A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) reveals that three in ten Americans qualify as Christian nationalism Adherents (10%) or Sympathizers (20%). These numbers have remained consistent since late 2022. In contrast, two-thirds of Americans are either Skeptics (37%) or Rejecters (29%). The survey, part of PRRI’s American Values Atlas, included over 22,000 adults and explored the factors driving Christian nationalist beliefs.
Republicans and Conservative Media Consumers Show Higher Support
The study highlights a strong correlation between political affiliation and Christian nationalism. A majority of Republicans identify as either Adherents (20%) or Sympathizers (33%), while support among independents (6% Adherents, 16% Sympathizers) and Democrats (5% Adherents, 11% Sympathizers) is much lower. Media consumption also plays a key role—two-thirds of Americans who trust far-right TV news sources qualify as Adherents (26%) or Sympathizers (40%). Fox News viewers also show significant support, with 18% classified as Adherents and 34% as Sympathizers.
Religious Attendance and Demographics Shape Support Levels
Religious identity and church attendance strongly influence Christian nationalist views. White evangelical Protestants and Hispanic Protestants are the most likely to embrace these beliefs. Among those who attend religious services weekly or more, 51% qualify as Adherents or Sympathizers. Support is slightly lower among Black (46%) and Hispanic (47%) weekly churchgoers compared to white attendees (54%). Additionally, support for Christian nationalism is linked to lower education levels and older age groups.
Southern and Midwestern States Show Strongest Support
Christian nationalist views are most prevalent in the South and Midwest. Mississippi and Oklahoma lead with 51% support, followed by Louisiana (50%), Arkansas (49%), West Virginia (48%), and North Dakota (46%). Louisiana (56%) and Mississippi (53%) also have the highest levels of support among white, non-Hispanic residents. PRRI’s data suggests a strong connection between Christian nationalism and support for Donald Trump in all 50 states.
Christian Nationalists Confident in Trump and Democracy
Christian nationalism Adherents (67%) and nearly half of Sympathizers (48%) believe that God ordained Trump as the rightful winner of the 2024 election. This contrasts sharply with Skeptics (20%) and Rejecters (4%). Despite widespread concerns about democracy, 64% of Adherents and 50% of Sympathizers remain confident in the country’s democratic stability under Trump’s leadership. Supporters are also less likely to believe Trump will use government power to punish his political enemies.
Christian Nationalists Hold Strong Anti-Immigrant and Patriarchal Views
Christian nationalists are significantly more likely to hold extreme views on immigration. A large majority of Adherents (68%) and Sympathizers (62%) believe immigrants are “invading” the country and replacing its cultural identity. More than seven in ten Adherents (72%) and 63% of Sympathizers also feel society has become too soft and feminine. Additionally, 61% of Adherents and 54% of Sympathizers agree that men and women should stick to traditional gender roles.
Higher Support for Political Violence and QAnon Beliefs
Christian nationalists are more likely to justify political violence. Nearly four in ten Adherents (38%) and three in ten Sympathizers (30%) agree that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence to save the country.” Support for QAnon conspiracy theories is also high, with 50% of Adherents and 32% of Sympathizers endorsing such beliefs, compared to just 19% of Americans overall.
Source:
Christian Nationalism Across All 50 States: Insights from PRRI’s 2024 American Values Atlas
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