Power in the Blood: How White Christian Nationalism Threatens Democracy — Sam Perry | Oct. 13, 2022

What is white Christian nationalism? When did it emerge? Is it a threat to democracy?

For many, the shocking events on Jan. 6, 2021 were rendered even more shocking by the pervasive Christian images at the scene: impromptu worship sessions, wooden crosses, Christian flags, and a prayer in Jesus' name in the Senate Chamber. But the white Christian nationalism on display at the Capitol is far more mainstream than many realize. And the threat it poses to American democracy is far more serious than many are willing to admit.

Drawing on recent data from nationally representative surveys and experiments, Samuel Perry discusses how white Christian nationalism provides the ideological covering, impetus, and mobilization strategy for the authoritarian movements gaining momentum on the American right.

About the speaker
Samuel Perry (PhD, University of Chicago), is associate professor of sociology at the University of Oklahoma. A dynamic lecturer, Perry has won awards for his teaching and scholarship, and is among the nation’s leading experts on conservative Christianity and American politics, race, sexuality and families.

Along with numerous articles published in leading academic journals, Perry has authored or co-authored four books including "Growing God’s Family" (2017), "Addicted to Lust" (2019), "Taking America Back for God" (2020, co-authored with Andrew Whitehead) and, most recently, "The Flag and The Cross" (2022, co-authored with Philip Gorski).

Perry's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, CNN, NBC News, the American Conservative, and The New Yorker. He is currently working on two books — "Feral Gods: Why We All Need the Scientific Study of Religion" and "The Jigsaw Bible: How Culture Wars and Money Shape Scripture.