Sen. Josh Hawley Promotes ‘Christian Nationalism’ and Replacement Theory at Conference

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) addressed a conference of Christian nationalists on Monday, where he touted a fabricated version of history and espoused the controversial “Great Replacement Theory.” Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference, Hawley claimed the United States is “a Christian Nation.”

“The truth is Christian nationalism is not a threat to American democracy. Christian nationalism founded American democracy,” he asserted, drawing enthusiastic responses from attendees. Hawley presented his own version of the Great Replacement Theory. Traditionally, this theory suggests that White people are being replaced by people of color, leading to Whites becoming a minority in the U.S. However, Hawley claimed that it is not foreigners replacing Whites, but rather, the “left” replacing Christians with secular ideologues promoting progressive values like diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ acceptance.

“Instead of Christmas, they want pride month. Instead of prayer in schools, they venerate the trans flag. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are their watchwords,” Hawley told the crowd. “Their new Holy Trinity, and they expect their preachments to be obeyed. They may speak of tolerance, but they practice fundamentalism… Now this is the left’s true replacement theory, their true replacement agenda to replace the Christian ideals on which this nation was founded, and to silence those Americans who dare still stand by.”

Hawley continued by lamenting that the Republican Party over the past 30 years has been ill-prepared to resist this “onslaught.” Despite his combative rhetoric, Hawley framed his vision of Christian nationalism as one driven by love. “A Christian nationalism organized around Christian ideals, a nationalism driven not by conquest but by common purpose, animated not by fear, but by common love,” he promised.

Katherine Stewart, journalist and author of “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism,” shared her perspective with the Bucks County Beacon. She noted the significant shift in political rhetoric, stating, “A speech like this from a Republican senator would not have been possible 20 years ago. Hawley isn’t offering the old-school grievances of the religious right about a handful of social issues, like gay marriage and abortion. He is talking about ending American democracy and instead imposing his preferred religion through the power of government.”

Stewart explained that all fascist movements depend on the demonization of a backstabbing elite, a theme Hawley embraces by targeting “woke libs” as devious and depraved entities secretly in control and intent on harming the “authentic folk.” Hawley’s comments have sparked significant debate and criticism, highlighting the deep divisions and the rising influence of Christian nationalism within American politics.