American Babylon: Christianity and Democracy Before and After Trump

81 percent of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump in 2016 due to the capture of evangelical Christianity by the Republican Party and the embrace between white Christian nationalists and right-wing populists. This book explores the relationship between Christianity and democracy in the United States and denounces the fateful embrace between white Christian nationalists and right-wing populists that culminated in Trump's victory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the 2016 United States presidential election, a significant portion of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, a surprising outcome given the traditional alignment between Christianity and democratic values. This paper explores the reasons behind this vote and its implications for the relationship between Christianity and democracy in the United States.

White evangelicals have historically been a politically conservative group, with a strong belief in traditional Christian values and a strong support for the Republican Party. However, in the 2016 election, a significant number of white evangelicals voted for Trump, despite his controversial and divisive rhetoric and policies.

One reason for this vote is the perception that Trump was a candidate who would protect traditional Christian values, such as the sanctity of life and the traditional family. Many white evangelicals believed that Trump's policies, such as his opposition to abortion and his support for religious freedom, would align with their religious beliefs and values.

Another reason for this vote is the perception that Trump would bring about economic prosperity and job creation, which many white evangelicals saw as a priority for the country. They believed that Trump's policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, would lead to economic growth and job creation, which would benefit them and their families.

However, the vote for Trump also had significant implications for the relationship between Christianity and democracy in the United States. Many Christians believe that democracy is a fundamental value that is rooted in the Christian belief in the importance of individual freedom and human dignity. They believe that democracy allows for the expression of diverse opinions and values and that it is essential for the development of a just and equitable society.

The vote for Trump, however, suggests that some white evangelicals are willing to prioritize their religious beliefs and values over democratic principles. This raises concerns about the potential for religious discrimination and the erosion of democratic values in the United States.

Furthermore, the embrace of white Christian nationalists and right-wing populists by some white evangelicals has also had significant implications for the relationship between Christianity and democracy. These groups have often promoted a narrative of Christian persecution and a desire to return to a Christian-dominated society, which is at odds with the values of democracy and pluralism.

In conclusion, the vote for Donald Trump by a significant portion of white evangelicals in the 2016 election has significant implications for the relationship between Christianity and democracy in the United States. While some white evangelicals voted for Trump because they believed that his policies would align with their religious beliefs and values, others prioritized their economic interests and political ideology over democratic principles. This vote raises concerns about the potential for religious discrimination and the erosion of democratic values in the United States. It is essential for Christians to continue to engage in dialogue and debate about the relationship between their faith and democratic principles and to work towards promoting a society that is rooted in the values of democracy and pluralism.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367496562