Samuel L. Perry

Perry (@profsamperry) is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Oklahoma. He is among the nation’s leading experts on conservative Christianity in American politics, race, sexuality, and families. His most recent books include the award-winning Taking America Back for God (with Andrew Whitehead) and The Flag and the Cross (with Philip Gorski).

Recent Articles

America's Becoming Less Religious

What is really driving the declining influence of religion in the U.S.

By Samuel L. Perry

Why Evangelicals Went All In on Trump

Despite everything, white evangelicals just can't quit Donald Trump. Samuel Perry explains why.

By Samuel L. Perry

Christian Nationalism Shapes Mike Johnson

Newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson embraces a Christian Nationalist view of the U.S.

By Andrew Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry

Why Trump and His Supporters Keep Calling Democrats 'Fascists'

Republican audiences have come to associate fascists and Nazis with ideological leftism. How did that happen?

By Samuel L. Perry

The War Over Church-State Separation

Oklahoma is quickly becoming a battleground in the new culture wars over religious life and education

By Samuel L. Perry

The Real Reason Behind Conservatives' Shifting Views on Childhood Vaccines

It's not ignorance that's driving dramatic shifts in Republicans' views of childhood vaccines

By Samuel L. Perry

Why White Christian Nationalism Isn’t Going Away

Even after the Republican's midterm results, Christian nationalists will remain a force in American politics

By Samuel L. Perry and Andrew Whitehead

School Shootings Confirm That Guns Are the Religion of the Right

Sometimes calls for America to return to God are couched in the language of consolation. Especially after a mass shooting. When 19 children were killed at school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Lauren...

By Samuel L. Perry

Why More Christian Nationalist Violence Is Likely After Jan. 6

A year after the horrifying violence at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, a simple partisan storyline crowds out a central driver behind the events. Most media are understandably tracking the January 6 Committee and...

By Samuel L. Perry and Andrew Whitehead

How Trump Stole Christmas—And Why Evangelicals Rally to Their Savior

Before Donald Trump had spoken a word Sunday, Dec. 19, at First Baptist Dallas it would’ve been understandable if those in attendance had trouble remembering the “reason for the season.” Jesus was celebrated, yes. But...

By Samuel L. Perry
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