Is Christian Nationalism the Antithesis of the Gospel?

Picture this: You’re sitting in a small, humble church on a Sunday morning. The sunlight streams through stained glass windows, casting a colorful glow on the faces of the congregants. As the worship music fills the air, you can feel the love and unity in the room. In this moment, it’s clear that Christianity is about something bigger than any one nation or political ideology.

Christianity, at its core, is a religion centered around the Gospel message. It’s about following Jesus, spreading His love and teachings, and embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity that He created. But what happens when political ideologies and ideas of nationalism intertwine with Christianity? Is Christian nationalism the antithesis of the Gospel?

Christian nationalism is a belief that Christians have been called by God to create a Christian nation. It merges American and Christian identities, promoting the idea that Christians have a duty to have dominion in civil structures and reclaim the land for Jesus Christ. While this ideology may sound appealing to some, it distorts the message of Jesus found in the New Testament.

Throughout history, Christian nationalism has been linked to atrocities such as the genocide of Native Americans, the enslavement of Africans, and ongoing discrimination against various ethnic minorities. It creates division rather than unity and contradicts the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

In this article, we will explore the impact of Christian nationalism, the resistance to favored nation status in the New Testament, and the Gospel’s call to discipleship rather than nationalism.

Key Takeaways:

• Christian nationalism merges American and Christian identities, with the belief that Christians have a duty to create a Christian nation.
• This ideology distorts the message of Jesus and has been linked to historical atrocities and ongoing discrimination against ethnic minorities.
• The New Testament challenges the idea of favored nation status and emphasizes unity among different kinds of people.
• The Gospel calls believers to prioritize discipleship and spreading the Good News, rather than promoting a nationalist agenda.
• Christian nationalism is a contentious ideology that intersects with religion and politics, but its foundations are challenged by the New Testament and the call to follow Jesus above all else.

The Impact of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism has far-reaching consequences, influencing not only individual beliefs but also shaping the political landscape. One prominent example of the intersection between Christian nationalism and politics is the unwavering support of white evangelicals for President Trump. This phenomenon is often attributed to the influence of Christian nationalist ideals.

At its core, Christian nationalism promotes the notion that the United States is inherently a Christian nation. This belief fosters policies and actions that prioritize the interests and values of Christians over those of other religious or non-religious groups. The impact of Christian nationalism extends beyond rhetoric, manifesting in divisive attitudes, discrimination, and even violence directed towards religious minorities and non-Christians.

Racism and Christian nationalism are also intertwined, particularly in regions known as the “Bible Belt.” The perpetuation of white supremacy, often linked to Christian nationalist sentiments, perpetuates division and fosters an environment of inequality and discrimination.

Christian nationalism not only affects people’s understanding of the Gospel and their personal beliefs, but it also has significant implications in the political sphere.

Division Caused by Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism breeds division within society because it promotes an exclusionary mindset that favors one religious group over others. This division stands in stark contrast to the Gospel message of love, unity, and acceptance of all people. By prioritizing the interests of Christians above those of individuals from diverse backgrounds, Christian nationalism erects barriers that hinder meaningful dialogue and understanding between different communities.

Furthermore, the merging of religion and politics can create a hostile environment where those who do not align with Christian nationalist ideals may face discrimination or exclusion. This division undermines social cohesion and undermines the fundamental values of a diverse and inclusive society.

Racism and Christian Nationalism

Racism finds fertile ground within the framework of Christian nationalism. The belief in a Christian nation often manifests as an attempt to preserve a particular racial and cultural identity, perpetuating systems of oppression and marginalization. This aligns with the historical association of Christian nationalism with atrocities such as the genocide of Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans.

The entanglement of racism and Christian nationalism hinders progress towards racial equality. It reinforces racial hierarchies and fosters discriminatory practices that impede genuine efforts to build a just society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Examples of Division and Racism Linked to Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism and its impacts on society cannot be ignored. By understanding the deep-seated connection between division, racism, and Christian nationalism, steps can be taken towards dismantling these harmful ideologies and fostering a more inclusive, just, and compassionate society.

The New Testament’s Resistance to Favored Nation Status

The New Testament presents a different perspective from Christian nationalism. It emphasizes God’s love for all humanity and envisions a unity among different kinds of people. The apostle Peter challenges Christian nationalism in Acts 10:34-35, stating that God accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. The New Testament resists the idea of a favored nation status and calls for unity among all believers, regardless of nationality or social status. This challenges the divisive and exclusivist nature of Christian nationalism and underscores the inclusive message of the Gospel.

By emphasizing God’s love for all humanity and calling for unity among believers, the New Testament confronts and challenges Christian nationalism’s exclusive and divisive mindset. It presents a Gospel message that transcends national borders and calls for the inclusion of all people, regardless of their background or nationality. Through its teachings and examples, the New Testament provides a powerful response to the ideology of Christian nationalism, promoting a more inclusive and loving understanding of the Gospel.

Christian Nationalism in the Context of Philippians

The letter of Philippians, written by the apostle Paul, provides profound insights into challenging Christian nationalism. Philippi, a Roman colony known for its patriotic and military background, serves as the backdrop for Paul’s powerful message. Despite the prevalent culture of Christian nationalism in Philippi, Paul employs imperial imagery in a subversive manner to undermine this ideology.

Paul reminds the Philippians that their true citizenship is in heaven, transcending any earthly nation. By doing so, he challenges the concept of a Christian city or nation, urging believers to embrace their heavenly identity and purpose. Through this counter-narrative, Paul invites Christians to shine like stars in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, emphasizing the importance of living out the Gospel in a way that challenges the divisive and exclusive nature of Christian nationalism.

In Philippians, Paul’s insights provide a compelling argument against the merging of national identity with Christian faith. Instead, he calls for a focus on heavenly citizenship, unity among believers, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in light of God’s love for all humanity.

The Gospel’s Call to Discipleship, not Nationalism

The Gospel message emphasizes the call to discipleship, placing it above the concerns of nationalism. As followers of Jesus, we are commissioned to make disciples of all people, without boundaries of nationality or background. This mission focuses on spreading the Good News and inviting more individuals to become citizens of the heavenly kingdom rather than promoting the interests or expanding the borders of any earthly nation.

“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

The Gospel challenges the idea that Christian nationalism should be the driving force behind our faith. It reminds us that God’s love extends to all humanity, transcending national boundaries and emphasizing unity among believers. When we follow Jesus, we are called to prioritize discipleship and the transformation of hearts, rather than any political agenda.

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” – Romans 10:12

By prioritizing the Gospel’s call to discipleship, we foster awareness of the boundaries in the Gospel. We recognize that Jesus’ mission was not limited to a specific nation or people but encompassed the salvation and transformation of all humanity. This awareness allows us to engage in loving and inclusive relationships with believers from diverse backgrounds, creating a community that reflects the unity and love found in the Gospel.

As we navigate the complexities of our world, it is essential to remember that the Gospel’s call to discipleship supersedes any allegiance to nationalism. Our primary focus should be on following Jesus, making disciples, and spreading the Good News of salvation. By doing so, we embrace the true essence of the Gospel and counteract the divisive tendencies that Christian nationalism can foster.

Conclusion

Christian nationalism is a contentious ideology that intersects with religion and politics. It promotes the idea of creating a Christian nation and impacts how some Christians understand the Gospel, as well as their political views and interactions with others. However, the New Testament challenges the foundations of Christian nationalism through its resistance to favored nation status and its call to discipleship.

The Gospel message underscores God’s love for all humanity and the unity of different kinds of people. It calls believers to shine as lights in a divided world, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus and sharing the Good News rather than promoting a nationalist agenda.

As Christians, our focus should be on embodying the values of the Gospel – love, compassion, and unity. We should strive to break down barriers and build bridges, demonstrating the inclusivity and universal nature of Christianity. By doing so, we can counter the divisive aspects of Christian nationalism and truly live out the teachings of Jesus.

MORE SOURCES TO READ:

• https://www.americanprogress.org/article/christian-nationalism-is-single-biggest-threat-to-americas-religious-freedom/
• https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/in-their-own-words-how-americans-describe-christian-nationalism/
• https://www.missioalliance.org/christian-nationalism-is-anti-gospel/