It is really hard to be a faithful Christian for the sake of the world if we are also committed to an adulterous form of Christian Nationalism.
Samuel Perry and Andrew Whitehead define Christian Nationalism as a “cultural framework that blurs distinctions between Christian identity and American identity, viewing the two as closely related and seeking to enhance and preserve their union.” It’s a posture of privilege, a desire for a world where the government would protect tax-exempt status for churches, while simultaneously blocking the construction of new mosques. Tim Keller says that Christian Nationalism “looks to political power as the only thing that can truly save us.” America is many things. A Savior is not one of them.
Christians can still love America. There is no shame in loving America–just as there is no shame in loving Venezuela, Botswana, or Finland. The shame is when loyalty to Caesar overwhelms love for Christ, when fidelity to a constitution overrides faithfulness to Scripture, or when love of country surpasses the love of neighbor.
Christians in America can wear hats with a flag, serve in the military, sing America the Beautiful, watch college football, drive an SUV, and order Diet Coke with extra ice. But their identity as a Christian must always come first, by a large margin.
A Christian in America will always remember to make space in this country for those of other viewpoints.
There are Christians in America who are indifferent to politics and are not patriotic. They pay taxes, keep the peace, and show gratitude for the sacrifices of the brave. They are just as much a part of this country.
Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others in America can worship deities, read holy books, keep holy days, and perform rituals. They are just as much a part of this country.
Non-believers in America can find other expressions of justice, mercy, and faithfulness outside the walls of formal religion. They are just as much a part of this country.
And Christians from outside America can be accepted in communities of faith, knowing that there is only one citizenship that truly matters (Phil. 3:20). The New Testament’s baptismal passages emphasize kingdom identity over national/ethnic identity (Gal. 3:27-28; Col. 3:11; 1 Pet. 2:9). Christians in America will always put their church family first, even ahead of their country (Gal. 6:10).
So the problem is not with being a Christian in America and the problem is not with being a Christian who likes America. The problem comes when Christians assume that we have an inherent right to run America according to Christian values, and that our churches should promote certain values to help gain/regain control of America. This is where it starts opposing the gospel. Why?
Christian Nationalism values coercion over persuasion. Sure, life would be easier if we could make others bend to our will. But Christians are called to be a city on a hill, not bullies on the playground. Christ’s love compels us, but it doesn’t coerce us. I doubt America was ever supposed to have a Bible or a pulpit. And I’m positive the church is not supposed to have a military. A Christian who refuses to distinguish between their Christian convictions and their national commitments will soon be a butler in Caesar’s household.
Christian Nationalism encourages victimization. Prominent American leaders often galvanize Christian voters by telling them that they are marginalized and oppressed because of their Christian beliefs. There are countries where such persecution exists. America is not one of them. Which religion enjoys more advantages in America than Christianity? There isn’t one. The Christian plight in America is closer to the old saying, “when someone is accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” Jesus not only anticipates that we might face opposition, he assumes it (John 16:33). To marry ourselves to the powers of this world in hopes of resisting temporary suffering is antithetical to the call of Jesus.
Christian Nationalism hurts our witness. We cannot influence someone we fear or hate. And we cannot preach a Prince of Peace if we always insist on our favorite politician being king. Too many Christians squander their witness in hopes of preserving their political taste. Not me. I’m not willing to give up my election so that my favorite politicians can win theirs. Both sides of the political aisle are guilty of slapping Bible verses behind their policies; the problem is bipartisan. But the parties will not be the ones who ultimately suffer, it will be the church.
The church has already suffered too much through the unfiltered acceptance of toxic theology and the endless charade of moral compromise. Maybe it’s time we stop taking up the sword to fight for Caesar and start laying down our lives to follow Jesus.
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge (1 Peter 2:11-12).
