The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy

by Philip S. Gorski

Which way will it turn this time? Now, as in the past, the answer will depend in part on which path white Christians choose. But it will also depend on whether secular progressives are willing to ally with people of faith who share their commitment to liberal democracy. What is needed now is a popular front stretching from democratic socialists such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders not only to classical liberals such as Bill Kristol and David French but also to cosmopolitan #NeverTrump evangelicals like Russell Moore, Beth Moore, or Tim Keller. The ideological distance that separates the end points of this alliance is considerable. There are deep disagreements about policy issues such as abortion and inequality. But also an overarching consensus about liberal democratic principles such as voting rights, racial justice, freedom of religion, and the rule of law.