In recent times, conversations about identity, nationhood, faith, and belonging have become increasingly charged.
At times like this, where assumptions are easy to make, we are seeking to understand what Christian nationalism actually is – and what it isn’t. What is driving the rise of nationalist movements and rallies? Where does Christianity fit into all this?
Using extensive polling and analysis, we are investigating the intersection of Christianity and national identity across the UK and Europe.
Behind the headlines and social media outrage, lies a picture that is far more nuanced than public debate would have us believe.
About the project
This is a two–year project researching, analysing, and appraising the rise of Christian nationalism worldwide.
Building on existing academic work, and developing new quantitative and qualitative research, the project will seek to answer a number of interlinked questions concerning this important and growing phenomenon The research will cover the UK and up to seven other countries, integrating primary and secondary studies, including polling, interviews, and evaluation of media, social media, campaigns, rallies and manifestos.
Reports
Beyond “Christian nationalism”: Measuring attitudes to Christianity and Britishness today
In–depth
Christian Nationalism: an explainer – What is Christian nationalism?
How big is Christian Nationalism in the UK? – Our preliminary findings from polling and analysis.
Brexit 10 years on: What does it mean to be British today? – What people in the UK believe is important when they think about British identity.
In brief
On Nationalism: are you proud of Britain? (You really should be)
Frame or picture? What we saw at Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom Carol Service
“Christ, Culture, Country”: Unfurling the Flags of the Unite the Kingdom Rally
Podcasts
What can the history of nationalism tell us about the future? In conversation with Eric Storm
What is (American) Christian nationalism? In conversation with Andrew Whitehead
How do politicians weaponise Christianity? In conversation with Tobias Cremer
How is Buddhist nationalism transforming Asia? In conversation with Sonia Faleiro
How does the Far Right weaponise the Bible? In conversation with Hannah Strømmen
Is this the end of woke? In conversation with Andrew Doyle
What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
Media
“Put the Christ back in Christmas” BBC Radio 4
Tommy Robinson says he found Jesus in prison. Churches disagree about how to respond The Guardian
We want to listen to your concerns, Christians tell ‘Unite the Kingdom’ marchers the Church Times
Church Going, with Giles Fraser BBC Radio 4
From black–clad agitators to an appeal for ‘Tommo’s Mum’: an unsettling week with the Patriot Platform The Guardian
About the Theos/RED C research
Data integrity is critical to our research. If you’re interested in this, you can find our Methodology, Panel Integrity and Data Quality Explainer here.
Download the data tables here.
Mailing list
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This research is led by Nick Spencer and undertaken by Yinxuan Huang, George Lapshynov, Hannah Rich, Nathan Mladin, and Coco Huggins. It is funded by The Ideas Workshop which is part of Open Society Foundations.
