric McDaniel defines Christian nationalism as the belief that the United States was founded to be a Christian nation. 'In this view,' according to McDaniel, 'America can be governed only by Christians, and the country's mission is directed by a divine hand.' Why does the idea resonate with some but alarm others' Scholars often portray Christian nationalism as rooted in a deep-seated desire to exclude non-Christians and people of color from American society. Historians point to a persistent link between racism and Christian nationalism among white Americans throughout U.S. history. White Christians, however, are not the only ones sympathetic to Christian nationalist ideas. Nearly 40% of Black Protestants and 55% of Hispanic Protestants agree with statements such as 'being Christian is an important part of being truly American.' Interestingly, over one-third of Muslims agree that the U.S. government should promote Christian moral values but not make it the...
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