A joint study by the Public Religion Research Institute and Johns Hopkins University’s Meanings of Democracy Lab examined attitudes toward Christian nationalism across U.S. states and religious groups, revealing unexpected patterns in how political conservatism and support for Christian nationalism do not necessarily align.
The research found that resistance to Christian nationalism varies significantly by state, ranging from 42% in Arkansas to 80% in Massachusetts, with opposition generally stronger in blue states and weaker in red states. Utah emerged as a notable exception among red states, with 68% of residents resisting Christian nationalism—higher than the national average of 64%. The study distinguished between two forms of resistance: outright rejection and skepticism, with Utah residents more commonly expressing skepticism rather than complete rejection.
When examining attitudes by religious group, Latter-day Saints showed markedly different patterns than white evangelicals despite sharing similar levels of political conservatism and Republican affiliation. Among Latter-day Saints, 49% held negative views toward Christian nationalism, a proportion closer to Black Protestant opposition at 52% than to white evangelical support for such ideas. This divergence suggests that religious identity and historical experience shape perspectives on Christian nationalism independent of political ideology.
Researchers attributed this pattern partly to historical context and contemporary leadership statements. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, promoted a “disagree better” initiative emphasizing peacemaking rooted in his faith teachings. Former Senator Mitt Romney, also Mormon, has consistently advocated for separation of church and state while opposing religious tests for public office. Additionally, groups like Mormon Women for Ethical Government have actively educated communities about Christian nationalism’s implications for both religious institutions and government.
Scholars noted that Latter-day Saints’ historical experience as a persecuted religious minority during the 1800s cultivated skepticism about combining religion and state power, despite efforts over subsequent decades to position the faith as quintessentially American. This historical memory appears to inform contemporary Latter-day Saint reservations about Christian nationalist frameworks, even when such policies might align with their conservative policy preferences.
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