📘 Lexicon Entry: Christianism

Short Definition
A political-theological framework that transforms Christianity from a theological tradition into an ideological movement deploying religious symbols for nationalist and populist political agendas.
Definition
A political-theological framework that transforms Christianity from a theological tradition centered on Christ’s example into an ideological movement that systematically deploys religious symbols, language, and identity markers to advance nationalist, populist, and identity-based political agendas while functionally departing from core Christian commitments.
Category
Primary Concept
Keywords
political theology, Christian nationalism, religious ideology, cultural Christianity, identity politics, theological mutation
Citation Guide
Uffman, Craig. “Christianism.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Position
Christianity functions as a theological framework centered on Christ’s example, with faith and practice integrated
Primary allegiance to God’s kingdom above all human institutions
Religious identity rooted in discipleship rather than cultural markers
Political engagement guided by Christian ethics rather than partisan loyalty
Mutated Position
Christianity becomes primarily a cultural-political identity marker
Verbal affirmation of Christ while operating by different principles
Fusion of religious identity with national, racial, and political identities
Religious symbols deployed for political mobilization and legitimation
Key Characteristics
Systematic deployment of religious language for political purposes
Maintenance of Christian verbal affirmations while operating by contradictory principles
Identity fusion across religious, racial, national, and political lines
Boundary maintenance through insider/outsider distinctions
Moral compartmentalization applying different standards to allies versus opponents
Historical Development
Has deeper historical roots than commonly recognized, appearing in 19th century religious texts
Follows linguistic patterns similar to "Islamism," signifying transformation of religion into ideology
Popularized by Andrew Sullivan in 2006 Time magazine article "My Problem with Christianism"
Integrated into academic frameworks by Rogers Brubaker and others
Emerged during period of multiple systemic disruptions: racial restructuring, gender system reconfiguration, technological disruption, and economic transformation
Theological Foundations
Rooted in theological mutations that separate verbal affirmation from lived practice
Draws on Civil Religion traditions that sacralize national identity
Incorporates Reformed and Evangelical theological language while departing from core commitments
Reflects influence of Carl Schmitt’s friend/enemy political theology
Biblical Foundation
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father" (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus’s rejection of political messiahship and statement "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36)
Prophetic tradition’s critique of false worship and idolatry
Contemporary Expression
Religious institutions serving as political mobilization networks rather than spiritual communities
Political movements using Christian symbols and language for partisan advantage
Cultural identity formations that fuse religious, racial, and national markers
Media ecosystems amplifying religious-political messaging for audience engagement
Sociopolitical Context
Emerged during multiple systemic disruptions creating conditions for theological mutation
Reflects broader patterns of identity fusion across religious, racial, national, and political lines
Functions through religious institutions, political movements, and media ecosystems
Cultural Impact
Transforms Christianity from discipleship tradition into cultural-political identity marker
Creates moral compartmentalization that applies different standards to political allies versus opponents
Contributes to polarization by sacralizing political differences
Academic Research
Political Theology (Paul Kahn): Christianism as sacralization of nation-state through sacrifice and sovereign will
Practical Atheism (Stanley Hauerwas): Maintaining formal affirmations while operating by non-Christian principles
Relational Distortion (Douglas A. Campbell): Contractual rather than participatory frameworks of faith
Cultural Christianity (Luke Bretherton): Reflection of co-option, commodification, and competition
Binary Politics (Carl Schmitt): Friend/enemy distinctions as primary mode of political engagement
Path Navigation
Contemporary Movements: Christian Nationalism, Identity Synthesis
Theological Alternatives: Being With, Counter-Imperial, Servant Power
Historical Context: Civil Religion, Cotton Evangelicalism, Covenant Theology
Last Updated
May 21, 2025
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*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*
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