Unholy Alliances: The False Gospel of Christian Nationalism
Unholy Alliances: The False Gospel of Christian Nationalism
Church of Deets
Unholy Alliances:
The False Gospel of Christian Nationalism
In recent years, the rise of Christian nationalism has garnered significant attention. Many Christians, out of a sincere desire to see their faith impact society, have aligned themselves with this movement, believing it to be the solution for restoring Christian values to the public square. But while Christian nationalism might appear to be a noble cause on the surface, it presents profound theological dangers and, ultimately, diverges from the teachings of Scripture.
Christian nationalism, at its core, merges Christianity with a specific political and national identity. It asserts that the United States (or any nation) was founded as a Christian nation and must reclaim this heritage by implementing Christian principles through governmental power. Proponents of this ideology argue that to honor God, Christians must seek political power and use the state to enforce a particular interpretation of Christianity on the broader society.
However, while this may seem like an earnest attempt to uphold Christian values, Christian nationalism is deeply unbiblical. It distorts the message of the gospel, undermines the teachings of Jesus, and threatens both the church and society. In this sermon, we will explore why Christian nationalism is dangerous and how it conflicts with the very essence of the Christian faith.
1. The Gospel Transcends Nationalism
One of the fundamental problems with Christian nationalism is its narrow focus on national identity. Scripture, however, is clear that the gospel of Jesus Christ transcends all earthly boundaries, including national, ethnic, and political identities. The New Testament consistently emphasizes the global and universal nature of the gospel.
a) Jesus’ Kingdom Is Not of This World
In the Gospel of John, when Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, He declares, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36, NIV). Jesus makes it explicitly clear that His kingdom is not political or nationalistic. His mission was not to establish a theocratic government on earth but to establish God’s kingdom in the hearts of all people, regardless of their nationality or political affiliations.
Christian nationalism, however, seeks to conflate earthly governance with the reign of Christ, as though the kingdom of God could be equated with a particular nation or government. This is a dangerous distortion of Jesus’ teachings. The kingdom of God is a spiritual reality, and it advances not through political power but through love, mercy, and the proclamation of the gospel.
b) The Great Commission Is Universal
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Notice that Jesus commands His followers to go to all nations, not to focus on the dominance of one nation or one political system.
Christian nationalism often elevates one nation—such as the United States—as uniquely chosen by God, thereby implying that God’s purposes are more closely tied to the success of this nation than others. This not only contradicts the global mission of the church but also promotes a form of exclusion that is antithetical to the inclusive nature of the gospel.
God’s plan, from the beginning, has been to bless “all nations” through the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), culminating in the diverse multitude worshiping before God’s throne in Revelation 7:9, where people “from every nation, tribe, people and language” stand united in worship. Christian nationalism misses the mark by trying to limit God’s kingdom to one nation or political identity.
2. Idolatry of Nation and Power
Another grave danger of Christian nationalism is that it promotes the idolatry of nation and political power. Scripture consistently warns against idolatry, and Christian nationalism presents a modern form of this ancient sin by elevating national identity and political control to a status of ultimate importance.
a) The Temptation of Power
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, one of the offers he made was to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if only He would bow down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-10). Jesus rejects this temptation, showing that His mission was not to gain political power or rule earthly kingdoms through coercion or force. Jesus knew that political power, while influential, was not the means by which God’s purposes would be accomplished.
Yet, Christian nationalism falls into the very trap that Jesus avoided. By seeking political power as the primary means of advancing Christian principles, Christian nationalism prioritizes the mechanisms of worldly power over the transformative power of the gospel. It assumes that moral change can be legislated from the top down, ignoring the biblical reality that true transformation comes from the inside out, through repentance and faith in Christ.
The apostle Paul reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The church is not called to wield earthly power for its own ends but to rely on the spiritual power of God to change hearts and minds.
b) Idolatry of National Identity
In addition to the temptation of power, Christian nationalism promotes the idolatry of national identity. It encourages Christians to place their national loyalty on par with, or even above, their allegiance to Christ. Yet Scripture is clear that our ultimate citizenship is not of this earth. Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Throughout the New Testament, believers are described as sojourners, exiles, and ambassadors for Christ. The early church recognized that they were citizens of a higher kingdom and that their loyalty to Christ superseded any allegiance to earthly powers. Christian nationalism, on the other hand, seeks to entangle our heavenly citizenship with earthly politics, leading to the false belief that loyalty to one’s country - or political party - is the same as loyalty to Christ.
This form of idolatry is dangerous because it distorts the identity of the church. Instead of being the salt and light in the world, representing a kingdom not of this earth, the church becomes just another political faction, fighting for power and influence. This not only undermines the church’s witness but also leads to compromise, as the church becomes more concerned with preserving its national identity than with advancing the gospel.
3. The Dangers of Exclusion and Division
Christian nationalism often fosters exclusion and division by aligning Christianity with a specific cultural and political identity. This creates an “us vs. them” mentality, which is contrary to the inclusive nature of the gospel.
a) Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbors
One of the greatest commandments Jesus gave us is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further emphasizes that our neighbors are not just those who are like us but also those who are different, even those we might consider our enemies.
Christian nationalism, however, often draws boundaries between who is considered “in” and who is “out.” It tends to equate true Christianity with a particular national identity, culture, or political ideology. This exclusionary mindset directly contradicts Jesus’ command to love and serve all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or nationality.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28 that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In Christ, the divisions that often define our world—national, ethnic, political—are torn down. The church is called to be a place of radical inclusivity, where all are welcome at the table of Christ.
b) Division Within the Church
Christian nationalism also fosters division within the body of Christ. When Christianity becomes intertwined with nationalism, it creates unnecessary divisions between believers based on political affiliations or national identities. The church, which should be a place of unity in Christ, becomes fractured along political lines.
Jesus prayed for unity among His followers in John 17, asking the Father that “they may be one as we are one.” Unity in the church is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the reconciling power of the gospel. Yet Christian nationalism undermines this unity by prioritizing political and national loyalties over our shared identity in Christ.
Moreover, when the church aligns itself too closely with a particular political party or ideology, it risks alienating believers who do not share those views. This not only weakens the church’s witness but also diminishes the gospel’s power to transcend political and cultural boundaries.
4. Misusing Scripture for Political Ends
One of the most troubling aspects of Christian nationalism is its tendency to misuse and manipulate Scripture for political purposes. This is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, political movements have often sought to co-opt religious language and symbols to justify their agendas. However, Christian nationalism takes this to a new level by attempting to present its political goals as divinely ordained.
a) The Danger of Prooftexting
One of the primary ways Christian nationalists misuse Scripture is through the practice of prooftexting—taking individual verses out of context to support a preconceived political agenda. For example, proponents of Christian nationalism often point to verses like 2 Chronicles 7:14 (“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”) as evidence that America needs to return to its supposed Christian roots.
While this verse is a beautiful call to repentance, it is important to remember that it was originally addressed to the nation of Israel, not to modern nations. Christian nationalists frequently misapply this and similar verses by assuming that God's covenant with Israel extends directly to modern nations, particularly the United States. In doing so, they overlook the broader biblical context and the fact that God's promises to Israel were part of a specific covenantal relationship unique to that time and place. The New Testament redefines the people of God as the body of Christ, transcending national boundaries and ethnic identities.
b) The Universal Mission of Scripture
The misuse of Scripture to justify a nationalistic agenda is not only dangerous but also obscures the true message of the Bible. The overarching narrative of Scripture is not about the triumph of one nation over others, but about God's redemptive work for all of humanity through Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently points us away from nationalistic pride and toward humility, repentance, and service to others.
Consider the words of the prophet Micah, who summarizes God's requirements for His people: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Christian nationalism often leads to the opposite: pride, exclusion, and a desire for power rather than humility and mercy.
The New Testament further calls Christians to be "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing His kingdom and His message of reconciliation. Our allegiance is to Christ, not to any earthly nation or political ideology. When we misuse Scripture for political ends, we distort the message of the gospel and fail in our calling to be witnesses of Christ’s love and grace.
5. The Danger of Persecution Complex
Another danger inherent in Christian nationalism is the fostering of a persecution complex, where Christians see themselves as victims of a secular society that is hostile to their faith. While it is true that Christians in various parts of the world do face real persecution, the situation in Western democracies like the United States is often different.
a) Misunderstanding Persecution
Jesus did warn that His followers would face persecution: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18). However, Christian nationalism often conflates genuine persecution for the sake of the gospel with resistance to its political agenda. When Christians face opposition for aligning the church too closely with political power, that is not necessarily the same as being persecuted for their faith.
Christian nationalism creates a sense of siege mentality, where any resistance or criticism is viewed as an attack on the faith itself. This leads to an unhealthy posture of defensiveness, where Christians see themselves as constantly at war with the culture around them. The result is a combative attitude that seeks to dominate rather than serve, to coerce rather than persuade.
True persecution for the faith comes from living out the radical demands of the gospel: loving our enemies, caring for the marginalized, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in a hostile world. Christian nationalism, on the other hand, often invites resistance not because of gospel witness but because of its attempts to impose a particular political vision on others.
b) The Witness of Early Christians
The early church offers a stark contrast to the posture of Christian nationalism. The first Christians lived under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire, yet they did not seek to overthrow the government or establish a Christian state. Instead, they focused on living out their faith in a way that demonstrated the love and power of Christ.
Tertullian, an early church father, famously wrote that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." The early Christians understood that their witness came not through political power but through their willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ. They lived as a distinct and separate community, known for their love, generosity, and moral integrity. Their allegiance was to Christ, not to the empire, and they changed the world not through legislation but through the power of the gospel.
In contrast, Christian nationalism seeks to use political power to advance its goals, often at the expense of the church’s witness. When Christians become entangled in the pursuit of political influence, they risk compromising their integrity and losing the distinctiveness that makes the church a transformative presence in the world.
6. The Church’s True Mission
Perhaps the greatest danger of Christian nationalism is that it distracts the church from its true mission. The church’s primary calling is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations, not to seek political dominance or impose a theocratic vision on society.
a) The Great Commission, Not the Great Command
Jesus gave His followers a clear mandate in the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission is not about establishing a political kingdom but about transforming hearts and minds through the power of the gospel.
The church is called to be a witness to the kingdom of God, which is not of this world (John 18:36). The mission of the church is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, serve the poor, care for the oppressed, and embody the love of God in a broken world. When the church aligns itself too closely with political power, it risks losing its prophetic voice and compromising its mission.
Christian nationalism often places too much emphasis on changing laws and policies rather than on changing hearts. While it is certainly appropriate for Christians to engage in the political process by advocating for justice, the primary means of advancing the kingdom of God is through the transformation of individuals and communities by the gospel.
b) The Role of the Church in Society
The New Testament presents a vision of the church as a countercultural community that bears witness to the kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). The church is called to live out a different set of values—values that often run counter to the prevailing norms of society.
The church’s role is not to seek political power for its own sake, but to serve as a prophetic witness to the world. This means speaking truth to power, advocating for justice and mercy, and standing with the marginalized and oppressed. It also means resisting the temptation to compromise the gospel for the sake of political gain.
The early church understood this mission well. They lived as a distinct community, embodying the love and justice of God in the midst of a corrupt and oppressive society. They cared for the poor, welcomed the stranger, and proclaimed the gospel with boldness. They did not seek to dominate or control the government, but they changed the world through their faithful witness to Christ.
Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness
Christian nationalism is a dangerous and unbiblical movement that distorts the message of the gospel and undermines the church’s true mission. By conflating Christianity with a particular national identity and seeking political power as the primary means of advancing the faith, Christian nationalism compromises the integrity of the church and leads believers away from the teachings of Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be citizens of a heavenly kingdom, ambassadors for Christ, and witnesses to the love and grace of God. Our mission is not to impose a theocratic vision on society but to live out the values of the kingdom of God in a broken world. This means loving our neighbors, serving the poor, seeking justice, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
In a world divided by politics and ideology, the church is called to be a place of unity and healing. We are called to transcend the divisions of this world and bear witness to a kingdom that is not of this world. Let us reject the idolatry of Christian nationalism and recommit ourselves to the mission of the gospel. Let us be faithful to the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love, serve, and proclaim His kingdom until He comes again.
Amen.
Resources:
Christian Nationalism Timeline
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