Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The Return of Christian Nationalism—and the New Underground Church


In the shadow of Trump’s return to power, a dangerous ideology has resurfaced with renewed force: white Christian nationalism. Once considered a fringe movement, it is now embedded in the highest levels of government, media, and lawmaking circles. This resurgence isn’t just about religion—it’s about power, identity, and control. But while this movement expands, a new kind of resistance is growing in response: an underground network of progressive, faith-driven activists and communities determined to stand against the hijacking of both religion and democracy.

What is Christian Nationalism?

Christian nationalism is not simply about personal faith. It is a political ideology that fuses a narrow interpretation of Christianity—often white, conservative, and male-dominated—with nationalism. Its advocates claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed by “biblical law.” In practice, it manifests as attacks on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, public education, separation of church and state, and racial justice.

Under the current Trump-led regime, Christian nationalism has moved from the margins to the mainstream. We see it in Supreme Court decisions. We see it in state legislation criminalizing abortion and censoring school curriculums. We see it in sermons that conflate Trump with divine destiny. This is not spirituality—it is theocratic authoritarianism disguised as patriotism.

The Real Threat to Democracy

What makes Christian nationalism particularly dangerous is its ability to mask extremism as moral righteousness. Its leaders claim persecution when challenged, framing their political domination as religious freedom. In doing so, they delegitimize pluralism, demonize opposition, and radicalize followers against democratic institutions.

From “Bible-burning liberals” to “groomer teachers,” the rhetoric used by far-right Christian nationalists fuels conspiracy theories and encourages political violence. The January 6 Capitol riot was not just an act of sedition—it was a religiously infused insurrection, complete with crosses, prayers, and banners proclaiming Jesus as “King of America.”

The goal is not coexistence—it is total cultural and political domination under a singular, exclusionary vision of faith.

A New Underground Church

But this is not the full story. Across the country, a counter-movement is taking shape, driven by people of faith who refuse to let Christianity be used as a weapon.

Progressive Christians, interfaith communities, queer theologians, and justice-driven clergy are reclaiming the moral narrative. They are speaking out from pulpits, organizing across denominations, hosting underground services, and offering sanctuary to the most vulnerable.

This new “underground church” is not hidden out of fear—it is underground because it refuses to conform to the corrupt religious-political establishment. It challenges the idea that Christian values mean exclusion, control, or silence. It preaches a gospel of liberation, not domination. And it walks alongside movements for racial justice, reproductive freedom, environmental action, and LGBTQ+ equality.

How We Fight Back

To push back against Christian nationalism, we must first understand that the battle is not religion versus secularism—it is democracy versus authoritarian theocracy. The resistance must include both the faithful and the faithless, united in defending the rights of all people to live free from religious coercion.

Here’s how we move forward:

  • Expose the ideology: Call out Christian nationalism for what it is. Do not let it hide behind faith-based language.
  • Support progressive faith leaders: Elevate the voices of pastors, rabbis, imams, and others who stand against religious extremism.
  • Fund community defense: Invest in grassroots organizations, abortion funds, and legal groups working on the frontlines of religious-political repression.
  • Educate yourself and others: Share articles, host discussions, and keep this issue in the public eye.
  • Vote and organize: From school boards to Congress, every level of government matters in this fight.

This is a defining moment. If we allow Christian nationalism to continue unchecked, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for religious freedom, but for democracy itself. But if we resist, build, and unite, we can create something better.

A future where faith is not a tool of oppression, but a force for justice.


Check out our Resistance Rising 2025 Blog for more coverage on authoritarianism, civil liberties, faith-based resistance, and organizing strategies.
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#ResistanceRising2025 #ChristianNationalism #FaithInAction #AntiTrumpMovement #NoToFascism #ProgressiveFaith #ReclaimChristianity #DefendDemocracy #ResistTheocracy #UndergroundChurch #AuthoritarianismWatch #TrumpRegimeOpposition #UniteThePeople

 

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The Return of Christian Nationalism—and the New Underground Church

In the shadow of Trump’s return to power, a dangerous ideology has resurfaced with renewed force: white Christian nationalism . Once conside...