The paper (draft chapter of my dissertation) explores why, in the context of declining religiosity in Central Europe, right-wing populist parties use religious rhetoric. Further, it explores what role religious history plays in explaining variation in and distribution of this religious rhetoric. More specifically, I ask whether historic instances of the conflation of religious and national identities lead to more pro-Christian political rhetoric, and whether instances of historical political marginalization of religious minorities lead to more contemporary anti-Muslim or anti-Jewish rhetoric. *Reading the working paper in advance is required for attendance.* Email cura@bu.edu for your copy. Co-sponsored with the School of Theology