America is not moving left or right but moving up. Up in the sense that the American people are looking upward to the heavens for guidance and faith.
In an era where faith and politics increasingly intersect, a growing movement is reshaping the American landscape. Christian patriotism, often romanticized as the fusion of God and country into a singular 'God's Country,' is gaining traction among a significant portion of the population. According to a recent study by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), one-third of Americans now identify as adherents or sympathizers of this ideology. This trend highlights a deepening divide, where religious beliefs are not just personal but are wielded as tools to redefine national identity.
At its core, Christian patriotism is defined by organizations like Christians Against Christian Patriotism as a political ideology that merges Christian and American identities. Critics argue it distorts the essence of the Christian faith while undermining the principles of America's constitutional democracy. The PRRI study, which surveyed attitudes through five questions on the interplay among Christianity, American identity, and government, reveals that this mindset isn't fringe—it's mainstream for many. While two-thirds of Americans remain skeptics or outright rejecters, the stability of these figures since 2022 suggests a persistent undercurrent rather than a fleeting phenomenon. Notably, the percentage of rejecters dipped from a high of 32% in mid-2023 to 26% by late 2025, indicating a subtle shift toward greater acceptance or ambivalence.
Demographically, the movement's stronghold lies within specific religious and ethnic groups. White evangelical Protestants lead the pack, with 67% embracing Christian patriotic views, followed by Hispanic Protestants at 54%. These are the only major religious demographics where a majority holds such beliefs. The data also uncovers racial disparities: White Americans who regularly attend services, pray, or engage with religious texts are far more likely to align with Christian patriotism than their Black or Hispanic counterparts. This pattern underscores how cultural and historical contexts influence the interpretation of faith in a nationalistic framework.
Political affiliations play a pivotal role in this rise. A majority of Republicans—56% in total—qualify as adherents (21%) or sympathizers (35%), dwarfing the figures for independents (around 25%) and Democrats (fewer than 20%). Media consumption further amplifies these divides: Two-thirds of those who rely on far-right news sources fall into the adherent or sympathizer categories, with 34% as full adherents. This correlation points to an echo-chamber effect, in which narratives that blend divine providence with American exceptionalism thrive unchecked.
Socioeconomic factors add another layer. Support for Christian patriotism is stronger among those with lower educational attainment and in older age groups, suggesting it resonates with communities experiencing economic or cultural displacement. Geographically, the ideology flourishes in the heartland. States like Arkansas (54%), Mississippi (52%), West Virginia (51%), Oklahoma (49%), and Wyoming (46%) boast the highest levels of support. In these areas, particularly among White, non-Hispanic residents—where figures climb to 59% in Arkansas, 54% in Mississippi, and 53% in West Virginia—the vision of 'God's Country' feels less like metaphor and more like manifesto.
The implications extend beyond personal beliefs into the political arena. PRRI's analysis shows a clear link: States with higher Christian patriotism scores are more inclined to view former President Donald Trump favorably and support Republican-led state legislatures. This fusion of faith and partisanship could influence elections, policy-making, and even cultural norms, potentially prioritizing religious litmus tests over democratic pluralism.
As America grapples with this rise, the question remains: Can the nation balance its diverse spiritual heritage with its foundational separation of church and state? For now, Christian patriotism's ascent signals a cultural shift in which 'God's Country' isn't just a song lyric or a bumper sticker—it's a rallying cry for millions seeking to sanctify the stars and stripes. Whether this movement strengthens national unity or deepens divisions will depend on how the remaining two-thirds respond.
Replies
What "separation of church and state?"
"We hold these truths to be self--evident:
"One nation. Under God. With Liberty and Justice for All."
And if there were one ounce of understanding the dual role of our Declaration of Independence's "Law of Nature and Nature's God," it would be self--evident. In the words of the James Wilson Institute on Natural Law's 'Manifesto on Natural Rights'--It states very simply: "We never have the right to do wrong."
That is the essence of Natural Law. When in doubt, seek the Word of the Lord because that is where it comes from. Imagine our so-called 'Law Schools" teaching that. But they did. William 'Blackstone's Commentary on the Law.' Taken out in later editions. Couldn't leave those pesky scriptures in there, could they...? But the Statue of Liberty contains scripture...
But that's what our Founders did. They had no problem understanding that there is a 'right' and there is 'wrong.' Something we have lost and must rediscover.
What I am saying is that this nation did have and was birthed with and upon a Biblical World View. And a Puritan Work Ethic.
In the immortal words of Bob Dylan, "You Gotta Serve Somebody," Choose wisely. And yes. It's a personal, local and national choice that we must make. Do we want our nation back? Do we want back the hideous merger of federal agencies ruling our lives or the right to say 'No,' to the next agency created disaster? Or do we want government out of our lives? And how do we do that? Just asking for a friend, of course...
Hi Jea9 - I think what you are asking is Church and State issues.
The USA was founded on Biblical principles, and they are embedded in our great documents, so We the People must obey those principles, even if they are also Biblical. But if the US embraces more of the Bible's principles, the healthier we will get. I wrote this article to demonstrate that there is a groundswell of people choosing faith, and that the movement is growing more than ever before. Therefore, there is no problem between the Church and the State; the problem lies in the personal choice. So when the US voters build their lives on Biblical principles, then we will elect 'like kind', making those hostile to Judeo/Christian values losers and unable to influence anyone or anything. What do you think?