Polarization and the Threat to American Christianity
The American Enterprise Institute’s Daniel Cox recently shared data on an unsettling development in American Christianity. In “The Rise of Republican Churches,” Cox shows how white Christians have become increasingly polarized over the past 25 years. And the implications, he explains, are startling.
Since 1998, white Christians attending church at least once a week have increasingly identified as Republicans, going from roughly 50 percent to over 70 percent. At the same time, white Christians attending weekly and identifying as Democrats have decreased from almost 40 percent to about 20 percent. Simply put, among white Christians in the United States, church is becoming a largely Republican institution.
Notice that Cox is not saying that Christianity in general is becoming more Republican; Black Protestants, of course, still overwhelmingly identify as Democrats. But, Cox writes, “Even as American Christianity grows more racially and ethnically diverse, it is increasingly a Republican-dominated institution.”
Why is this a problem, you might ask? It’s not that Republicans and Christianity don’t (or shouldn’t) mix. Rather, Cox argues:
The problem of politicized churches is obvious. It represents a clear challenge to the political system. The regular use of apocalyptic language in political arguments discourages compromise and reduces the possibility of finding consensus. Even if churches have been historically segregated by race and ethnicity, they have long been places where people of differing economic and political backgrounds could come together.
He continues:
Politically polarized worship spaces represent a societal loss as well. Religious institutions are incredibly valuable sources of social capital. They give purpose, direction, and meaning and connect their members to a wider world. At a time when more Americans are withdrawing from civic life, religious communities are more valuable than ever. What’s more, adopting an aggressive political posture overshadows all the other work that congregations do for their communities and the people in them.
In a country increasingly polarized across almost every line imaginable, the politicization and polarization of church means just another venue for suspicion and skepticism between partisans. Liberals, increasingly less likely to be affiliated with—and favorable toward—institutional religion, will be on guard for indicators of Christian nationalism, while conservatives will see the work of the church not just as feeding people spiritually but as a necessary bulwark against an antagonistic secular culture.
What can we, as Christians, do about this? Altering these dynamics won’t happen overnight. Still, if you’re a white Christian (like I am) you can be on the lookout for instances of toxic polarization in your own congregations.
Are your political opponents described in demonic or apocalyptic terms? Gently push back over coffee or at the potluck, reminding people that we can disagree without dehumanizing. Apply political criticism consistently, letting the truth lead where it may without instinctively excusing bad behavior on your own side. Be on the lookout for blind spots in your own life, remembering that humility is not tantamount to squishiness.
Polarization and partisanship in the pews is a pernicious problem. And while that is discouraging, it shouldn’t be defeating. Change, after all, has to start somewhere.
What Else We’re Reading
“A Fox host suggests that the answer to divisions is war, not voting”
A few years ago, I spoke with Princeton University political scientist Corrine McConnaughy. During our discussion, she outlined the importance of understanding elections as temporary shifts in power — and, by extension, the danger of framing them the way Gutfeld did.
An important consideration for our system, McConnaughy said, was whether we had the tools “to solve problems in ways that people feel represented, and that they feel their voice heard enough.” To ensure that “there is some way in which they can understand losing today is not losing tomorrow. That brings down the idea that every decision is a high stakes one.”
Gutfeld’s argument is a reflection of failing to do that, seeing Joe Biden’s victory not as part of America’s lurching path forward but a rupture. Voting against Biden wouldn’t work, his argument offers; instead, you need to “force [your opponents] to surrender.”
“A QAnon ‘queen’ and the Canada town that wants her gone”
Following endorsements from QAnon leaders, she built up a band of followers, declared that she had overthrown the legitimate government of Canada, and says her claim to the "Queen of Canada" title is backed by secret, powerful US military interests.
On her most popular Telegram channel she has issued "decrees" to absolve her more than 36,000 followers from bills and debts.
That has resulted in followers losing their homes, cars and possessions, says Christine Sarteschi, a professor at Chatham University in Pittsburgh and an expert on extremism and the sovereign citizen movement - a broad collection of anti-government groups who dodge taxes and make up their own fake legal systems.
Ms Didulo and her followers spread a variety of different beliefs, including sovereign citizen, anti-vaccination conspiracies, and ideas related to QAnon - a wide-ranging, completely unfounded theory that says former US President Donald Trump is waging a secret war against elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government, business and the media.
“Trump’s norm-violating tweets erode support for political inclusiveness and equality among his supporters, study finds”
A new study provides evidence that the norm-violating rhetoric of former President Donald Trump can polarize democratic attitudes. His supporters become less supportive of inclusiveness and political equality, while his disapprovers potentially become more supportive of the rule of law. The study … highlights the complex relationship between elite political discourse and support for democratic principles.
The United States has recently witnessed a rise in political leaders using rhetoric that challenges democratic norms. This rhetoric often questions the fairness of elections, the credibility of media, and the integrity of democratic institutions. The researchers were motivated by the need to understand the consequences of this rhetoric by political leaders.
“Lawyers bail on MyPillow’s Michael Lindell, saying he owes millions in fees”
Prominent election conspiracy theorist and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell faces money woes so serious that two law firms defending him are seeking to dump him as a client.
A Minnesota-based law firm, Parker Daniels Kibort, and Washington-based Lewin and Lewin notified federal judges in Washington and St. Paul Thursday that they are owed millions of dollars in legal fees by Lindell and his company in connection with lawsuits where voting machine makers Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems and a former Dominion employee are suing Lindell for defamation.
“Florida family sentenced to federal prison for selling 'dangerous,' fake COVID-19 cure”
During the trial, prosecutors showed the jury photos and video of a shed in Jonathan Grenon's backyard in Bradenton, Florida, that had dozens of blue chemical drums containing nearly 10,000 pounds of sodium chlorite powder, with labels warning the product was toxic and harmful if swallowed.
The Grenons sold MMS throughout the United States and, before marketing it as a COVID-19 cure, claimed it would cure other diseases and disorders, including leukemia, HIV, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, federal prosecutors said. MMS was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19, "or any other use," the DOJ said.
“The Culture War is Alive and Well on College Campuses”
It’s readily apparent that the folks who express the most reluctance to actually speak on controversial issues are those who feel further out of step from their university. I’m not entirely convinced that this problem is more acute on the right or the left. People who feel like their politics don’t fit their environment are the most likely to express hesitation around discussing these issues.