Professor Samuel Perry, Taking America Back for God Webinar

In a new book, OU associate professor of sociology Samuel Perry shares his research on the rise of Christian nationalism in America and its influence on social and political issues.

“Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States,” which Perry co-authored with Clemson University associate professor of sociology Andrew Whitehead, provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of the movement in the United States.

The authors will discuss some of the questions raised in their book in a webinar set for 1-2 p.m. CDT on June 18. Registration for the webinar is available here.

Perry said he and Whitehead began developing the book during the 2016 presidential election, noting the growing influence of religiously charged rhetoric on the political process.

To inform their research, the professors drew on numerous nationally representative surveys; interviewed 50 men and women from around the country and across the ideological spectrum; and used advanced statistical models to connect Christian nationalism to various political outcomes while accounting for Americans’ other sociodemographic, religious and political characteristics. 

Perry and Whitehead have collaborated on other related research – together, they have published over 10 peer-reviewed articles and have won multiple awards from professional organizations. Perry’s research was also recognized with the 2020 OU Vice President for Research and Partnerships Award for Outstanding Research Impact.