Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, wasted no time in invoking a spiritual battle with former President Donald Trump as its centerpiece during the early hours of the Republican National Convention.
As Scott addressed the delegates, he emphasized the unwavering power of God. Despite the darkness that descended upon Pennsylvania on Saturday when the devil arrived with a rifle, God still prevailed. Scott declared that an American lion stood up and roared, inspiring the crowd to respond with their own powerful roar.
The floor of the Fiserv Forum was adorned with various religious symbols during the first night of the convention. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to an array of screens beaming images of the American flag and Christian cross in between speeches, all with a central focus on Trump. Interestingly, his resilience after surviving an assassination attempt on Saturday was presented in Milwaukee as a miraculous event, almost as if it were a divine intervention.
In America, religion and politics have always been closely connected, regardless of one’s political beliefs. The Republican National Convention this year is no exception, as speakers have utilized Scripture and their religious beliefs to support their chosen candidate. Interestingly, the same verses from the Bible have been used by both major political parties in the past to promote their nominee.
Experts have noted that in the 2024 Republican Party, Donald Trump has become an unexpected symbol of spiritual guidance as a political leader, blending religion and politics in a manner that has never been witnessed before.
According to Terry Shoemaker, a religious studies professor at Arizona State University, the combination of fear following the Pennsylvania shooting, relief at Trump’s recovery, and the anticipation of his reelection could create a unique opportunity for a deeper, civil religious experience in Milwaukee this week.
Certainly, indications of it were already apparent.
On one merchandise table inside the RNC, civil leadership and Christianity intertwined. Stacks of Bibles were placed next to images of Trump, both available for sale to the GOP party faithful. The table also featured cutting boards shaped like Trump, adding to the unique selection of items.
At the RNC, attendees had the opportunity to buy a framed photo of Trump in a triumphant pose, with blood on his face after emerging from under his Secret Service detail following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Additionally, for a price of $75, they could purchase the “God Bless the USA” Bible, which was officially endorsed by Trump. This Bible contains the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance, and the lyrics to the chorus of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.”
Trump as a civil religion
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According to Shoemaker, the upcoming Republican National Convention has the potential to become a hub for civil religion. This term, coined in the 1960s, describes the fervent devotion and loyalty to one’s country that resembles religious fervor.
During the event, Michael Whatley, co-chair of the Republican National Committee, requested the attendees to pay their respects to the victims of the July 13 shooting by observing a moment of silence and prayer. The ceremony also included a touching performance of Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and an invocation by Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Elpidophoros, in his two-minute long prayer, emphasized on granting powerful recognition of purpose to the delegates. He urged them to bear witness to divine providence that has protected this great land throughout the centuries and motivates us to work towards a more perfect union with each other. He also acknowledged the hard work of the pioneers of patriotism who came before us and urged the delegates to build on their labor.
During his prayer, the Most Rev. Jerome Listecki, the Catholic Archbishop of Milwaukee, made reference to the Declaration of Independence.
According to Shoemaker, the invocations can be best described as a form of “civil religious blessing.”
Shoemaker expressed his concern that linking traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs with the foundation of the United States and its founders is not appropriate.
According to the Public Religion Research Institute, the percentage of religiously unaffiliated Americans has increased over time and currently stands at 26% in 2023. Despite this trend, Americans still hold a strong belief in God.
According to Shoemaker, it comes as no surprise that individuals gathered for a prayer vigil in Milwaukee following the recent assassination attempt. He noted that similar assemblies were arranged after significant events like the 9/11 terror attacks and the tragic 2020 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant and nine others.
According to John Fea, a religious historian from Messiah University, the event in question is not just a typical civil religion gathering. He even hesitates to label it as civil religion, as the religious language used in relation to Trump appears to be distinct from generic appeals to God. Fea notes that this type of religious rhetoric surrounding a political figure seems to be unprecedented.
This place seems unusual.
“We are now witnessing the emergence of Christian nationalism, where politics and theological Christianity are blending together,” highlights the speaker.
Does RNC religious rhetoric veer into Christian nationalism?
During an afternoon speech in Milwaukee, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson declared that a spiritual battle is currently taking place.
During a “policy fest” hosted by The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank, Carlson gave a speech. The organization has gained increased attention lately with its Project 2025, a comprehensive guidebook spanning 900 pages. The project aims to provide a roadmap for the next conservative administration to enact their agenda of right-wing social and political principles.
Although the Heritage proposal involves expanding presidential powers and incorporating conservative social ideals into law, Trump has attempted to distance himself from the plan. However, it is worth noting that several individuals who served in Trump’s administration were involved in drafting the proposal.
Frederick Clarkson, a researcher, has been diligently monitoring the ascent of Christian nationalism in the United States for over forty years. This “theocratic vision for American government” has been steadily gaining momentum, according to his research.
According to senior research analyst at Political Research Associates, Chip Berlet, Christian nationalists hold the belief that America was intended to be a Christian nation by both God and the Founding Fathers. However, they also believe that this vision was somehow derailed along the way and needs to be restored.
Conservative Catholic and evangelical circles have increasingly gained traction in the political arena through their movement. Despite being on the sidelines for years, their influence has grown significantly. Within the Republican Party, many members of this movement have become prominent influencers and have even advised President Trump directly.
According to Ed Stetzer, who is an author and dean at the Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California, the term “Christian nationalism” is often misunderstood.
According to Stetzer, people’s faith can serve as a powerful motivator and even mobilize them to take political action. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see religious individuals involved in the political sphere. However, Stetzer emphasizes the importance of respecting the religious freedom of all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof, in our diverse society.
Stetzer cautioned that while it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with intertwining religion and politics, an excessive response to any reference to both God and country in the same context is not beneficial for anyone. He believes that there are genuine threats to be aware of, but it’s crucial not to overreact in such situations.
Clarkson believes that praying for God’s blessings upon America is not an act of Christian nationalism. However, he deems it inappropriate to declare America as “God’s special nation,” as it misuses the principles of Christianity.
Faith outreach isn’t being made just to Christians
While the Republican National Convention’s programming this week is largely based on evangelical Christian themes, it’s worth noting that the Milwaukee stage has also given a platform to speakers from a variety of faith traditions.
To end Monday’s program, Harmeet Dhillon, a well-known Republican attorney and a trusted friend of Trump, recited the Ardas, a Sikh prayer, before Trump and other attendees of the convention.
Ardas expressed gratitude to God for safeguarding his life by saying, “We are thankful to you, dear God.”
During the RNC event, Matthew Brooks, the CEO of Republican Jewish Federation, emphasized the significance of the 2024 election for both the American Jewish community and Israel. He highlighted the criticality of the moment and conveyed the importance of supporting a candidate who can lead the country towards a prosperous future.
Brooks emphasized that this is an opportunity to carry forward the pro-Israel heritage of the most pro-Israel president to date, Donald J. Trump.
VP pick ‘strategic’ move for Christian vote
It is quite unusual in American politics for politics and religion, specifically conservative Christianity, to blend so seamlessly under the Republican leadership of Trump. Interestingly, Trump, who is a two-time divorcee and has faced numerous moral scandals, did not have a history of publicly discussing his faith or attending church services. However, he was raised Presbyterian and occasionally attended Episcopal services during his first presidential term. In 2020, he announced that he now identifies as a non-denominational Christian.
According to Emily Crews, the executive director of the Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School, President Trump’s Christian supporters often use language that emphasizes a personal relationship with God, seeking God’s voice, or being moved by the Holy Spirit. However, Crews notes that Trump rarely employs this type of language.
Despite criticisms aimed at President Trump, his surrogates and supporters continue to use language that portrays him in a positive light. For instance, Lara Trump recently likened her father-in-law to the “righteous” depicted in Proverbs 28, who are described as being “as bold as a lion.”
During a speech on Monday night, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia expressed her admiration and love for President Trump, stating that “evil” had come for him two days prior. She went on to express her gratitude that God had protected him.
During a recent gathering, Dr. Ben Carson, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, made a reference to the book of Romans. In his statement, he emphasized that when one has the support of God, no one can stand in their way.
Carson confidently stated that with the Almighty’s assurance, nothing, not even evil, can waver their determination. He emphasized that they will continue to fight and pray, and with God’s grace, they will rescue their country and successfully reelect President Trump.
Fea asserts that Trump has achieved goals that the Religious Right has been pursuing for decades, which even previous Republican presidents like Ronald Reagan were unable to fully accomplish. These goals are primarily related to social issues, such as abortion.
According to historian John Fea, there is a belief among Donald Trump’s supporters that America is finally becoming the Christian nation they have been praying for since the 1970s. They view Trump as the answer to their decades-long efforts to make America a Christian nation again or restore a Christian consensus. Fea explains that within the evangelical perspective, even flawed individuals can be used by God to achieve His objectives. In fact, the recent assassination attempt on Trump’s life, in their eyes, only confirms that God’s hand is guiding him.
JD Vance has been chosen by Trump to be his next surrogate, as noted by Crews who sees this as a smart move. Vance is a political conservative who has managed to avoid any scandals or criminal trials, making him a wise strategic choice according to Crews.
According to her, Vance could be a great choice for Christians who prefer a candidate that frequently mentions their religious beliefs but has a more polished and practical approach to politics compared to Trump.
According to Crews, Vance not only aligns with Christian conservative values but also openly expresses admiration for his wife and children. He maintains a perspective that upholds family values, which is a testament to his commitment to his loved ones.
According to her, Vance’s upbringing in Appalachia and small-town Ohio makes him a popular choice among Americans residing in rural states or those who subscribe to Trump’s criticism of the political elites. She further added that Vance’s appeal extends across a wide range of demographics, particularly in battleground states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
According to a report by The American Conservative, Vance converted to Catholicism and was baptized into the faith in August 2019. In an exclusive interview with the outlet during that same month, Vance shared that although he was raised as a Christian, he did not have a strong attachment to any particular denomination and was never baptized.
Vance, who was once highly skeptical of Trump, is currently making efforts to distance himself from his past critical comments this week.
Back in 2016, a column was written by the author for USA TODAY where he drew a distinction between the religious beliefs of Donald Trump’s voters and Senator Ted Cruz’s supporters. He pointed out that the voters of the current President had mostly given up on the religious teachings of their predecessors and the various societal advantages that come with it.
Progressive faith leaders push back
Progressive faith leaders in the local community have expressed their disapproval of the conservative circles’ rhetoric of white, Christian nationalism. This sentiment has been shared outside the security perimeter of the RNC.
On Sunday, hundreds of individuals gathered at an event hosted by the Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope, an interfaith social activism group, to denounce the increasing trend of Christian nationalism.
Amid the scorching sun, Reverend Jennifer Nordstrom joined the progressive protesters on Monday. The march, attended by hundreds of individuals, aimed to champion various progressive causes. Although Nordstrom is a minister at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, she clarified that she attended the protest in her personal capacity.
Members of Nordstrom’s congregations share her deep concern about the fusion of white Christian nationalism and politics, she said.
Nordstrom firmly believes that the separation of church and state is a fundamental aspect of our country’s identity, ensuring freedom for all. According to Nordstrom, these two entities must remain separate, as the practice of freedom and religion are deeply ingrained in our society. He emphasizes that everyone should be allowed to practice their faith without any discrimination. Regardless of their religion, everyone is welcome in this country.