Work

Christian nationalism divided: Exploring the transferability of an American concept to a secularized Nordic multi-party democracy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Christian nationalism (CN) has emerged as a significant concept in discussions concerning politics and religion in the United States. While the relevance of the concept has been much discussed in American sociology of religion, its applicability to other contexts remains unexplored. We aim to address this gap by examining the transferability of CN to European contexts. Using a representative survey from Finland, we refine the measurement proposed in the American discussions of CN. We explore the relationship between CN and attitudes towards religious pluralism and show that while CN cannot be applied to the Finnish context unmodified, it nonetheless has explanatory value. We identify two forms of CN: state and identity-oriented CN (SICN) , and culturally diffuse CN (CDCN) . CDCN is associated with positive attitudes towards religious diversity, whereas SICN correlates with negative attitudes towards non-Christians. We argue that in European contexts, CN takes at least these two forms.

Source: Social Compass

DOI: 10.1177/00377686261421044

Authors: Ilkka KOIRANEN, Tuomas ÄYSTÖ, Jere KYYRÖ, Talvikki AHONEN, Titus HJELM

Institutions: University of Turku, University of Helsinki, Åbo Akademi University

Language: English

Topic: Religion and Society Interactions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funders: Helsingin Yliopisto, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Turun Yliopisto, Kulttuurin ja Yhteiskunnan Tutkimuksen Toimikunta