Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
RSVP: By Wednesday, September 18 to clarkeforum@dickinson.edu. Space is limited. More information will be sent once we receive your RSVP.
The question of whether the United States is a Christian nation has long been contested. The First Amendment guarantees that Congress cannot establish a religion, nor restrict religious practices, positing the U.S. as a secular nation. However, foundational documents of America’s government contain multiple references to God and Christian beliefs.
Proponents of the idea that America is a Christian nation often point to phrases such as “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance or the national motto of “In God we trust” as proof that the U.S. was established as a Christian nation. They also point to the Declaration of Independence, where “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” and a “Creator” are mentioned.
In modern times, Christian ideologies continue to influence American politics. Many Christian nationalists argue for laws based on the scripture of the Bible, particularly in contentious topics such as homosexuality and abortion. Critics argue that these positions lack a legal basis, as they violate the idea of separation of church and state, and risk infringing on the rights of religious minorities.
Ultimately, while Christianity has shaped the creation of this nation, the principle of freedom of religion is still enshrined within the constitution. This leaves a heavily divisive argument between Christian nationalists and the idea of secularism in the United States government.
This salon will discuss the implications of Christian nationalism concerning the United States government, including its origins, electoral processes, and policymaking.
This discussion will be facilitated by Supasinee Siripun ’27 and Professor of Religion Jodie Vann Ph.D.
Since space is limited, please RSVP to clarkeforum@dickinson.edu by Feb. 28
Required Reading:
1. “Christian nationalism,” Britannica at www.britannica.com/topic/Christian-nationalism
2. “How Christianity transformed the US and its politics,” from Australian Broadcasting Company News In-depth at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYgBKZCD6Ds (7:47 video, Closed Captioning provided)
3. “White Protestants and Catholics support Trump, but voters in other U.S. religious groups prefer Harris,” Pew Research Center at https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/09/white-protestants-and-catholics-support-trump-but-voters-in-other-us-religious-groups-prefer-harris/
4. “Is America a Christian nation? Yes and no.”, Washington Post at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/03/america-christian-founders-natural-law/
5. “Trump to create religious office in White House, target ‘anti-Christian bias,’” Reuters at https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-will-sign-order-targeting-anti-christian-bias-2025-02-06/
Recommended Materials:
- “45% of Americans Say U.S. Should Be a ‘Christian Nation’” Pew Research Center at www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/45-of-americans-say-u-s-should-be-a-christian-nation/
- “Faith on the Hill,” Pew Research Center at www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/01/02/faith-on-the-hill-2025/
- “Trump Promises to Bring About a New Era of Christian Power,” New York Times at www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/trump-christian-religion.html
(Available through free school subscription)
- “Facts and Case Summary – Engel v. Vitale,” United States Courts at www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/engel-v-vitale/facts-and-case-summary-engel-v-vitale