We explore a concept, a political movement that may affect Christians today. Christian nationalism has been getting a lot of buzz in the news, so we try to dig into some definitions of what it is, and some history behind the movement.
What is Christian nationalism? Is it the sum of its parts, Christianity mixed with nationalism? Does it mean something else? Is it good or evil? Is it just another label for patriotism? Most importantly, should Christians get involved with it?
As summarized from an article found on MSNBC: It’s toxic and anti-Democratic. It’s the resurrection of a movement from the 1950s that was very anti-Semitic, white supremacist, and striving to prevent America from becoming a mongrel state
According to Wikipedia, it appears differently depending on the country
in Canada it’s called a hate group. It is related to the covid-19 lockdowns. It involves mostly pastors who have been put in jail due to their beliefs. The movement also extends to the recent trucker convoy that shut down their capital.
In the United States, it also relates to what is called Trumpism, the Christian right, or accommodationism. The Christian liberty party is an organized political group that basically once to returned to Christian principles and government. That social issues are best understood through a Christian ethic.
Specifically:
1. The federal government should declare the United States a Christian nation.
2. The federal government should advocate Christian values.
3. The federal government should not enforce the strict separation of church and state.
4. The federal government should allow religious symbols in public spaces.
5. The success of the United States is part of God’s plan.
6. The federal government should allow prayer in public schools.
Yugoslavia. In 1935 there was a group called Christian nationalist who actually held fascist and socialist beliefs. There doesn’t seem to be any Christian basis in this group. However, a similar related groups sprang up in America. It held to some extreme beliefs about white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and with anti-Communist. Some opponents to Christian nationalism falsely link the current movement to this defunct political party.
Christianity today has an article that includes these points:
Patriotism is the love of country, and is a good thing. All citizens including Christians should have a love for their country.
Nationalism is a concept of how we define our country, or identify with our country.
Christians are followers of Christ. Christian should love their country and seek to improve it. Above all, Christian should seek to serve and honor Christ in all things.
Nationalism is defined by a cultural identity, and each identity should have its own sovereign national identity. For example, a common history, language, heritage and boundaries. The problem is that in the United States, cultural groups are not easily defined and overlap. You have to define what is, and what is not a nation. Minorities and marginalized groups also need to be taken into consideration.
As a political movement, Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Popularly, Christian nationalists assert that America is and must remain a “Christian nation”
The danger to society. Christian nationalism tends to treat other Americans a second-class citizen. The fear is that religious liberties would not be extended to non-Christians. Since it is a movement largely backed by a white Protestant religious population, it carries some racial overtones.
The danger to Christianity. The movement takes the name of Christ as a banner to cover the various political agendas, whether they are based in Christian teaching or not.
Only the church as a group, and Christians as individual should proclaim Christ. The place that responsibility on the government makes Jesus the cheerleader of government and not government the supporter of Christ.
Did these definitions help? There’s more to discuss on the topic, and here are a few more resources you might want to investigate.
Other sources and notes not covered in the episode include the following:
Got questions.
Broadly speaking, biblical Christianity neither implies nor includes “Christian nationalism.” Christians are obligated to individually submit to the will of God (Romans 12:1) and to support one another along those lines (John 15:12). In practice, this means advocating for government actions consistent with a Christian worldview (Proverbs 14:34). It includes defying government commands to commit sin (Acts 5:29). At the same time, a believer’s primary mission is not earthly, let alone political (John 18:36). In fact, the main descriptor for a Christian’s relationship to government is “submission” (Romans 13:1), not “domination.” Perspectives such as Christian Dominions or Kingdom Now theology rightly invite accusations of “Christian nationalism,” though such perspectives are not reflected in Scripture.
MSNBC
Christian nationalism embraces a large population of white Protestants as a political base.
An imagined attempt that condemns other religious faith.
a very real threat to our freedoms and our democracy
it’s a xenophobic radical religious movement, and yet another example of the GOP’s dangerous embrace of extremism.
Those participating in Christian nationalism openly seek to legally impose their extreme religious beliefs on Americans
Christian nationalism has a long dark history in the United States, one of white supremacy, bigotry and ties to the Nazi party. The term Christian nationalism is inseparable from white nationalism and is defined by the belief that the United States was founded as a white, Christian nation.
It also relies on the core belief that there should be no wall between church and state, Republicans seek to force their beliefs upon us
Note: see above entry under Yugoslavia. There is no real connection to the political party referred to at this point
Bible study tools.
Christian nationalism tries to use the concepts of national identity, with being a follower of Christ. Concepts that are not always easy to put together, and often contradictory.
Is America a Christian nation? The Christian nationalist would say yes. History supports the heavy influence of Christian ethics on America’s founding the Constitution was written from a Christian worldview, but it takes great pains to distance itself declaring a national religion
What does the Bible say about Christian nationalism? Nothing. In fact, it would suggest the opposite, that in placing ourselves in subjection to any authority other than Christ, might be construed as idolatry.
Born-again believers in Christ understand that this earthly world is not our home. “For he [Jesus] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
When taking a stand, take a stand for Christ.
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