Christian nationalism is considered dangerous by many experts and organizations because it promotes the anti-democratic idea that the U.S. is exclusively a Christian nation and that American and Christian identities should be merged. This ideology threatens the separation of church and state, and its adherents sometimes express support for political violence and hold discriminatory views against religious minorities and other groups. Threat to a pluralistic democracy Undermines civil liberties: The ideology clashes with the constitutional principle that belonging in American society is not dependent on one's religion or lack of religion. It can lead to the erosion of religious freedom for all by making those who are not Christian feel like second-class citizens. Threatens minorities: White Christian nationalism, which often reinforces themes of white supremacy, poses a specific threat to a multiracial democracy. Research shows that Christian nationalist sentiment is associated with higher levels of anti-minority violence. Influences legislation: Christian nationalism contributes to efforts to circumvent laws protecting a pluralistic democracy, such as nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people and women. It also supports state legislative pushes to promote government-sponsored religion in public schools. Promotes authoritarianism: Christian nationalist adherents are more likely to express a preference for a "strong leader who does not have to deal with Congress and elections". Connection to violence and extremism Inspired violence: The ideology has been linked to incidents of extremist violence, including the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, where rioters used religious imagery. Experts note that Christian nationalism can serve as a motivator for domestic violent extremists. It has also influenced violence at religious sites, such as the deadly shootings at the Mother Emanuel AME Church and the Tree of Life Synagogue. Promotes dehumanization: Studies have shown that Christian nationalist adherents are significantly more likely to dehumanize their political opponents, a predictor of violence. Some of the most extreme adherents believe they have a divine mandate to use violence to defend their preferred societal order. Linked to other extremist beliefs: Research has found that Christian nationalism's connection to violence is often amplified when combined with other extremist beliefs, such as QAnon and perceived victimhood. Beloud