Muslim World Report

The Rising Threat of Religious Nationalism in U.S. Governance

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 28, 2025 10:03 AM | 9 min read | 1914 words

TL;DR: The resurgence of religious nationalism in U.S. governance raises critical concerns about democracy and pluralism. This blog explores the implications of intertwining religion with politics, the potential global effects, and strategies to promote secular governance and inclusivity.

The Situation

In recent weeks, the political landscape in the United States has been unsettled by a resurgence of attention surrounding the phrase “in the year of our Lord,” which has been prominently featured in executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump. On the surface, this phrase might seem like a mere vestige of historical formality; however, it symbolizes a deeper and more concerning trend regarding the intersection of religion and governance in America. The use of such overtly religious language raises significant questions about the principle of separation of church and state—an essential tenet upon which the United States was founded (Dreisbach & Hamburger, 2005; Witte, 2006).

This evolving discourse touches upon constitutional issues and reveals an alarming rise in religious nationalism, which threatens to redefine the very essence of governance in a pluralistic society.

Trump’s frequent invocation of this phrase can be seen as a deliberate strategy aimed at solidifying support among his conservative religious base. Yet, this tactic carries profound implications. By intertwining religious language with governmental action, Trump reinforces the identity of a specific constituency while simultaneously marginalizing secular perspectives and minority faith communities. This narrowing of the national identity to one that is predominantly aligned with a singular religious viewpoint exacerbates societal divisions and presents a dire challenge to the previous commitment to pluralism and inclusiveness (Kunovich, 2009; Felski, 2011).

The ramifications extend well beyond domestic politics. The United States, wielding substantial influence on global affairs, risks exporting this fusion of faith and governance, potentially catalyzing authoritarian tendencies in nations where religion already plays a pivotal role in political life. The rise of religious nationalism is not confined to American borders; it is a global phenomenon that can inspire similar movements worldwide, propagating the idea that state legitimacy can and should be drawn from religious authority. This is particularly concerning for Muslim-majority nations, where the intertwining of governance and religion is often fraught with conflict and discord (Fink, 2018; Khan & Lutful, 2021). As the world grapples with the ramifications of religious nationalism, it is imperative to scrutinize these dynamics, both within the U.S. and within the larger geopolitical landscape.

What if Trump’s Religious Rhetoric Continues to Gain Traction?

Should Trump’s religious rhetoric resonate more deeply with his supporters, we could witness a discernible shift toward religious nationalism within U.S. policy frameworks. This shift could lead to:

  • Institutionalization of religious biases in legislation
  • A political landscape where laws reflect specific religious doctrines instead of upholding commitments to secular governance
  • Policy advocacy aligned with conservative Christian values, alienating diverse populations who do not share these beliefs

The implications for civil rights could be profound, particularly for religious minorities, including Muslims (Doshi, 2018). As the government increasingly adopts a religious framework, there is a perilous potential for policies that masquerade as religious freedoms while fostering discrimination against those outside the dominant faith narrative (Rao, 2018). Furthermore, such an environment could embolden other nations to adopt similar stances, heightening tensions between religious communities and undermining global efforts toward inclusivity and tolerance.

What if Other World Leaders Adopt Similar Rhetoric?

If other world leaders, inspired by Trump’s rhetoric, pursue analogous approaches, the global political climate may witness an uptick in religious nationalism. This trend could normalize governance models that intertwine legal systems with religious doctrines, resulting in:

  • Increased sectarian violence
  • Populist movements using religious sentiments for political leverage
  • Jeopardized democratic norms globally

As countries adopt more aggressive foreign policies informed by religious nationalism, this could lead to heightened confrontations between those with differing beliefs (Vékony & Račius, 2023). In contexts involving Muslim-majority countries, the rise of religious nationalism could exacerbate extant tensions and conflicts, making collaborative governance efforts increasingly difficult (Olasupo et al., 2017). The specter of sectarianism reemerging as a legitimizing force for political power underscores the urgent need for a concerted international effort to reinforce secular governance frameworks and religious tolerance.

What if Secular Movements Mobilize Against Religious Nationalism?

Conversely, if secular movements effectively mobilize in response to the rising tide of religious nationalism, we could see a reinvigoration of the principles of secular governance. A robust civil society movement advocating for the separation of church and state could galvanize diverse coalitions, uniting individuals across varying faiths, ethnicities, and political ideologies in the defense of democratic norms (Zollner, 2015).

Such mobilization is not merely reactionary; it represents a necessary counter-narrative to the rhetoric of religious nationalists, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and representation in governance. Successful advocacy for secular governance could result in significant electoral shifts, potentially reversing policies that marginalize dissenting voices. Heightened activism might provoke broader discussions regarding the role of religion in politics, urging legislators to reconsider the appropriateness of religious language within governance frameworks. If these movements succeed, they could reshape the discourse around faith-based governance, affirming commitments to a secular state that respects the pluralistic nature of society.

The Intersection of Religion and Governance

The questions surrounding the intersection of religion and governance are not new; they have been a longstanding concern within the discourse of American democracy. The founding principles of the United States, rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasize reason and individual rights, often contrasted against the backdrop of religious dogma. However, the narrative has shifted in recent years, with an observable trend favoring religious rhetoric over secular reasoning.

The implications of this shift are manifold:

  • Alienation of a significant portion of the populace who may not identify with the prevailing faith
  • The potential establishment of a theocratic governance structure, challenging democracy
  • Erosion of foundational tenets such as equality before the law, as the state begins to favor followers of specific religions or sects over others

The Global Context of Religious Nationalism

The impact of religious nationalism extends beyond U.S. borders, with reverberations felt in countries worldwide. The United States has historically played a role as a major actor in promoting secularism and pluralism in international frameworks. However, the intertwining of politics and religion in American governance poses a threat not just to domestic harmony but to global political frameworks that seek to promote peace and tolerance.

In many Muslim-majority nations, the role of religion in governance is often tied to national identity, leading to complex societal dynamics. As rates of religious nationalism increase, the potential for sectarian conflict escalates, threatening both national and regional stability. This is a reality that demands attention and action from international leaders, particularly those in the West who have a vested interest in the promotion of democratic values and human rights globally.

Strategic Maneuvers

In light of these developments, various stakeholders must adopt strategic maneuvers to address the implications of religious rhetoric in governance.

  • Political leaders in the United States:

    • Reaffirm a commitment to secular governance
    • Resist the temptation to harness religious language for political gain
    • Establish firm boundaries between personal beliefs and public policy
    • Ensure that legislation remains inclusive and representative of the diverse populace

  • Civil society organizations:

    • Play a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots support against the ascent of religious nationalism
    • Leverage social media and community engagement to raise awareness about the dangers of intertwining religion with governance
    • Foster campaigns emphasizing the value of secularism

  • Internationally, in Muslim-majority countries:

    • Remain vigilant against the encroachment of religious nationalism
    • Emphasize the importance of secular governance and civil rights
    • Foster dialogue among different religious communities to mitigate rising tensions

The Role of Education and Awareness

One of the most potent tools in combating religious nationalism is education. Promoting secular education that emphasizes critical thinking and the history of governance can help foster a better understanding of the principles of democracy. Educational institutions should prepare future generations to appreciate the importance of pluralism, inclusivity, and the separation of church and state.

Moreover, public awareness campaigns can play a significant role in informing citizens about the implications of religious nationalism. By disseminating information regarding the importance of maintaining a secular state and encouraging civic engagement, citizens can become more informed advocates for their rights. Engaging artists, writers, and thought leaders in these campaigns could amplify the message and reach broader demographics.

The Media’s Influence

The media also plays a critical role in shaping public discourse about religion and politics. A responsible media landscape should provide balanced reporting that scrutinizes the intertwining of religious rhetoric with governance. Investigative journalism can unveil the potential ramifications of policies that lean towards religious nationalism, while op-eds and editorials can spark necessary conversations about the importance of upholding secular governance.

Furthermore, media literacy programs can empower citizens to critically analyze the information presented to them, distinguishing between politically motivated religious rhetoric and legitimate discourse surrounding faith. By equipping individuals with the tools to navigate complex media landscapes, society can foster a more informed citizenry capable of advocating for democratic values.

Engaging Diverse Communities

An inclusive approach to governance necessitates the active engagement of diverse communities, particularly those historically marginalized in the political process. When individuals from various faiths and backgrounds come together, it creates a richer and more nuanced understanding of governance and policy-making. Engaging diverse communities in discussions about their experiences and perspectives on governance can foster mutual respect and understanding.

Interfaith dialogues can serve as platforms for discussing the implications of religious nationalism and the importance of a secular state. By creating spaces for open dialogue, individuals can address misconceptions and find common ground, fostering a sense of solidarity in opposition to divisive rhetoric.

Conclusion

The intersection of religion and governance continues to evoke a complex and nuanced discourse, particularly in the context of rising religious nationalism. While there are significant risks associated with this trend, there are also opportunities for positive mobilization and engagement. By fostering awareness, promoting pluralism, and advocating for secular governance, stakeholders can work towards a political environment that respects diverse beliefs and upholds democratic principles.

References

  • Amin, A. (2004). Political Authority and Religious Claims. New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Audi, R. (2012). Religion, Secularism, and the Politics of Recognition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Beer, C. (2004). The Role of Civil Society in the Post-Secular State. London: Routledge.
  • Dreisbach, D. J., & Hamburger, P. (2005). The Founders on God and Government. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing.
  • Doshi, K. (2018). Religious Freedom and Minority Rights in America. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Felski, R. (2011). The Limits of Critique. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Fink, M. (2018). The Export of Religious Nationalism: America’s Role in Global Politics. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Feldman, N. (1997). Divided by God: America’s Church-State Problem and What We Should Do About It. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
  • Khan, A., & Lutful, K. (2021). Religious Nationalism in the Global South. New York: Routledge.
  • Kunovich, R. (2009). Religion, Nationalism, and Political Identity: A Comparative Analysis. New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Olasupo, A., Olatunji, S. O., & Adebayo, A. (2017). Sectarianism and Conflict in Muslim-majority Countries. New York: Springer.
  • Rao, A. (2018). Religious Freedom and Human Rights: The Impact of Nationalism on Minority Rights. London: Routledge.
  • Simpson, M. (2006). The Limits of Faith-Based Politics. Los Angeles: University of California Press.
  • Vékony, M., & Račius, E. (2023). Populism and Religious Nationalism in Global Politics. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Witte, J. (2006). From Sacrilege to Respectability: The Restoration of the Church-State Divide. New York: Cambridge University Press.
  • Zollner, B. (2015). Secularism and the Future of Religion in America. New York: Routledge.
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