Golden State Today

In a recent episode of Berkeley Talks, Bradley Onishi, a scholar of religion and former evangelical minister, shared insights on Project 2025, Christian nationalism, and the upcoming November elections. The discussion was part of the 2024 Berkeley Lecture on Religious Tolerance held on October 1.

Onishi described Project 2025 as "a deeply reactionary Catholic vision for the country," emphasizing its roots in Christian nationalism influenced by Catholic leaders and thought. He pointed out that many perceive JD Vance, Donald Trump's vice-presidential running mate and first-term senator from Ohio, as reinforcing Trump's outsider image. However, Onishi noted that Vance's religious stance has been largely overlooked despite being more radical than former Vice President Mike Pence.

"Vance’s Catholicism has barely registered as a driving factor in his political profile," Onishi stated. He explained that this aspect serves as an interpretive key to understanding Vance's selection and his role in potentially bringing populist radicalism to a second Trump presidency while linking directly to Project 2025.

The event at UC Berkeley was sponsored by several institutions including the Endowed Fund for the Study of Religious Tolerance, the Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion, and others dedicated to societal issues and right-wing studies.