Christian Nationalism and Modern Antisemitism

This is the ninth part of a series on Christianity and the history of antisemitism. While we are often reminded to “Never forget,” many of us were never taught this history. Understanding the legacy of Christian nationalism and its role in shaping antisemitic attitudes is crucial in recognizing when the Church uses its power to harm marginalized groups—and in taking action. Addressing Christian nationalism’s ongoing influence can help foster genuine interfaith reconciliation and prevent history from repeating itself.

Throughout history, Christian antisemitism has fueled discrimination, violence, and exclusion, from early Church doctrine to the horrors of the Holocaust. Despite Vatican II and various Protestant reforms, antisemitic attitudes persisted in Christian societies long after World War II. Today, Christian nationalism has emerged as a significant force in the U.S. and beyond, often fueling conspiracy theories, political extremism, and religious intolerance. While many Christian institutions have distanced themselves from historical antisemitism, elements within Christian nationalist movements continue to promote antisemitic ideas, sometimes disguised as political rhetoric, theological resistance to reconciliation, or conspiracy theories.

The Rise of Christian Nationalism in the 21st Century

Christian nationalism is a political ideology that merges religious identity with national identity, claiming that a nation must be governed by Christian values to fulfill its divine purpose. This ideology has gained increasing influence in the United States, Europe, and parts of Latin America and Eastern Europe, where it is often associated with far-right politics and hostility toward religious minorities, including Jews.

The core beliefs of Christian nationalism include the notion that a country was founded as a Christian state and must return to biblical principles. Nationalists often resist secular governance, multiculturalism, and interfaith cooperation while promoting authoritarian leadership that embraces theocratic policies. Scapegoating minorities, including Jews, immigrants, and Muslims, is a common tactic used to explain societal decline.

In the United States, Christian nationalism has been linked to the “Replacement Theory” conspiracy—the belief that Jews and immigrants are working to “replace” white Christians in America. Antisemitic symbols and rhetoric have appeared in political movements, including during the January 6th Capitol Riot, where some participants displayed Nazi and antisemitic slogans. Certain political leaders also embrace Christian nationalist rhetoric, using Christian identity to justify discrimination and endorse antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Similar movements exist in Europe, where Christian nationalism has merged with far-right politics and antisemitic historical revisionism. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán promotes the idea that “globalist elites” (often a coded reference to Jews) are trying to destroy Christian Europe. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church has supported nationalist movements that blame Jews for Bolshevism and modern liberalism. While Christian nationalism claims to defend religious values, it often promotes antisemitic, xenophobic, and authoritarian ideologies.

How Christian Nationalism Fuels Modern Antisemitism

Christian nationalism has revived old antisemitic tropes, repackaging them for modern audiences.

One of the most prominent narratives is the “Globalist Elite” myth, which blames wealthy Jewish figures like George Soros for funding immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and social change. This echoes medieval Christian accusations that Jews manipulated world events for their benefit. Similarly, some Christian nationalist groups claim that Jews control banks, media, and governments, reviving the discredited Protocols of the Elders of Zion and influencing radical Christian militia groups and far-right movements.

Another theme is the “Christian Persecution” narrative, in which Christian nationalists claim that Jews are working to undermine Christianity. This mirrors medieval accusations that Jews conspired against Christian societies. Some preachers warn of an “anti-Christian Jewish agenda,” framing secularism and progressive policies as Jewish conspiracies.

Christian nationalism is also intertwined with white supremacy, particularly in movements like “Christian Identity,” an extremist theology that claims white Europeans are the true descendants of Israel while Jews are the offspring of Satan (a belief called “Serpent Seed Theology”). These beliefs fuel violent extremism, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish communities.

The Intersection of Christian Zionism and Antisemitism

Christian Zionism is a belief held by many evangelical Christians that the modern state of Israel fulfills biblical prophecy and must be supported for the Second Coming of Christ. While Christian Zionists advocate for Israel, their motivations are often rooted in apocalyptic theology rather than genuine respect for Judaism.

Christian Zionism can reinforce antisemitism in several ways. Many Christian Zionists view Jews as instruments of prophecy rather than a people with a sovereign right to self-determination. They support Israel not out of solidarity but to fulfill end-times prophecy, in which Jews must convert or be destroyed. Some believe that Judaism is incomplete and that Jews must eventually accept Jesus. Furthermore, Jews who oppose Christian Zionist theology are sometimes accused of rejecting God’s plan or being tools of Satan.

Christian Zionist influence on U.S. foreign policy has shaped strong American support for Israel, but their views often reject peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians, believing conflict is necessary for prophecy. They encourage Jewish immigration to Israel while simultaneously rejecting Jewish inclusion in Western societies. Many also promote missionary activity among Jews, reinforcing old conversion pressures. While Christian Zionism claims to be pro-Jewish, it is often a theological repackaging of supersessionism rather than true acceptance of Jewish identity.

Theological Resistance to Jewish-Christian Reconciliation

Despite progress in Catholic and Protestant circles, some Christian groups continue to reject reconciliation with Jews, reinforcing antisemitic theological interpretations.

Many conservative Christian leaders still teach that Judaism is obsolete and that Jews must convert to be saved. Some Protestant fundamentalists argue that Catholic and liberal Protestant efforts at reconciliation betray Christian truth. In the Catholic Church, traditionalist groups such as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) openly reject Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate, which repudiated the charge of Jewish deicide. Some Catholic theologians continue to argue that Jewish suffering is divine punishment, echoing medieval interpretations.

Eastern Orthodox resistance to Jewish-Christian reconciliation has also been strong. In Russia and the Balkans, the Eastern Orthodox Church has largely avoided addressing Christian antisemitism, and some Orthodox clergy continue to spread antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle Against Christian Nationalist Antisemitism

Christian nationalism has revived old antisemitic tropes, blending them with modern political extremism. Conspiracy theories about Jewish control persist in Christian nationalist circles. Christian Zionism often reinforces antisemitic ideas rather than combating them. Traditionalist Christian groups continue to resist Jewish-Christian reconciliation.

While some Christian institutions have made progress, Christian nationalism remains a serious threat, requiring continued efforts to confront and dismantle antisemitic beliefs within Christian communities. Combating Christian nationalism’s impact on antisemitism involves a multi-pronged approach, including education, interfaith dialogue, and confronting conspiracy theories that fuel hatred. As Christian nationalism continues to influence politics, law, and religious institutions, recognizing its dangers is essential in the ongoing fight against antisemitism.