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).

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[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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