What they Look Like and What they Say.

Generally speaking, it is not possible to identify Christian Nationalists visually. With a few exceptions (e.g. some of the more radical ones carry guns and wear military fatigues, etc.), they are like other Americans. You could be neighbor to one and not know it. It is primarily their speech, news preferences (Fox News), religious habits and voting habits that distinguish them from others.

Regarding speech, here are a few talking points about which they might be especially vocal and/or sensitive:

  • America is a ‘Christian nation’ and the government should keep it that way.
  • Crime is rising because Democrats have been “soft” on crime
  • Inflation is due to excessive government spending, and wage increases
  • Liberals voted to hire an army of IRS agents who will audit and harass the middle class
  • Public health rules, criminal justice reforms and the purported excesses of woke culture
  • Opposed to diversity, equity and inclusion policies
  • Liberals are leading America in the wrong direction
  • Millions and millions of illegal aliens pouring across our border 
  • Opposed to race and gender indoctrination.
  • Corruption and extremism of radical Democrat party
  • Smaller federal government
  • Traditional family values
  • Personal responsibility
  • Strong military (peace through strength)
  • Limited access to abortion
  • Law and order
  • Freedom of religious speech
  • Deep state government
  • Demonic left-wing liberals
  • Conspiracy theories
  • Lower taxes
  • Free market economy
  • Anti-vaccination
  • States rights
  • Parental rights
  • Religious education and homeschooling are good, public education is bad
  • Academic liberalism
  • Climate change is a hoax
  • Marriage – One Man and One Woman
  • Liberally biased news media 
  • Private Property Rights
  • Limited sex education in schools.
  • Second Amendment and Gun Rights 
  • Anti union
  • Limits on welfare programs
  • Stolen elections
  • Government Spending out Of Control
  • Opposition to LGBTQ+ rights
  • Religious freedom
  • January 6,2021 was a peaceful demonstration — not an insurrection.
  • Government overreach
  • Mask mandates
  • Threats from immigrants
  • Election fraud

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While these are common talking points that Christian Nationalists say represent their values. Calling them “values” puts a nice-sounding spin on their beliefs, but God is not fooled. Their values do not generally agree with God’s commandment to love your neighbor.

When discussing how to identify Christian Nationalists, it is important to understand that they are not a monolithic group. People who do not identify with Christian Nationalism might also talk about some, or none, of these talking points. But, even if they do not volunteer their opinions about any of these points, chances are that they might agree with most of them if pressed to talk about their political beliefs.

If these talking points do come up in conversations, however, it is best not to engage in discussions/arguments on these topics. Questioning their logic and facts behind their statements will probably aggravate them and trigger them into defending their beliefs with party-line rhetoric. That is not a good strategy for changing  hearts and minds. Better to listen thoughtfully. Give them the same kind of respect you would give to someone who embraces a religion different from yours or a child who is involved in a cult.