How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News

BBC News21 minutes read

The rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S., influenced by figures like Greg Locke and fueled by fears of losing control in a changing society, is blurring the line between church and state, with extreme actions and views impacting politics and culture. This movement, supported by Patriot Mobile and amplified by Donald Trump, aims to bring God back into schools and government, sparking conflicts over issues like gender identity and history while advocating for a Christian nation and church influence on governance.

Insights

  • The rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S., fueled by fears of losing control in a changing demographic landscape, is blurring the line between church and state, with some labeling it as undemocratic and reminiscent of the Christian Taliban.
  • Figures like Pastor Greg Locke, with a substantial social media following, are leveraging platforms to spread extreme political views, challenging COVID-19 measures, and advocating for a Christian nation, illustrating the influential role of charismatic leaders in shaping the narrative of the new religious right.

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Recent questions

  • What is Christian nationalism?

    A: Christian nationalism is a movement in the U.S. that seeks to establish a Judeo-Christian nation with conservative values.

  • How is Christian nationalism impacting education?

    A: Christian nationalism is influencing education through disputes over gender identity, history, and censorship.

  • Who is Greg Locke?

    A: Greg Locke is a pastor known for extreme political views and a large social media following.

  • How is the new religious right framing elections?

    A: The new religious right frames elections as spiritual warfare to influence conservative values.

  • What is the role of Patriot Mobile in supporting conservative Christian values?

    A: Patriot Mobile, a Texas cell phone company, supports conservative Christian values by backing political candidates.

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Summary

00:00

"Rise of Christian Nationalism in America"

  • The Christian right in the U.S. is gaining power with a vision of a Judeo-Christian nation and values.
  • This movement, known as Christian nationalism, is influencing ultra-conservative candidates and preaching its message in churches.
  • The movement has been amplified by Donald Trump, who vowed to protect Christianity.
  • The storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, highlighted the extreme actions of the Christian nationalist movement.
  • Education, particularly school boards, is a battleground for the culture wars, with disputes over gender identity, history, and censorship.
  • Patriot Mobile, a Texas cell phone company, is supporting conservative Christian values by backing political candidates.
  • The rise of the new Christian right, or Christian nationalism, is blurring the line between church and state.
  • The movement aims to bring God back into schools and government, with some labeling it as undemocratic and akin to the Christian Taliban.
  • The movement is fueled by fears of losing control as the U.S. becomes less white and Christian.
  • Some pastors and politicians are embracing Christian nationalism, advocating for a Christian nation and the influence of the church on government.

17:00

Controversial Pastor with Large Social Media Following

  • Greg Locke, a pastor known for controversial actions like burning Catholic rosaries and Harry Potter books, has a large social media following of about 4.6 million people.
  • Locke gained popularity by challenging COVID-19 shutdowns and was present at the Capitol Riot, preaching extreme political views to his followers.
  • Locke believes Democrats are demonically energized and encourages those who disagree with his views to leave his church.
  • Locke's preaching now focuses on deliverance from demons, drawing large crowds seeking prayer for demon removal in a Pentecostal Revival style.
  • The new religious right, exemplified by figures like Doug Mastriano, is gaining traction in politics, framing elections as spiritual warfare and aiming to influence the direction of the country towards conservative values.
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