Christian Nationalism Sparks Controversy in Gainesboro, Tennessee

Tue Dec 30 2025 07:27:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A real estate development in the small town of Gainesboro has ignited a fierce debate over Christian nationalism, with local residents voicing their concerns against the ideologies of new arrivals who identify as Christian nationalists.

In Gainesboro, Tennessee, the planned development by real estate developer Josh Abbotoy has become a focal point for a larger national conversation on Christian nationalism. Local residents have raised alarms over the controversial views of Abbotoy's customers, particularly those of two outspoken Christian nationalists who advocate for extreme political stances. As tensions rise, the community grapples with the implications of these ideologies on their small town.

As Josh Abbotoy gazes out at luscious green woods and pastureland nestled among Tennessee's Appalachian hills, he shares plans for a new neighbourhood that includes residential lots, a working farm, and perhaps most notably, a church.

Founded by Abbotoy, the real estate company Ridgerunner aims to build an affinity-based community targeted towards people drawn not only by the allure of rural life but by a set of conservative principles that extol faith, family, and freedom.

However, controversy erupted when two of Abbotoy's first customers—Christian nationalists Andrew Isker and C Jay Engel—made headlines with their extreme views that challenge modern values, including support for mass deportations of immigrants and calls for a rollback of various civil rights advancements.

This led to alarm among locals, especially women who felt their rights were under threat. Overall, the development has attracted national attention as local residents express unease about their new neighbours and their ideological motivations.

As tensions mount, a grassroots resistance has formed, with local leaders striving to protect the inclusivity and values they cherish in a community that has historically been welcoming.

The clash over these ideals in such a small town raises further questions about the broader implications for conservative values and their acceptance in diverse American societies.