In the world of faith, sex and politics, things have always been spicy but the heat is really about to turn up (literally and figuratively) as the 2024 election approaches.

I’m all about observing what we have and where we are so we know who we want to be and where we want to go. That’s the whole reason I got into journalism (especially journalism about these three topics). Knowledge is power, so don’t let the wolves pull the wool over your eyes, as my grandmother once told me.

Over the last year, I’ve written about some of the latest analysis and data on the state of religion in America and the numbers tell an interesting story about our culture. I’m not applying any good or bad meaning to these numbers, and I don’t think you should either.

There’s much more to be said about Christian Nationalism, but so many folks have already said a lot. I’ve had the privilege of talking to many of those people. Here are four Reckon stories you need to read about Christian Nationalism before you get swept into the election news cycle:

If you’re new to this whole conversation about racism, purity culture and how all that is also involved in politics, start here. It’s important to understand what we’re talking about when we say “White Christian Nationalism.”

Whether or not you watched the Shiny, Happy People documentary on Prime Video, you’ve probably heard of Hobby Lobby. If you haven’t shopped at Hobby Lobby, there’s a good chance you have been exposed to Bill Gothard’s teachings.

Young latinos are leaving the Catholic Church and religion altogether – and there’s a host of reasons why. Latinos who leave Catholicism for another religion are most likely to identify with evangelical or protestant Christianity.

One of the most noted trends in religious affiliation in America has been the shift from Christianity to no religion or “nothing in particular,” as some studies have described this group that’s changing the religious landscape.

Further reading:

If you want more of the latest on the state of religion in America, subscribe to Matter of Faith for a weekly look at the world of faith, sex and politics.

In the meantime, read these articles about the future of religion and the 2024 election: