We defend the separation between religion and government with support for litigation in the courts and the legislative process.
The Secular Community advocates for legislation that promotes human rights. We believe that educational and public health programs and public policy should be constructed using good scientific evidence and empirical reasoning rather than religious dogma. We believe that religious dogma pollutes sound judgement and equal treatment. We oppose legislation that seeks to introduce religious ideas into the public classroom.
The American Atheist tracks legislative activities in the USA that are threats to the separation of church and State and human rights. American Atheist State Legislation Tracker:
Danger posed by Christian Nationalism Christian nationalism in the United States poses several potential dangers to civil society and the rule of law, particularly when its adherents seek to align government policies and institutions with a specific interpretation of Christianity. These risks include:
1. Undermining Democratic Principles
Threat to Pluralism: Christian nationalism often excludes non-Christians and even Christians with differing beliefs, undermining the principle of religious freedom and equality.
Erosion of Secular Governance: By pushing for laws and policies based on religious doctrine, Christian nationalists challenge the constitutional separation of church and state, risking governance that favors one religious group over others.
2. Threats to Civil Rights
Marginalization of Minorities: Christian nationalism can marginalize religious minorities, atheists, and those who adhere to secular values, creating a climate of intolerance and discrimination.
Restrictions on Personal Freedoms: Policies inspired by Christian nationalist ideology may restrict reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and other civil liberties in favor of conservative religious values.
3. Politicization of Religion
Manipulation of Faith for Power: By tying Christianity to nationalism, religious faith can be co-opted for political agendas, alienating believers who oppose such politicization.
Division Among Christians: The movement risks fracturing religious communities by equating political allegiance with religious faith.
4. Undermining Rule of Law
Supremacy of Religious Doctrine: Efforts to embed Christian teachings into legal frameworks can lead to laws that conflict with constitutional principles, prioritizing religious doctrine over democratic consensus.
Selective Application of Justice: A Christian nationalist agenda may result in biased enforcement of laws, favoring those who align with its beliefs while disadvantaging others.
5. Encouragement of Polarization and Extremism
Exacerbation of Cultural Divides: Christian nationalism fuels "us vs. them" rhetoric, deepening divisions between religious and secular communities and between Christians and other faiths.
Radicalization: The blending of religious and nationalist fervor can inspire extremist ideologies and actions, including violence against perceived enemies of their worldview.
6. Hindrance to Social Progress
Resistance to Scientific Advancements: Christian nationalism often opposes scientific theories or policies that conflict with their religious interpretations, such as climate science or evolution.
Blocking of Inclusive Policies: The movement may resist efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, prioritizing a narrow vision of morality over broader societal well-being.
7. Potential for Authoritarianism
Erosion of Checks and Balances: Christian nationalist leaders may prioritize their religious agenda over democratic norms, weakening institutional safeguards.
Suppressing Dissent: Dissenters, whether religious or secular, may face social ostracism or legal penalties under policies driven by Christian nationalism.
By advocating for a fusion of religious identity with national identity, Christian nationalism challenges foundational principles of religious freedom, equality, and democratic governance. Addressing these dangers requires reinforcing the separation of church and state and promoting a civic culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Speech Speech: The Danger of Christian Nationalism to Our Civil Society and Democracy Good evening, friends and fellow citizens, Today, I come before you to address an issue that strikes at the heart of what it means to live in a free and democratic society: the rise of Christian nationalism. This movement, which seeks to blend a particular interpretation of Christianity with the identity of our nation, presents serious dangers to the principles we hold dear—principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Let us be clear: this is not a critique of Christianity or any other faith. Our nation thrives because of its commitment to religious freedom, which ensures that all people—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist, and beyond—can live according to their beliefs without fear or interference. Christian nationalism, however, threatens to undermine this sacred principle by elevating one religious perspective above all others and weaving it into the fabric of our government.
A Threat to Religious Freedom and Pluralism Christian nationalism seeks to remake our democracy in the image of a single faith, dismissing the incredible diversity that has always been our nation’s strength. It marginalizes non-Christians, those of other faiths, and even Christians who reject its narrow vision. This exclusion undermines the bedrock of our democracy: equality under the law. When we allow any one religion to dominate our public institutions, we jeopardize the freedom of every individual to worship—or not worship—as they choose. Freedom of religion becomes freedom for only a select few, turning what should be a shield for all into a weapon of division.
Erosion of the Separation of Church and State Our Constitution enshrines the separation of church and state to protect both government and religion from undue influence. Christian nationalism defies this principle, demanding that laws and policies reflect specific religious doctrines. This undermines the neutrality of our government and erodes trust in public institutions. What happens when the government legislates morality based on one interpretation of faith? We see the restriction of personal freedoms, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and the imposition of religious values on those who do not share them. This is not the path of democracy—it is the path of authoritarianism cloaked in piety.
A Catalyst for Polarization and Extremism Christian nationalism thrives on the dangerous rhetoric of "us versus them." It divides our communities into insiders and outsiders, patriots and traitors, believers and nonbelievers. This division feeds a toxic cycle of fear and resentment, deepening cultural and political divides. History has shown us that when religious fervor is weaponized in service of nationalism, it can lead to extremism. We’ve seen acts of violence committed in the name of this ideology, and the risk of further radicalization grows when we fail to stand against it.
A Barrier to Progress Our nation has achieved great things by embracing innovation, diversity, and progress. Yet Christian nationalism often opposes these ideals, rejecting scientific advancements and resisting efforts to build a more inclusive society. Whether it’s denying climate science, opposing education about evolution, or undermining policies that promote equity, this movement drags us backward when we should be moving forward together.
Preserving Democracy and Justice for All We must ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to be? Do we want a government that belongs to all of us, or one that serves only those who conform to a narrow religious ideal? Do we want laws based on reason, justice, and equality, or decrees dictated by theological interpretation? To preserve our democracy, we must recommit to the principle of separating church and state. We must defend the rights of all people—religious and nonreligious alike—to live free from coercion and discrimination. And we must call out Christian nationalism for what it is: a threat to the fabric of our civil society.
Conclusion The strength of our nation lies in its ability to embrace diversity and uphold the rights of every individual. By resisting the influence of Christian nationalism, we honor the best of our democratic traditions. Together, we can ensure that America remains a land of freedom, where faith is a personal choice, not a government mandate, and where justice truly serves all. Thank you.