ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that political tribalism in the United States plays a key role in conservative Christian hostility toward Muslims’ religious liberty rights, and that any attempt to bridge that divide requires an understanding of the tribal element and what drives it. It first identifies some of the factors that have transformed religious liberty into a partisan tool, exploring both its use as a shield for in-group interests, and a sword against out-group interests (with Muslims being the most prominent out-group). At a time of profound demographic and cultural change, many conservative Christians feel threatened and often express those fears through hostility toward the out-group. In addition to explaining these group dynamics, the chapter also outlines an engagement strategy that helps overcome them—including key messaging and principles that make conservatives more receptive to learning about and combating attacks on Muslims’ religious liberty.
