Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley made waves this week with a bold endorsement of Christian nationalism during his speech at the National Conservatism Conference on Monday. Speaking to a crowd of conservative thinkers and activists, Hawley didn’t mince words, declaring his support for an ideology that has sparked significant debate in both political and religious circles.

In a nearly 30-minute address, the senator who is running for re-election this November, touched on various themes, but it was his remarks on Christian nationalism that quickly captured attention on social media. In a video clip shared by the National Conservatism X account, Hawley is seen saying, “Some will say now that I am calling America a Christian nation. So I am. And some will say that I am advocating Christian nationalism. And so I do.”

Watch Senator @HawleyMO‘s full plenary address on “The Christian Nationalism We Need” delivered at NatCon 4.

Available here: https://t.co/P5wZHhgy0W pic.twitter.com/DPkQDQqDOW

— National Conservatism (@NatConTalk) July 10, 2024

Hawley went on to argue that “Christian nationalism is not a threat to American democracy” but rather, in his view, it is the foundation upon which American democracy was built. His speech also included critiques of European tribalism and the presence of Pride flags, further solidifying his stance on cultural and religious issues.

What is Christian Nationlism

But what exactly is Christian nationalism? The ideology, as explored in the 2020 Oxford University Press book “Taking America Back for God,” is defined as the belief that the United States is and ought to be a Christian nation. This movement seeks to shape national policies according to Christian principles, advocating for conservative positions on immigration, policing, and gender roles, among other issues.

However, the ideology is not without its critics. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which studies and educates on social justice issues, published findings in 2022 warning of the potential dangers of Christian nationalism. The organization pointed out that this movement could encourage anti-democratic extremism, racism, and hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities, and may have a particularly insidious impact at the local level, influencing elections, school boards, and minority communities.

After his speech, Hawley doubled down on his remarks, sharing photos, clips, and a graphic quote from the speech on his personal and Press Office X accounts.

Straight from Senator Hawley’s keynote speech @NatConTalk –> pic.twitter.com/8H5R81qYyH

— Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) July 9, 2024

As the 2024 election season approaches, Hawley is seeking reelection to his Missouri U.S. Senate seat. He faces potential competition from four Democratic candidates: Lucas Kunce, Karla May, Mita Biswas, and December Harmon, who are vying for the chance to challenge him in November.