This report analyzes the complex relationship between conservatism and Christian nationalism among Utah residents, highlighting a significant skepticism towards Christian nationalist ideologies despite a strong conservative identity.
(RNS) — A recent survey indicates that a notable segment of Utah’s population, recognized for its conservative leanings, exhibits skepticism towards Christian nationalism, challenging conventional expectations of alignment between conservative religious beliefs and nationalist ideologies. According to the PRRI’s 2025 American Values Atlas, 55% of Utah residents identify as conservative, significantly surpassing the national average of 38%.
This conservative identification is closely tied to the state’s demographics, particularly the prominence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which comprises approximately 50% of Utah’s population, despite accounting for only 2% of the U.S. total. Among Latter-day Saints nationally, 49% identify as Republican, with 30% identifying as independent, while a striking 61% label themselves as conservative. This demographic aligns closely with white evangelicals, who are recognized as the most politically conservative religious group in the country.
As the discourse surrounding Christian nationalism has intensified, particularly among Republican leaders, the expectation has been that conservative religious communities would rally behind movements promoting policies that elevate the status of white Christians. This notion has been substantiated by data indicating that around two-thirds of white evangelicals and a majority of Hispanic Protestants align with Christian nationalist sentiments. However, the findings from a new survey conducted by PRRI and the Meanings of Democracy Lab challenge this assumption, suggesting that it is possible to hold conservative beliefs while simultaneously opposing Christian nationalism.
Survey Insights and State Dynamics
The survey findings reveal a diverse landscape of attitudes toward Christian nationalism across various states. Resistance to Christian nationalist ideologies varies significantly, with only 42% opposition in Arkansas, a predominantly Republican state, compared to 80% in Massachusetts, known for its liberal stance. Interestingly, Utah emerges as an outlier among red states with 68% of its residents expressing resistance to Christian nationalism, surpassing the national average of 64%.
This collective resistance is categorized into outright rejection and skepticism. In Utah, skepticism prevails, aligning closely with sentiments observed in Nebraska and even in some blue states like Rhode Island and New Hampshire, as well as the battleground state of Wisconsin. When analyzing attitudes by religious affiliation, Latter-day Saints exhibit a noteworthy divergence from their white evangelical counterparts. In a striking contrast, Latter-day Saints express negative views towards Christian nationalism at a rate of 49%, closely mirroring the 52% of Black Protestants who share similar sentiments.
Political Leadership and Public Discourse
Insights into the skepticism toward Christian nationalism among Latter-day Saints may be gleaned from the public positions of prominent Utah political figures. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican and member of the LDS Church, launched the “disagree better” initiative in 2023 during his tenure as chair of the National Governors Association. He emphasized the importance of peacemaking, stating, “The leader of my church has been advocating for us to be peacemakers. I think it is the issue of our time and we desperately need it.”
Former Utah Senator Mitt Romney, who identifies as Mormon, has consistently articulated his stance on the intersection of faith and politics. He has reiterated the necessity of maintaining a separation between church and state and has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Romney’s willingness to break from party lines was exemplified when he became the only Republican to vote for Trump’s impeachment twice, including after the events of January 6, 2021. His actions have garnered support from the Mormon Women for Ethical Government, a nonpartisan group advocating for ethical governance that has actively engaged in educating the community about the potential risks of Christian nationalism.
Historical Context and Implications
The historical backdrop of Latter-day Saints may further elucidate their skepticism towards Christian nationalism. As a religious minority that has faced historical persecution, particularly during the mid-1800s, when they were targeted for their beliefs, the LDS Church has developed a cautious perspective regarding the fusion of religion and state. This caution is rooted in a legacy of discrimination and a desire for acceptance in mainstream American society. Over the years, Latter-day Saints have sought to redefine their identity, striving to be recognized as an integral part of American culture while remaining wary of policies that could marginalize them again.
Despite increasing recognition of Mormons as “white conservative Christians,” the historical context serves as a reminder of their precarious position within the broader conservative coalition, raising questions about their inclusion in the vision of a Christian nation promoted by some nationalist groups. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the findings from this survey highlight a growing complexity within Utah’s conservative identity, suggesting that opposition to Christian nationalism may be more prevalent than previously understood.
