Is America a Christian nation?
The United States is a secular nation with no official religion, so the answer is No. But to Republicans such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, simplifying the answer to a Yes is a powerful tool. They’ve found a political gold mine in pitting Christians against the so-called evils of the left, gay and transgender people and teachers accused of pushing a “woke” agenda.
DeSantis’ flirting with Christian nationalism — the belief that America is in God’s plan and was intended to be a Christian nation — is not new in GOP politics. But it shows where the governor’s mind is. Elected in 2018 by a razor-thin margin in a state long considered purple — Florida has become redder, but it isn’t Mississippi, yet — he appears more concerned with 2024 GOP presidential primary voters. He’s not losing any sleep over alienating middle-of-the-road voters in his state.
But there’s something else to which the other side of the aisle should pay attention.