Christian nationalism has increasingly become a central theme in American politics and culture, with proponents advocating for the integration of conservative Christian values into government policy and public life. This movement, which envisions a country governed by Christian principles and laws, poses significant challenges for groups championing pluralism and inclusivity—among them, Freemasonry. Rooted in the Enlightenment ideals of religious tolerance, individual liberty, and intellectual freedom, Freemasonry’s principles starkly contrast with the exclusivity often promoted by Christian nationalism. As America grapples with rising Christian nationalist sentiments, Freemasonry may face new challenges and opportunities. This blog post will explore the impacts of Christian nationalism on Freemasonry and outline three possible futures for the organization in the current political and cultural climates.
Christian Nationalism’s Challenge to Pluralism
At its core, Christian nationalism seeks to intertwine American identity with a particular vision of Christianity. This movement has gained momentum recently, particularly among white evangelical Protestants and other conservative Christian groups. According to research by the Pew Research Center, a significant proportion of Christian nationalists believe that the U.S. should base its laws on Christian principles, with some advocating for a more theocratic approach to governance. (Pew Research Center)
Read: Can Modern Freemasonry Survive Under Christian Nationalism?
This contrasts sharply with Freemasonry’s commitment to religious pluralism, allowing individuals from different faiths to work together while maintaining their religious beliefs.
Historically, Freemasonry has been viewed with suspicion by authoritarian and religiously exclusive regimes, such as Nazi Germany and Francoist Spain, where Masonic lodges were banned and persecuted. In these contexts, Freemasonry’s emphasis on secrecy, intellectual freedom, and non-sectarianism was seen as a threat to the state’s ideological control. (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
As Christian nationalism rises, similar dynamics could emerge in the U.S., where Freemasonry might be viewed with suspicion or hostility due to its commitment to inclusivity and its rejection of religious dogmatism.
Impact on Freemasonry’s Public Perception
One of the immediate impacts of Christian nationalism on Freemasonry is likely to be a shift in public perception. Freemasonry has long been the subject of conspiracy theories, often falsely linked to secret globalist agendas, occult practices, and anti-Christian sentiments. These accusations, though baseless, have persisted in certain religious and political circles, particularly among those who see Freemasonry as a threat to traditional Christian values. As Christian nationalism continues to gain influence, these conspiracy theories may be amplified, further marginalizing Freemasonry in public discourse.
Read: Freemasonry Under Nazi Fascism – Historical Context and the Roots of Persecution
Research from the Christian Research Institute highlights how some Christian fundamentalists have historically viewed Freemasonry as incompatible with Christian doctrine, accusing the fraternity of promoting religious relativism and undermining Christian orthodoxy. (Lodge 46).
While Freemasonry is not inherently anti-Christian—many Masons are practicing Christians—the organization’s embrace of members from all faiths has made it a target for those who believe that only Christianity should have a privileged place in society. In a political climate shaped by Christian nationalism, these narratives could gain traction, potentially leading to greater public suspicion of Freemasonry and its members.
Three Possible Futures for Freemasonry in a Christian Nationalist America
Given the current political and cultural climate, three potential futures for Freemasonry in the U.S. under the influence of Christian nationalism can be envisioned.
1. Marginalization and Decline
The first possible future for Freemasonry is one of marginalization and decline. In this scenario, Christian nationalist forces continue to gain political and cultural power, leading to the erosion of religious and philosophical pluralism. Freemasonry, with its inclusive values and international network, is likely incompatible with the vision of a Christian America. As a result, Freemasonry could face legal restrictions, social stigma, and even institutional repression.
Historical examples of Freemasonry’s suppression under authoritarian regimes offer a stark warning of what could happen. For instance, under Nazi Germany, Freemasonry was banned, its lodges were closed, and its members were persecuted. In Spain, the Francoist regime viewed Freemasons as enemies of the state, leading to widespread persecution.
While such extreme measures may not occur in the U.S., Freemasonry could face increased pressure from the government and society, leading to a decline in membership and influence. Additionally, laws favoring religious groups or policies that privilege Christianity in public life could further marginalize Freemasonry, limiting its ability to operate openly.
2. Adaptation and Resistance
A second possible future is one of adaptation and resistance. In this scenario, Freemasonry recognizes the challenges posed by Christian nationalism and adapts its strategies to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. Freemasons could take a more public stance in defense of pluralism, religious freedom, and civil liberties, aligning themselves with other organizations that promote democratic values and resist authoritarianism.
Freemasonry’s history of resilience in the face of persecution offers hope for its ability to adapt to a Christian nationalist America. During the Nazi era, for example, Freemasons formed clandestine lodges and continued their activities in secret, maintaining their commitment to their principles even under extreme repression. (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
In modern times, Freemasonry could leverage digital platforms and international networks to continue its work, even if it faces domestic challenges. By emphasizing its historical contributions to American democracy and its alignment with the principles of the U.S. Constitution, Freemasonry could defend the values that Christian nationalism seeks to undermine.
3. Revival and Expansion
The third possible future is one of revival and expansion. While Christian nationalism poses significant challenges, it could also create opportunities for Freemasonry to grow by offering an alternative vision of America’s future. In this scenario, as Christian nationalism becomes more dominant, there may be a growing backlash from those who oppose its exclusionary values and seek a more inclusive and pluralistic society. Freemasonry, emphasizing tolerance, equality, and intellectual freedom, could become a rallying point for those who resist the imposition of a single religious identity on American governance and culture.
As American society becomes more polarized, Freemasonry could attract new members who see the fraternity as a refuge from the divisiveness of Christian nationalism. By emphasizing its historical role in promoting liberty, fraternity, and social justice, Freemasonry could experience a resurgence, drawing in individuals committed to preserving democratic values in the face of rising authoritarianism. Furthermore, Freemasonry’s international network could provide support and solidarity, helping American lodges navigate the challenges posed by Christian nationalism while maintaining their commitment to global fraternity.
Navigating an Uncertain Future
The rise of Christian nationalism in America presents significant challenges for Freemasonry, a fraternity built on inclusivity, tolerance, and intellectual freedom. As Christian nationalism gains influence in politics and culture, Freemasonry may face increased scrutiny, legal challenges, and social marginalization. However, the organization’s history of resilience in the face of persecution suggests that it can adapt and survive, even in the most challenging of environments.
Whether Freemasonry will experience a period of marginalization, adaptation, or revival depends on various factors, including the trajectory of Christian nationalism, the strength of democratic institutions, and the ability of Freemasons to articulate and defend their values in the public sphere. As America grapples with questions of identity, governance, and religious freedom, Freemasonry’s future remains uncertain but full of possibilities.
