Religious Studies/Politics: Trump, God & The Idea of America as a Christian Nation: Understanding White Christian Nationalism in the USA Today with Professor Gordon Lynch from the School of Divinity at The University of Edinburgh
June 9 @ 12:45 - 13:30
In his two Presidential election victories, Christian voters were important to Donald Trump’s success. How has Donald Trump come to be seen by some people as a figure chosen by God to lead America back to its Christian roots?
This session will explore the ideas and groups in America today that have come to be known as ‘white Christian nationalism’ and which have become a key part of Christian support for Trump. Focusing on figures like Charlie Kirk and Pete Hegseth, we’ll explore core beliefs in this movement and how its supporters are overcoming some of their differences to form a coalition to change America. We’ll ask whether this movement is different to forms of Christian conservatism in America and whether it represents a threat to democracy.
Lecturer Profile: Professor Gordon Lynch
Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.
As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.
Suitable for: Age 16+ pre-university Religious Studies and Politics students, as well as students of Sociology and Geography. The session is designed for student groups as well as students and teachers joining individually.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic in advance and questions they have. Students can also think about questions related to studying at university level.
The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the speaker via typed comments and questions and/or via a microphone. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.
Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: