Congressman Jared Huffman is releasing a book titled “No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism” in which he contends that Christian nationalism represents a major political threat to the United States. Huffman, a California-based representative and the only current member of Congress who identifies as a non-believer, argues that the movement poses greater risks to science, education, and freedom than many Americans realize.
Huffman’s perspective on this issue stems partly from his personal experience during the January 6 Capitol riot, which he witnessed from a locked office in the building. While the event is widely characterized as a deadly insurrection, Huffman emphasizes the religious symbolism and elements present among participants, including crosses, shofars, and “Appeal to Heaven” flags, along with rioters engaged in prayer. He expresses disappointment that many of his congressional colleagues did not acknowledge or address the religious components of the group that attempted to breach the Capitol.
Huffman grew up in Independence, Missouri, and was ordained into the priesthood of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, now known as the Community of Christ. His faith journey changed during his college years at UC Santa Barbara following his father’s death, which prompted him to reconsider his religious beliefs. He eventually adopted a humanist worldview, which he describes as an affirmative belief system centered on moral and ethical living grounded in science, reason, and facts.
For years, Huffman maintained his secular perspective privately while serving in public office. His public disclosure of his non-believer status came in 2017, following his mother’s death and against the advice of his wife, brother, and political staff, who warned him it could damage his career. He received support from figures including then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Chaplain Father Pat Conroy. Huffman contends that Christian privilege—a cultural phenomenon that shields religious radicalism from scrutiny while subjecting minority and foreign faiths to heightened examination—enabled the religious dimensions of January 6 to remain largely unaddressed in mainstream political discourse and official investigations.
Huffman argues that Christian nationalism has become increasingly prominent within Republican politics while also affecting Democratic circles, as evidenced by resistance he has encountered from some Democratic colleagues regarding his public identification as a non-believer.
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