Theos are starting a new two–year project researching the global rise of Christian Nationalism. 16/10/2025

Theos are pleased to announce a new, 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, including: 

• What is ‘Christian Nationalism’?  

• How does Christian Nationalism differ according to the different national, political, ecclesiological, social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it emerges? 

• What are the demographic, ethnic, socio–economic, and educational characteristics of Christian Nationalism? 

• How far and to what extent do theological ideas form and inform Christian Nationalism? 

• How far and to what extent does Christian Nationalism map onto existing patterns of religious and political commitment? 

• What can be affirmed and what should be critiqued within the different incarnations of Christian Nationalism worldwide? 

• What theological and pastoral resources can be brought to bear on this phenomenon, and, in particular, how should a Christian theology of the nation inform our response? 

These are initial questions, and the project will develop over time. 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. 

The project is being led by Nick Spencer, Theos’ Senior Fellow.  

This project has been made possible by a generous grant from The Ideas Workshop which is part of Open Society Foundations.