Christian nationalism—a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities, often advocating for laws and policies based on a particular interpretation of Christianity—poses several threats to science, technology, and public health. These threats stem from its tendency to prioritize religious dogma over evidence-based reasoning, distrust secular institutions, and resist policies that conflict with its ideological framework.
1. Undermining Scientific Research & Education - Anti-Evolution & Anti-Climate Science Stance: Christian nationalism often promotes creationism in schools and rejects evolutionary biology, undermining science education. It also frequently dismisses climate science, opposing environmental regulations as threats to "God-ordained" economic growth. - Distrust of Scientific Institutions: Many Christian nationalists view mainstream science as part of a "secular elite" conspiracy, leading to rejection of well-established scientific consensus on issues like vaccines, evolution, and climate change. - Censorship in Education: Efforts to ban topics like critical race theory, LGBTQ+ health, and comprehensive sex education (in favor of abstinence-only programs) limit students' access to vital scientific and public health knowledge.
2. Resistance to Evidence-Based Public Health Policies - Vaccine Hesitancy & Anti-Mask Rhetoric: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Christian nationalist leaders framed public health measures (masks, vaccines, lockdowns) as government overreach or even "demonic," contributing to vaccine refusal and preventable deaths. - Opposition to Reproductive Health Science: Christian nationalism drives anti-abortion laws and restrictions on contraception, often ignoring medical evidence on reproductive health. Some states have even banned evidence-based sex education, leading to higher teen pregnancy and STI rates. - Distrust of Medical Authorities: Figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci were demonized by Christian nationalist media, eroding trust in public health expertise.
3. Hostility Toward Technological & Medical Progress - Stem Cell & Genetic Research Opposition: Some Christian nationalists oppose embryonic stem cell research and gene editing (like CRISPR) on religious grounds, hindering medical advancements. - Conspiracy Theories About Technology: Claims that globalist elites use technology (e.g., 5G, AI) for control align with Christian nationalist end-times narratives, fostering paranoia instead of innovation. - Resistance to AI & Transhumanism: Some view artificial intelligence and transhumanism as threats to "God's natural order," discouraging ethical but progressive tech development.
4. Weakening Public Health Infrastructure - Defunding Scientific Agencies: Christian nationalist politicians often support cuts to agencies like the CDC, NIH, and EPA, weakening pandemic preparedness and environmental protections. - Promoting "Faith Over Medicine": Some communities prioritize prayer over medical treatment, leading to preventable disease outbreaks (e.g., measles resurgence due to vaccine refusal).
Conclusion Christian nationalism threatens science, technology, and public health by elevating religious ideology over empirical evidence, fostering distrust in experts, and pushing policies that hinder progress. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, weakened scientific literacy, and slower technological advancement. Addressing these risks requires defending secular governance, evidence-based policymaking, and robust science education.