The New Right & Christian Nationalism

Feb 16, 2026

David French, NYT columnist and former constitutional lawyer, speaks from an evangelical perspective. He discusses the rise of Christian nationalism and its vision of an imagined past. He talks about the political realignment off the old left-right spectrum. He highlights how hatred and triumphalist imagery reshape public life and urges decency and church accountability.

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INSIGHT

Political Spectrum Has Realigned

The old left-right axes no longer fit because the right has become more state-focused and punitive.
David French calls this an ideological realignment, not just a move further right.

INSIGHT

Centralization Raised Political Stakes

Post-Cold War decline in unifying external threats raised the stakes for domestic power.
French argues centralization made partisan conflict a fight for federal control, intensifying hatred and fear.

INSIGHT

Hatred Changes Political Defaults

Hatred as an organizing principle flips libertarian instincts toward 'crush them' politics.
That shift makes civil liberties, free speech, and decency harder to defend inside the right.

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Summary

In this conversation, Peter Bell and David French discuss the relaunch of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast, focusing on the evolving landscape of American politics, particularly the rise of Christian nationalism and the ideological shifts within the Republican Party. They explore the increasing partisanship, the role of government, and the impact of hatred as a driving force in political movements. French emphasizes the need for internal reflection within the church and the importance of civility and decency in political discourse.

Chapters

01:40 Relaunching Sons of Patriarchy 04:35 The Shift in American Politics 07:17 The Rise of Christian Nationalism 10:40 The Ideological Realignment of the Right 13:18 The Role of Decency in Political Discourse 16:40 The Evolution of Republican Identity 19:45 The Impact of Hatred on Political Engagement 26:11 Christian Nationalism and Its Implications 31:45 The Historical Context of Slavery and Christianity 36:29 The Current Political Landscape and Its Influences 43:48 Addressing Conservative Concerns and Values

Takeaways

- The relaunch of Sons of Patriarchy aims to address the crisis of masculinity and provide constructive solutions. - American politics has shifted significantly to the right, creating a new ideological landscape. - The traditional axes of political thought have been disrupted, leading to a realignment of values. - Hatred has become a central organizing principle for many political movements today. - Libertarian values are increasingly difficult to advocate in a polarized environment. - Christian nationalism is often rooted in a desire to return to an imagined past. - The Republican Party has seen a rise in extremism, overshadowing traditional conservative values. - Misinformation and distrust in institutions are rampant, complicating political discourse. - The future of the Republican Party is uncertain, with potential for change after Trump's influence wanes. - Internal reflection and accountability within the church are crucial for its credibility and mission.

Keywords

Sons of Patriarchy, David French, Christian nationalism, Republican Party, ideological realignment, libertarianism, political extremism, American politics, partisanship, cultural wars