Almost 40% of Texans are described as Christian nationalists, who believe the government should promote or enforce Christian values through policy.

A study by the Public Religion Research Institute shows there is more support for the ideology in the South.

Melissa Deckman, CEO of the institute, said Christian nationalists believe in MAGA politics, conspiracy theories and oppose immigration.

"About eight in 10 Christian nationalist adherents also score high or very high on a right-wing authoritarianism scale," Deckman reported. "I think it's important at a time when we have to fight for democratic values in our country."

The study showed white evangelical Protestants and Hispanic Protestants are most likely to hold Christian nationalist beliefs. Americans who frequently attend religious services, especially those who are white, are more likely to be Christian nationalists. Nearly six in 10 Texans are either skeptical or reject the way of thinking.

Support for the ideology is much lower among Democrats and independents. Deckman noted their research found people who favor Christian nationalism tend to support extremist concepts like "replacement theory."

"This is the idea that immigrants are coming into the country and overtaking our culture and society," Deckman explained. "We find it's no surprise that Christian nationalists tend to be the most opposed to immigration policy that wants a diverse America that's multiracial or multifaith."

Three in 10 Christian nationalists said things have gotten so far off track in our country, "true" American patriots may have to resort to violence to save the country.

Source: Public News Service