How has faith – particularly Christian nationalism – become a powerful force shaping Texas politics and public policy? How should policymakers approach religion?

Joined by Baker Institute fellows Eric McDaniel and Mark P. Jones, guest host Michael O. Emerson unpacks what Christian nationalism is, how it differs from religious conservatism, and why Texas has emerged as a key testing ground for its political influence. From abortion policy and education vouchers to immigration, gender identity, and higher education, the conversation explores how religiously framed ideas motivate lawmakers.

Featured guests:

• Eric McDaniel, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/eric-mcdaniel
• Mark P. Jones, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/mark-p-jones

Mentioned in this episode:

• Texas House Bill 7, 89th Leg., S.S., 2025, https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB7/2025/X2.
• Texas Senate Bill 8, 89th Leg., S.S., 2025, https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB8/2025/X2.
• Texas Senate Bill 2, 89th Leg., R.S., 2025, https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB2/2025.
• Texas Senate Bill 10, 89th Leg., R.S., 2025, https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00010I.pdf.
• Jo Yurcaba, “Texas A&M Fires Professor Over Gender-Identity Lesson in Literature Course,” NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/texas-m-fires-professor-gender-identity-lesson-literature-course-rcna230337.

This is the first episode in a four-part series, “Between Pulpit and Policy,” exploring the rising influence of faith, particularly Christian nationalism, in Texas politics — and how it’s transforming public policy and governance. The series was produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum.

This conversation was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025. Learn about future recordings of the “Texas Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter.

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