THRS 285 - U.S. Christian Nationalisms

Unit(s): 4

This course explores theologies and movements of Christian nationalism in the U.S., especially White Christian nationalisms. White Christian nationalism is less a religious formation than a cultural identity, using Christian symbols and myths to claim that white identity is preeminent and normative for the United States. Students undertake historical studies on White Protestants whose theologies advocated slavery and racial segregation, as well as latter-day alliances between White Evangelicals and White Catholics. Students also consider Black Christian rebuttals to Christian nationalism since the colonial period. The last unit surveys Asian American counterarguments to White Christian nationalism, from Chinese exclusion in the nineteenth century to today’s battles against anti-Asian hate.

College of Arts and Sciences