Christian Nationalism Reprise
Christian Nationalist Demonstration, Author Wolfman5678, (CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
“Christian nationalism…accurately describes American nationalists who believe American identity is inextricable from Christianity.”
–Prof. Paul Miller, Georgetown University [1A]
There is no clear definition of Christian Nationalism [2]. However, religious scholars and sociologists tend to agree that its tenets are, as follows:
- That the government should preserve the nation’s Christian roots and identity.
- That the government should foster Christian values, passing laws and enacting policies which reflect those values.
- That “separation of church and state” should not apply to Christianity.
- That citizens should adhere to a particular understanding of Christianity.
- That God’s plan for the United States is that the nation should be successful based on Christian ideals [1B][5A].
Christian Nationalism is not synonymous with any particular Christian denomination or with Evangelical Christianity, in general. Though it does attract Christians, Christian Nationalism is a political philosophy, fueled by the polarization of our day [3A].
Commentators often frame Christian Nationalism as focusing on populist victimhood, white identity politics, hierarchy, and authoritarian control [4]. There is some truth in that. What draws many to Christian Nationalism, however, is not so much racism. It is a combined sense of loss, fear, and powerlessness in the face of an increasingly pluralistic, secular society.
This nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. That reality has been obscured by certain revisionist historians, though the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution attest to it.
Nonetheless, we cannot turn the clock back to what may seem to some a “Golden Age” or a more innocent time. Christian values cannot be enforced by fiat…let alone violence. In fact, the First Amendment was crafted with the very purpose of protecting religion against governmental intrusion.
Nor should patriotism be confused with religious fervor. The two must not be conflated. Christian Nationalism is not the will of God. Politics does not save souls [5B]. There is no divine mandate for Christians to dominate society [3B]. The fusion of faith and nationalism distorts the teachings of Christianity, leading to a dangerous ideology that can incite hostility and aggression [5C].
Certainly, Christians can be patriots. Certainly, Christians – like any other group – have the right to lobby and campaign against moral relativism, neo-Marxism, and other concerns. But for these goals to be accomplished, we must change minds and hearts. To do that, we must remain a voice for peace and justice [5C].
Our true citizenship, after all, is in heaven (Phil. 3: 20).
—
[1A and 1B] Freedom Forum, “What Is Christian Nationalism? The Complete Guide” by Scott Leadingham, 3/4/24, https://www.freedomforum.org/what-is-christian-nationalism/.
[2] Wikipedia, “Christian nationalism”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_nationalism.
[3A and 3B] True Riches Academy, “Debunking the Myths: Christian Nationalism and Violence” by Jerry Robinson, https://truerichesacademy.com/debunking-the-myths-christian-nationalism-and-violence/.
[4] Factually, “What are the core tenets of Christian Nationalism?”, 10/1/25, https://factually.co/fact-checks/politics/christian-nationalism-core-tenets-32e49c.
[5A, 5B, and 5C] Berean Research, “Christian Nationalism”, https://bereanresearch.org/christian-nationalism/.
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
Couldn’t agree with you more, Anna. Blessings, sister!
Many thanks, Bruce. I deeply appreciate your input.
Thanks for exposing this heresy, we’ve had it raise its ugly head here in South Africa for decades, even today still. It creates such a false image and experience of our precious faith. I can never understand those who want to combine ‘state and church’: we’ve seen the terrifying results of our own Apartheid philosophy in the past, as well as of the Rwandan genocide in the 90’s in which close on a million Tutsi’s were executed by the reigning Hutu’s and RC church, some clergy serving jail sentences after the massacres. They classified their fellow citizens as ‘cockroaches!’ I’m sure you’re familiar with all this, maybe not all your readers.
Have a great Lord’s Day and new week, Anna.
I was familiar w/ the Rwandan genocide, but had no idea there was a religious aspect. I was under the impression Christian Nationalism was an American concept. Thank you for the information, Erroll.
Blessings,
A. ❤
Beautifully said and I totally agree. But some Christians don’t get it. Some seem to lose focus on Jesus and actually become idolatrous in matters of race and cultural preservation and politics.
Thank you, Petrina.
Satan is expert at distorting Scripture, and using human motivation for his own ends. Human beings are all too often ignorant of Scripture altogether these days, and expert at rationalization.
We must, therefore, pray for discernment in this troubled world, and continuously examine the motives for our actions.
💯❤🙏🏾
Great post Anna. One thing I have found with groups that tout Christian Nationalism is that they ignore the fact that we are but pilgrims here. We were never taught in God’s word that we should work to make this earth our eternal home because like pilgrims, we are only passing through. We are here for a very short time, and while I’m just like everyone else in that I enjoy the comforts of home, I am not planning on staying here forever.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal”. Matt. 6:19-20
Well said, Ron. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan was second only to the Bible in popularity for over two centuries. Sadly, both books have fallen out of favor, even among those who view themselves as Christian.
This is a topic that brings many strong emotions, but I believe our greatest witness is always found in showing Christ’s love, truth, humility, and grace. Our hope is not in any earthly kingdom, but in the King we serve.
Amen.
It’s a difficult issue Anna, in part because we don’t have a solid definition of, “Christian nationalism.” I subscribe to most of those five tenets that you’ve posted, but a good chunk of the “Christian nationalist” I run into on-line are pretty horrifying, LOL!
I’m going to have to ponder your point about how, “politics does not save souls.” True in a literal sense, but perhaps not in a larger context. I live in a part of the country where we have very politically engaged Christian liberal/progressives and then the conservatives are much more hands off, we don’t do politics, this world is not our home. For obvious reasons that creates a terrible imbalance. Our politics are certainly destroying souls and separating people from Christ.
I fully agree w/ you that politics are destroying souls, and tearing this nation apart. I don’t mean to suggest that the Christian heritage of this nation has become irrelevant or that Christians must disengage from politics.
As you know, the Bible directs Christians to be good citizens (Rom. 13: 1; 1 Pet. 2: 13-14). That, I think, requires us to respect authority, obey laws that do not conflict w/ God’s own, and reflect God’s character to society at large.
In a democratic republic such as ours, it, also, means that we should be actively involved both in selecting our representative and holding them accountable. Some 79% of Americans identify as persons of faith. Yet at best 51% vote. See, https://firstliberty.org/news/are-people-of-faith-actually-voting/.
My point is simply that we cannot mandate belief. That was tried unsuccessfully in the original 13 colonies and elsewhere, often w/ tragic results.
A ‘PS’… Years ago I heard a Christian leader who observed the Rwandan genocide put it like this: it’s like fire, you can cook on it and it can keep you warm, but if you get too close you’ll get burned. I.e. relationship of State and Church. I found the illustration helpful. Blessings all!
Well and truly said, Anna.
Thank you so much, Mitch.
Hi Anna, thanks for visiting my blog. I believe in the separation of church and state. Christians are made up of people with diverse views both Democrats and Republicans as well as other parties. The convergence of church and state divides Christian’s politically and they can forget the Golden and Silver rule of Christianity, love God and love your neighbour. My own theory on the rise of Christian Nationalism is that it is a response to the rise of Islamism in Western countries. European countries as well as the U.S. see a threat to their values as immigration from Islamic countries overwhelm local ‘Christian Communities. So there is a natural pushback. The problem with the current mode of Christian Nationalism is that you get the 5% politically motivated fringe who are jumping on the Christian band wagon to further their own motives which have nothing to do with the tenets of Christianity. I’ve gone on too long. It’s a complex subject. I’m glad I found your blog. It stirs the mind and gives me something to think about.
Thank you so much for your input.
W Polsce również mamy chrześcijańskich nacjonalistów, z tym że u nich chrześcijaństwo ogranicza się do pustych gestów i krzykliwych haseł, oraz ukrywania swojego draństwa za krzyżem. Co gorsza owi chrześcijańscy nacjonaliści rosną w siłę i w przyszłym roku mogą przejąć władzę w moim kraju, co będzie tragedią, bo to nie są dobrzy ludzie.
Naprawdę przykro mi to słyszeć.
My wise dad said years ago, “We can’t legislate morality. Creating a moral society is less of a controlled-behavior issue and more of a heart issue.” Many of us are praying for a revival that turns many hearts back to Christ–that more and more people can experience the abundant life he promised (John 10:10).
I wholeheartedly join in that prayer, Nancy.