Congressman Jared Huffman has released a new book titled “No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism,” in which he argues that a Christian nationalist movement poses the country’s most significant political danger. Huffman contends that the United States has overlooked this threat, which he describes as a “Bible-sized blind spot,” and asserts that the movement has intensified following recent political developments.
Huffman, 62, represents California and is the only sitting member of Congress to publicly acknowledge he does not hold religious beliefs. He grew up in Independence, Missouri, as a devout member of the Community of Christ and was ordained into its priesthood. His faith began to waver during his college years following his father’s death, leading him to eventually adopt what he describes as a humanist worldview. He explains that humanism represents an affirmative expression of moral living grounded in science, reason, and facts rather than religious doctrine.
For much of his political career, Huffman kept his secular perspective private. He decided to publicly disclose his non-belief in 2017, following his mother’s death and amid what he perceived as increasing religious extremism in government. Despite warnings from colleagues, family members, and political advisers that the disclosure could damage his career, he proceeded. He received support from figures including then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and founded the Congressional Freethought Caucus with Congressman Jamie Raskin.
Huffman points to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack as a key moment illustrating the movement’s visibility, noting that religious symbols and expressions were prominently displayed during the event. He argues that many members of Congress failed to recognize or acknowledge the religious dimensions of that day’s events. He also contends that Christian nationalism was deliberately omitted from the final report of the House select committee investigating January 6, representing what he characterizes as a significant political cover-up. Huffman defines “Christian privilege” as a cultural protection that shields domestic religious movements from scrutiny more readily applied to minority or foreign faiths.
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