Christian right: Trump’s building a new MAGA religious movement | Vox

A New Religious Movement

This article analyzes the evolution of the religious right under Donald Trump's leadership, highlighting its departure from traditional Christian nationalism. It argues that Trump's MAGA movement has created a new religious right where the church is subservient to American nationalism, rather than the state conforming to religious principles.

Church-State Relations

The article draws parallels between this new religious movement and the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin, emphasizing the manipulation of religious institutions for political gain. It contrasts this with previous administrations' approaches, which involved faith-based organizations collaborating with the government on various issues. Trump's abolition of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the establishment of a Religious Liberty Commission are presented as key examples of this shift.

The Religious Liberty Commission

The composition of Trump's Religious Liberty Commission is examined, noting the absence of mainline Protestant representation and the dominance of evangelicals, conservative Catholics, and other groups. This is interpreted as reflecting a shift away from the previously dominant mainline Protestant influence in American civic religion.

• The commission's makeup highlights the inclusion of individuals with diverse religious backgrounds but unified by a shared sense of cultural siege.
• The lack of mainline Protestants is attributed to their progressive leanings, but also suggests a prioritization of political alignment over theological similarity.

The article argues that this new coalition is motivated by a shared sense of cultural threat related to gender, sexuality, and race, and that their objective is not a return to a previous state of society but rather a radical transformation of American life.

The New American Religion

The article further explores the tenets of this new religious movement, citing examples like the justification of Trump's behavior by evangelical leaders, portraying him as a messianic figure sent to save America. The inclusion of Ismail Royer, a former convict with ties to a terrorist organization, is highlighted as an unconventional member of the commission, illustrating the movement's focus on political utility over theological coherence.

• The defense of Trump's actions is framed as politically motivated rather than religiously grounded.
• The case of Ismail Royer demonstrates a prioritization of political alignment over traditional religious values.

The article emphasizes the movement's diminished focus on the afterlife and its emphasis on national power and fertility, drawing comparisons to the Roman Imperial Cult.

Combating the New Movement

Finally, the article argues that traditional methods of countering the religious right will not be effective against this new movement. It suggests that appealing to theological humility or conscience will not work and that focusing on the political utility of the movement is crucial. The conclusion suggests a potential for forming unexpected alliances with traditionalist conservative believers who may be equally concerned by some of MAGA's agendas.