Brooklyn Walker and Paul Djupe on Why Christian Nationalism Is Harder to Challenge Than We Think

What happens when people believe in religious pluralism, but still lean into Christian nationalism when they feel threatened?

In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with political scientists Brooklyn Walker and Paul Djupe about their research on Christian nationalism, religious pluralism, and why appeals to tolerance do not always work the way we assume. Their work shows something surprising: many Christian nationalists already say they support ideas like religious freedom, diversity, and pluralism. The issue is that when they feel their identity, rights, or way of life are under threat, those pluralistic beliefs often get pushed aside.

Brooklyn and Paul help unpack why Christian nationalism is different from simply being Christian or patriotic. It places boundaries around who fully belongs in America and who the country is meant to serve. They also explain why threat plays such a powerful role in shaping political behavior, especially when religious and political leaders repeatedly tell Christians they are being persecuted, silenced, or replaced.

The conversation gets into some unexpected findings, including why some Black, Latino, LGBTQ, and religiously pluralist Americans may still hold Christian nationalist views. Rather than treating Christian nationalism as one simple ideology held by one type of person, this episode looks at the deeper identity dynamics that shape how people think about belonging, fear, citizenship, and power.

Research / Articles

“The weakness of antiChristian nationalismwhen religiously inclusive orientations can’t increase tolerance” by Paul A. Djupe and Brooklyn Walker, Politics and Religion

Guests bios

Brooklyn Walker is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on American politics, religion and politics, public opinion, and political psychology, with particular attention to Christian nationalism and how religious identity shapes political and social attitudes.

Paul Djupe is a Professor of Political Science at Denison University and Director of the Data for Political Research Program. His work focuses on religion and politics, democratic life, public opinion, and the role religious identity plays in American political behavior.