What is Christian Nationalism?

A curated list of essential books, podcasts, and documentaries to help readers understand the threat of Christian Nationalism in Idaho and beyond.

When I was recently asked on the City Cast Boise podcast to define Christian Nationalism, I paused. It’s not that I didn’t have an answer — it’s that the answer isn’t simple. The term gets used frequently in media and political commentary, but it can mean different things depending on who is using it. What’s clear, though, is that Christian Nationalism is playing an increasingly visible role in American politics. And here in Idaho, it’s working its way into the Idaho Republican platform and legislation.

To help clarify what Christian Nationalism is, and why it matters, I’ve compiled a short list of resources. These include books, podcasts, articles, and documentaries by experts who have spent years studying this intersection of religion, politics, and power. These voices offer necessary context, historic perspective, and practical insight into a movement that’s growing louder in school board meetings, state legislatures, and national political platforms alike.

Rev. Benjamin Cremer’s Toolkit on Christian Nationalism

https://benjamin-cremer.kit.com/posts

Benjamin Cremer is a former Boise pastor and now one of the country’s clearest, most consistent voices opposing the rise of Christian Nationalism. His curated toolkit is a must-read for anyone trying to understand the scope and strategy behind the movement. He brings both theological and civic insight into the conversation, carefully distinguishing Christian faith from political ideology wrapped in religious language.

Cremer’s work is especially helpful for Idaho readers, as he roots his analysis in real examples from the Northwest and ties them to national movements. His toolkit includes articles, videos, and interviews that break down how Christian Nationalism uses fear, identity politics, and selective biblical references to push authoritarian ideas under the banner of faith.

“The Violent Take It by Force” by Dr. Matthew D. Taylor

https://icjs.org/the-violent-take-it-by-force/

Dr. Matthew D. Taylor’s book provides a well-researched account of how a militant, often apocalyptic form of Christianity has gained traction in American political discourse. The title itself reflects a chilling reality: some political leaders and activists are not merely invoking faith — they are weaponizing it. Taylor traces the theological roots of these ideas, showing how fringe beliefs about spiritual warfare and divine authority have merged with right-wing politics.

What makes this book especially compelling is its focus on narrative power. Taylor explores how stories — about good versus evil, chosen leaders, and divine destiny — are used to justify political extremism. For readers trying to make sense of why some Idaho politicians are leaning into conspiratorial or messianic rhetoric, this book offers a clear framework.

“Bad Faith” Documentary

https://www.badfaithdocumentary.com/

This documentary cuts through political spin and media noise by showing the real-world consequences of Christian Nationalism. “Bad Faith” documents how the ideology shows up in school policies, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and efforts to rewrite the nation’s founding narrative to fit a rigid theological worldview. The film features interviews with pastors, journalists, and former insiders who speak candidly about the movement’s goals.

For those who learn better through visual storytelling, “Bad Faith” is a strong entry point. It connects ideology to lived experience and helps viewers understand that this isn't just about culture wars or symbolism — it's about structural change and long-term influence.

Straight White American Jesus Podcast and Brad Onishi’s Work

https://www.bradonishi.com/podcast/
https://www.bradonishi.com/books/

Brad Onishi brings an insider’s perspective to the rise of Christian Nationalism, because he once believed in it. A former evangelical minister turned scholar of religion and politics, Onishi has spent the past decade unpacking how the movement gained power, where it came from, and why it’s so resilient. His 2023 book, Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism—and What Comes Next, is one of the most compelling and accessible primers available today. It traces the origins of Christian Nationalism through desegregation, the Moral Majority, and the Religious Right, and connects it directly to today’s political violence, conspiratorial thinking, and authoritarian rhetoric.

Onishi’s podcast, Straight White American Jesus, extends that work in real time, analyzing political events, cultural shifts, and religious narratives as they unfold. What sets him apart is not just his scholarship, but his clarity. He writes and speaks with the urgency of someone who’s been on the inside and now wants to warn others. For readers trying to understand how we got here, and what’s likely to come next, Onishi’s work is essential.

Amanda Tyler and Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Book: How to End Christian Nationalism
Website: https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/

Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, brings a faith-based opposition to Christian Nationalism rooted in constitutional values and the true spirit of religious freedom. Her book How to End Christian Nationalism is a practical guide that not only explains the problem, but also offers steps people of faith can take to push back.

Tyler’s organization, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, represents a growing coalition of believers who reject the co-opting of their religion for political gain. Their message is simple: Christian faith does not require political dominance. This is a critical distinction in states like Idaho, where too many candidates are using the label of Christianity to justify policies that marginalize others.

“Extremely American” Podcast by Heath Druzin

https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/podcast/extremely-american

Heath Druzin’s Extremely American podcast offers clear, well-reported stories about how political extremism is gaining ground across the country. With a focus on Idaho and the West, Druzin tracks the rise of Christian Nationalist figures and the movements backing them. His reporting is measured, detailed, and grounded in local context.

Rather than leaning on headlines or outrage, Druzin highlights the slow shifts happening in school boards, city councils, and state legislatures. For anyone trying to understand how extremist ideas are becoming part of everyday politics, Extremely American is a smart and important listen.

I had the chance to interview Heath for Political Potatoes, and his insights into the connection between far-right religious movements and political strategy were some of the clearest I’ve encountered. That’s why I’m excited to announce that Heath Druzin will be giving a presentation on Christian Nationalism at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls on June 19, 2025. The event is sponsored by Idaho Solutions, Mormon Women for Ethical Government and Boise State Public Radio. If you want to hear directly from someone who’s spent years covering this subject from the ground up, mark your calendar.

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About the Author
Gregory Graf is the creator of Political Potatoes and a lifelong conservative Republican. His articles often criticize the hypocrisy committed by far-right grifters who’ve taken control of the GOP. Graf is the CEO of Snake River Strategies, a strategic communications and political consulting firm based in Eagle, Idaho. You can follow Graf’s work on X, Threads, or Facebook.

Disclaimer
The following is intended to convey an opinion on newsworthy events of public concern regarding public figures and/or public officials in exercising their official duties. No implications or inferences—beyond those explicitly stated in the preceding— are intended to be conveyed or endorsed by the Author. Wherever available, hyperlinks have been provided to allow readers to directly access any underlying assertions of fact upon which this opinion is based.

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