Christian nationalism isn’t just a political movement—it’s an ideology committed to merging a conservative version of Christianity with American civic life, demanding a “strong ruler” to enforce order and determine who truly belongs. In this episode of The Stakes, Kettering Senior Fellow Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Research Fellow Andrew Whitehead speak with host Brad Rourke about how a mix of religion, nationalism, and power has become a governing ideology with consequential political force. Ruth Ben-Ghiat argues that this dangerous fusion of faith and state is being exploited by leaders through authoritarian bargains with religious institutions, giving strongmen a “halo of holiness and morality” in exchange for power and influence. Andrew Whitehead discusses how the rhetoric of Christian nationalism is fostering comfort with strongman rule, justifying militarism by claiming “God is on our side,” and fueling populist persecution narratives that require a “savior.”

But there is a path to resistance. As this spreading ideology reshapes policy and power, the Fellows argue that pushback must be rooted in returning to the “original intent” of a truly multifaith democratic society, where people of all faiths and no faith have an equal role. By supporting community-based resistance—led by faith institutions promoting solidarity, kindness, and empathy—we can defend our liberty, recognizing that a rollback for one group puts all groups at risk.

Listen to the full conversation on The Stakes with experts Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Andrew Whitehead to understand how Christian nationalism poses a direct threat to human rights and democratic institutions and how we can push back.