Peter Montgomery on the Religious Right and Christian Nationalism

What is the religious right, and how has it shaped American politics over the last 50 years?

n this episode of Faithful Politics, we sit down with Peter Montgomery to break down the religious right and its influence on American politics.

We trace the movement from its modern roots in the late 1970s through figures like Jerry Falwell and the rise of organized political infrastructure. From legal battles over church-state separation to coordinated efforts in the courts, Peter explains how conservative Christian activism became a sustained political force.

We also explore the difference between the religious right as a movement and Christian nationalism as an ideology, including how it shapes policy, culture, and debates around religious liberty, education, and LGBTQ rights. Organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom and initiatives like Project 2025 are part of that broader strategy.

Finally, we talk about what it looks like to engage these issues without losing perspective, and why understanding the people behind the movement matters as much as understanding the movement itself.

Guest Bio

Peter Montgomery is the Research Director at People For the American Way and a senior analyst for Right Wing Watch. He has spent more than two decades studying the religious right, its political strategies, and its influence on American law and culture. His work has been featured in major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Montgomery is widely recognized for his expertise on the intersection of religion and politics in the United States.