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In recent years, the ancient Christian proclamation “Christ is king” has evolved from a simple expression of faith into a politically charged phrase with troubling undertones in certain contexts.
The statement itself summarizes a fundamental Christian belief that Jesus is the divine ruler of the universe. Many Christian denominations, including Catholics and numerous Protestant groups, celebrate this concept annually during Christ the King Sunday services.
However, the phrase has increasingly appeared in political settings, particularly among right-wing figures and their supporters. Sometimes it’s used to promote the concept of America as a nation with specifically Christian foundations or obligations. Several current Cabinet officials and former members of Congress have incorporated the phrase in speeches and social media posts.
More concerning is the phrase’s appropriation by far-right activists who pair it with anti-Zionist statements or antisemitic stereotypes. Conservative influencer Candace Owens, who has shared antisemitic conspiracy theories, now sells branded “Christ is King” merchandise including coffee mugs and T-shirts.
The controversy reflects a growing divide within conservative circles. Some traditional conservatives are pushing back against an increasingly vocal faction whose criticism of Israel, according to critics, often veers into overt antisemitism. Members of this faction frequently insist they aren’t antisemitic but merely anti-Zionist – a significant departure from what was once nearly universal pro-Israel sentiment among Republicans.
A 2025 report from the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University documented a dramatic increase in social media posts using “Christ is king” as a hate meme targeting Jewish people. The report lamented this perversion of what historically functioned as a sacred, hopeful affirmation with biblical roots.
“The weaponization or hijacking of ‘Christ is King’ represents a disturbing inversion of its original intent. Rather than sacralizing shared values, extremists have exploited this religious expression to justify hatred,” the report stated.
The issue came to public attention during a recent hearing of the Religious Liberty Commission, a body established and appointed by President Donald Trump. At a February 9 session focused on antisemitism, witness Seth Dillon, CEO of the conservative satirical site The Babylon Bee, testified about frequently hearing people use the phrase “Christ is king” immediately followed by derogatory slurs against Jewish people.
“This should offend every Christian,” Dillon stated.
Commission member Carrie Prejean Boller repeatedly questioned witnesses about whether opposing Zionism constitutes antisemitism. She identified herself as a Catholic who opposes Zionism but rejects accusations of antisemitism. When she asked Dillon if saying “Christ is king” is inherently antisemitic, he responded that while the phrase itself is not problematic – he regularly declares Christ as his king – context matters significantly.
Dillon explained that the phrase has been co-opted by “Groypers,” followers of far-right influencer Nick Fuentes, who has promoted antisemitic views. Fuentes’ supporters notably chanted “Christ is king” during the November 2020 Million MAGA March, which denied Trump’s electoral defeat.
Following the commission meeting, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Republican commission chairman, removed Prejean Boller from the panel, claiming she attempted to “hijack” the hearing. Since then, Prejean Boller has posted extensively on social media, denouncing “Zionist supremacists” while repeatedly using “Christ is King” in her messages.
Brian Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way, a progressive faith-focused publication, and a Baptist minister, explained that the phrase isn’t inherently political, but this very fact provides “deniability” to those who weaponize it.
“We’re at a dangerous point with the phrase ‘Christ is king’ because of the heavy activity and use of it on the far right in very fascist, antisemitic ways,” Kaylor said. “We’re at the danger of that phrase losing its meaning to where this new antisemitic use is the dominant definition.”
The controversy highlights both religious and political divisions. While the Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with Israel and has recognized Palestine, it has consistently advocated for a two-state solution while condemning antisemitism. During the Israel-Hamas war, papal statements denounced both Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks and Israel’s military response.
Patrick warned that this dispute reflects “a real problem with a very small group in our Republican Party,” adding that antisemitism must be repudiated or “this is going to destroy our party.”
Meanwhile, Prejean Boller has garnered support from Catholics for Catholics, a conservative organization describing itself as a “militant organization dedicated to the evangelization of this great country.” The group plans to present her with a Catholic Champion Award at an upcoming Washington event featuring Owens as a speaker.
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7 Comments
Interesting to see how political rhetoric can co-opt religious language. The phrase ‘Christ is king’ has deep spiritual meaning, but it’s concerning when used to promote specific political agendas or ideologies. We should be cautious about mixing faith and politics too closely.
Quite a complex issue. On one hand, faith is a personal matter and people should be free to express their beliefs. But when religious phrases become political tools, it can be divisive and lead to troubling associations. Maintaining a separation of church and state seems prudent.
I agree, it’s a delicate balance. Freedom of religion is important, but politicizing religious language can cross a line and undermine the true meaning and spirit behind it.
This is a troubling trend. Using a sacred Christian phrase like ‘Christ is king’ for political gain or to promote extremism is highly concerning. It risks marginalizing people of other faiths and creates an unhealthy conflation of religion and partisan politics.
I appreciate the article highlighting this troubling trend. Diluting or co-opting religious language for political purposes is a dangerous path that can further divide people along religious and partisan lines. Protecting the sanctity of faith should be a priority.
This is a complex issue that touches on important questions of faith, freedom of expression, and the role of religion in public life. While people should be free to practice their beliefs, the politicization of religious language is concerning and merits careful consideration.
Fascinating to see how language and symbols can become politicized over time. The phrase ‘Christ is king’ has deep spiritual significance, but its appropriation by certain political factions is worrying. We should be wary of religion being weaponized for ideological ends.