Liberty for Us, Limits for Them: Christian Nationalism and Americans’ Views on Citizens’ Rights

Abstract Americans are often split along partisan and religious lines regarding which claims they consider “rights,” as well as which of these rights they prioritize over others. Beyond standard political and religious characteristics, we propose that a pervasive ideology that centers conservative religious ethno-culture within America’s deep story and future—Christian nationalism—plays a central role in shaping how Americans evaluate “rights.” Analyses drawn from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults show Christian nationalism is a leading predictor that Americans prioritize gun rights, religious freedom, and states’ rights, but deprioritize freedom of speech, the press, right to a speedy and fair trial, and protection from unlawful searches or seizures. Further analyses indicate Christian nationalism is the strongest predictor that Americans view voting as a privilege, not a right. Findings suggest Christian nationalism may incline Americans to support rights more suited to the continuance of the current social order and maintenance of power structures, while also making them less likely to support rights traditionally associated with challenging these structures.