Letter: Rising Christian nationalism is concerning

Published: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 9:00 am

Rising Christian Nationalism Sparks Concerns

A recent letter to the editor highlights growing concerns about the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States. The author expresses alarm over the increasing influence of certain religious figures and commentators in political discourse, particularly when their views are perceived as exclusionary.

The letter criticizes the selective application of religious principles, noting that while some commentators are free to express their opinions on policy and faith, the Pope's calls for peace are met with silence. The author draws a historical comparison, pointing out the longevity of Catholicism compared to Protestantism.

The central argument of the letter is that Christian nationalism is being used as a tool to gain and maintain power. The author draws parallels to historical examples of nationalism, such as those employed by Mao and Hitler, where intellectuals, educators, and the press were targeted. The letter also highlights the irony of those who were once discriminated against now engaging in exclusionary practices.

The author cites specific examples, including comments made by the head of the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who declared "Christ is King" and excluded Catholics from a Good Friday prayer service. The letter also references Hegseth's removal from a National Guard escort for President Biden's inauguration due to his extreme views.

The letter challenges the narrative that the United States was founded on Christian principles, urging readers to examine the founders' writings, which explicitly stated the country was not established on any religion. The author suggests that the current interpretation of Christian nationalism favors white men and opposes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The letter concludes by emphasizing the importance of both loving God and loving one another, as taught by Jesus.

BNN's Perspective:

The concerns raised in this letter are valid and warrant careful consideration. While freedom of religious expression is a cornerstone of American society, it is crucial to ensure that religious beliefs are not used to justify discrimination or the exclusion of any group. A healthy society requires a balance between upholding religious freedom and promoting inclusivity and equality for all citizens.

Keywords: Christian nationalism, religious freedom, political discourse, exclusion, Pete Hegseth, Department of Defense, Good Friday, diversity, equity, inclusion, white men, founders, Christianity, faith, power

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