Since the emergence of the Moral Majority, the “Religious Right” has become increasingly effective in expressing itself in the marketplace of ideas. Most Americans are probably unaware that Project 2025 is, at its core, a Christian, biblically framed document. The rise of President Trump’s MAGA movement has only heightened concerns among many that its success is fueling a resurgence of Christian nationalism, raising alarms about potential violations of church–state separation.
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) represents the movement’s secular implementation. Though framed in economic and administrative terms — tax reform, immigration enforcement, welfare restrictions — its underlying ethos is consistent with the Religious Right’s long-term project: to reshape America in line with a specific reading of Christian faith. At the same time, the Christian Left has not been nearly as effective in articulating an alternative Christian vision of the gospel for public life, leaving the Religious Right to fill this vacuum.
Project 2025, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, outlines a sweeping plan to reshape the federal government under a conservative administration. Its proposals range from eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to restricting LGBTQ+ rights, centralizing executive power, and enforcing anti-abortion measures. Many of its most vocal supporters claim the Bible itself provides the blueprint for government, family, morality, and society.
One of the most frequently invoked foundations is the so-called dominion mandate of Genesis 1:26–28, in which God instructs humanity to “subdue” the earth and “have dominion” over every living thing. Supporters of Project 2025 interpret this as divine authorization for Christians to extend dominion beyond creation to culture, law, and government itself. In their view, the reordering of federal bureaucracies in line with biblical principles fulfills God’s command.
Closely tied to this is the cultural reformation movement, particularly the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” which draws on Isaiah 2:2–3 and Revelation 17. This teaching holds that Christians must control seven key areas of society — government, education, media, family, religion, arts, and business — before Christ returns. Many see Project 2025 as a practical tool for advancing this dominion. Critics point out that this vision politicizes Christianity into a program of domination, contradicting the New Testament’s emphasis on persuasion, humility, and sacrificial service.
A second text often cited is Romans 13:1–7, where Paul tells believers to submit to governing authorities because all authority is established by God. For proponents of Project 2025, this passage validates the consolidation of power in a strong executive branch. They point to expanded presidential control over agencies as biblically faithful governance. This interpretation is fraught with historical problems. Romans 13 has been used to defend slavery, apartheid, and even Nazi rule. Many theologians insist that Paul’s words were pastoral counsel to persecuted Christians, not a blanket endorsement of authoritarianism.
The project also emphasizes what it calls the biblical family, drawing on Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:22–33 to defend heterosexual marriage and gendered household roles. Supporters claim that anything outside this structure — LGBTQ+ relationships, gender inclusivity, nontraditional family forms —amounts to rebellion against God’s order. On this basis, Project 2025 supports restricting LGBTQ+ rights, privileging faith-based adoption agencies, and banning “gender ideology” in schools. Critics counter that Jesus consistently included those marginalized by rigid social boundaries.
A fourth pillar is the sanctity of life, rooted in texts such as Psalm 139:13–16 and Jeremiah 1:5, which describe God’s intimate knowledge of life in the womb. Supporters argue these verses prove that life begins at conception and that abortion is therefore equivalent to murder. This leads to calls for nationwide abortion bans, limits on contraception, and restrictions on reproductive healthcare. Critics note that while these passages affirm God’s care for human life, applying them directly to contemporary abortion policy involves significant interpretive leaps. Moreover, Scripture also highlights maternal health.
Religious liberty is another key theme. Citing texts such as Matthew 5:10, Acts 5:29, and Daniel 3, Project 2025 frames religious freedom not as pluralism but as a safeguard for Christians alone. Its advocates argue that believers face “persecution” when compelled to comply with anti-discrimination laws. Thus, conscience exemptions for Christian businesses, hospitals, and adoption agencies are portrayed as biblically justified. Critics argue that true religious liberty must protect all faiths equally.
If Project 2025 represents the ideological blueprint, the One Big Beautiful Act (OBBA) is its secular crown jewel of implementation. Although it does not explicitly invoke religious language, its sweeping policy shifts — tax cuts, immigration crackdowns, work requirements, and reductions in social welfare— advance the Religious Right’s longstanding priorities.
Project 2025, in collaboration with over 100 partner organizations, has proven remarkably successful — far more so than what Republican strategists like Dick Cheney or Karl Rove once envisioned. Meanwhile, Democrats appear adrift without a clear leader or message, and it is equally unclear what progressive Christians envision for America.
Christians who hold to a different understanding of the gospel must organize, articulate an alternative vision, and be willing to work as hard as the Religious Right to see it realized.
Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations