What is a Christian Nationalist?

The Fourth of July is upon us. It is the 247th anniversary of the approval of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It’s the day that Americans observe as their Independence Day. So, it seems an appropriate day to reflect on an intense disagreement within Christian circles (and outside of Christian circles), and that is…

What is Christian nationalism?

There is certainly no shortage of critics:

• “Christian nationalism is a distortion of Christianity that seeks to fuse religious and national identity, often promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of both faith and citizenship. It can breed intolerance, exclusion, and a sense of superiority, which goes against the core teachings of love, compassion, and equality that Jesus taught.” – Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II

• “Christian nationalism can create a dangerous sense of exceptionalism, leading some to believe that their faith gives them a special status or privilege over others. This undermines the principles of equality, justice, and respect for all individuals that should be at the heart of a truly inclusive and diverse society.” – Reverend Dr. Serene Jones

• “Christian nationalism can fuel divisions and conflict, as it creates an ‘us versus them’ mentality and fosters hostility towards those who are seen as ‘other’ or ‘outsiders.’ It runs counter to the message of love, compassion, and unity that Jesus taught.” – Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Go on social media (especially around patriotic holidays) and you’ll see all kinds of condemnations (such as the above) of nationalism and Christian nationalism. But…

These condemnations — and indeed, this whole disagreement — is meaningless unless we define our terms. What exactly do we mean by “Christian nationalism”?

As Kelefa Sanneh admits in The New Yorker: “There is no canonical manifesto of Christian nationalism, and no single definition of it.”

In other words, different people define “Christian nationalism” differently. And that makes this whole discussion extremely challenging.

The best place to begin is to define what we mean by “Christian” and then what we mean by “nationalism.” Unfortunately, I find that few Americans, in this social media day and age, have the patience for that.

Assuming you do, here we go…

“Christian”

You might think this would be easy to define, but the historical record should dissuade you from that assumption. For years, all of Europe was defined as “Christendom.” Why? Because Christianity was the dominant (and, in the case of many nation-states, the official) religion. For all intents and purposes, Europe is now very much post-Christian, but there are still many remnants of Christianity’s influence spread throughout the continent. So…

Do we understand “Christian” as a socio-cultural movement or phenomenon?

This is a very popular and widespread understanding of Christianity in our world today. If you grew up in a culturally “Christian” home or community or country and didn’t obviously or completely renounce that, you’re a “Christian.”

Is that the best way to understand “Christian”?

I would say “No.”

Why? Because I look to the Bible for my definition. And, in the Bible, we see the term was first used in Antioch. And it was associated with Jesus’ disciples (see Acts 11:26).

In the Bible, followers of Jesus were called Christians.

Just because your parents are (or were) Christian and/or just because the country in which you grew up as a Christian (or quasi-Christian heritage) does not make you a Christian.

Not according to the Bible.

You personally must decide to follow Jesus.

There are a lot of people who might identify (in some way) as “Christian” but their life bears no fruit. And you know what James says about that? (If you don’t, read James 2).

Of course…

Since there are many who do not accept the (in my opinion, common sense and historically based) understanding of the term Christian as being “a follower of Christ,” you can see why the debate over “Christian nationalism” is quite confusing and intense.

“Nationalism”

Now we come to the term nationalist (or nationalism). What does that mean?

If by “nationalist,” we’re talking about some kind of chest-thumping, blood-and-soil boaster who believes he or she is better than anyone else simply by virtue of being an American (or whatever), then count me out. But…

I don’t know many people — in fact, I don’t personally know anyone — who falls into that category. I know there are people like that out there, but I don’t hang out in those circles.

Obviously, there’s no place for bigotry in the kingdom of God.

As an American, I’m no better than anyone else in any other country in the world. And…

God’s love is, in no way, restricted by national boundaries, skin color, place of birth, cultural background, or any other such consideration.

I hope I’m clear on all the above.

Having said all that…

If we simply mean nationalist in contrast to being a globalist (as in wanting to erase all national boundaries and have a one-world government), count me on the nationalist side. I do not favor or support a one-world government. Not in any way whatsoever.

And it’s my observation that a growing number of people do support globalism as the best way forward. They see globalism (as in a one-world government or something very close to it) as the best solution for everything from climate change to racism and from war to poverty. They also see it as the best mechanism to stop pandemics and bring about (their conception of) social justice.

Most of the people who see things in the above manner also have a negative view of Christianity, as they blame religion for many of the ills in our world. I’ll have to do a separate article to address that.

For now, let me make three simple points…

First, if you’re a Christian, you can’t point to the Bible to support or justify a one-world government. In fact, the biggest empires in the Bible are recorded as having some significant problems with corruption and oppression. What makes you think a one-world government today will be any different?

What’s more, the Tower of Babel story alone seems to pretty clearly undermine any support for a one-world government!

Second, if you have a premillennial understanding of eschatology, you know it’s the Anti-Christ (he’s the Bad Guy, you know) who brings about a one-world government in the end times. Why would you want to support something that, in any way, helps him?

Third, the problems of our world are not due to people loving their home countries. Patriotism isn’t the culprit. The problem is human nature. Consider the words of the psalmist:

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalm 53:2-3, KJV

If you are under some kind of impression that a one-world government will bring about utopia on Earth, then, I don’t want to be unkind here, but I honestly believe you have bought into a serious delusion. The only king qualified to bring about utopia is the King of Kings. Therefore, the only one-world government I will support is the one in which Jesus personally reigns. Otherwise…

I’ll stick with multiple nation-states. And I’ll be loyal to the one in which I live.

As for me, I am (first and foremost) a child of God and a citizen of His kingdom.

And, at the same time, while I’m living here in this fallen world, I’m also (secondarily) a citizen of the United States. And I have gladly and willingly pledged my (civic) allegiance to the United States. And (without apology) I love the United States of America.

Can a Christian be Patriotic?

What I hate about the whole “Christian nationalist” label is that it’s often an attempt to essentially shut people down. It’s a dodge. It’s one more example of how we have chosen slogans and labels over critical thinking.

If a person is a Christian and loves the nation in which he or she lives, is that person a “Christian nationalist”?

If the answer is yes, then I’m guilty.

If a person is a Christian and believes that the founding of the United States was influenced heavily by Judeo-Christian principles, is that person a “Christian nationalist”?

If so, then… guilty again!

But I don’t think either of the above is a fair definition.

I believe the best and most helpful understanding of “Christian nationalist” (again, looking at this term in a negative light) is when a person believes one of the following:

• That being a good citizen of your earthly kingdom or nation automatically makes you a good Christian
• That God somehow uniquely gives heavenly privilege points to citizens of the nation in question (in this case, the United States) and automatically looks down upon people born in other parts of the world
• That the role of the civil government of your nation is to force everyone in your country to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and become His disciple

I strongly disagree with all three of the above sentiments. And…

I also recognize that anything (even something good) can become an idol. And I believe a lot of patriotic and politically-minded Christians have sadly succumbed to nationalist idolatry.

Having said all the above…

In my mind, I don’t consider myself a “Christian nationalist.”

And, at the same time…

I’m extremely grateful to God for the United States of America. I’m grateful to be an American citizen. And I consider it an honor and privilege to be a voter in the United States — and I strive to be an informed one. Likewise, I strive to obey the laws of the land. And I extend all due honor and respect to our Constitution, our flag, our public officials, and those who serve our country. And…

In that spirit…

I’m happy to celebrate and wish all of you a Happy Independence Day!

God bless you. And yes…

God bless America.