The Christian Nationalists: Warriors in a Holy War

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The Civil War Brewing Within MAGA: Part 2

Critical Resistance -- Substack

Feb 16, 2025

In the previous article, we outlined the fragile coalition within the MAGA movement. Now, we delve deeper into one of its most formidable factions: the Christian Nationalists, self-proclaimed warriors in a holy war with democracy in their crosshairs.

The Christian Nationalists do not see themselves as politicians; they view themselves as warriors in a holy war. To them, democracy is not a system to be debated or improved but an obstacle to be removed. Their goal is to seize control of every American institution—schools, courts, law enforcement, and the military—to impose their version of religious law and reshape the country into what they believe is a biblical nation.

The groundwork for this vision has been laid. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, has referred to this movement as a "Second American Revolution" and warned that it will "remain bloodless if the Left allows it." Project 2025, crafted by The Heritage Foundation, outlines a plan to dismantle federal agencies, purge government workers who are not ideologically aligned, and replace them with loyal operatives.

Key figures like Stephen Miller are positioned to oversee mass deportations and law enforcement crackdowns, laying the groundwork for an authoritarian system under religious nationalism. Senator Josh Hawley has tied national identity to religious dogma, arguing that America's only hope for salvation is to defend Christian values. Governors like Ron DeSantis have tested the limits of government control over education, criminalized dissent, and weaponized state power against ideological opponents.

Yet, the Christian Nationalists face significant vulnerabilities. Their apocalyptic narrative is difficult to sustain over time. Unlike the Iranian revolutionaries who successfully imposed theocratic rule, Christian Nationalists lack a cohesive doctrine beyond their fixation on power. Their movement is fragmented with charismatic evangelicals, traditional Catholics, dominionists, and fringe cults each claiming the true vision for America's future.

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