Christian Nationalism?

Clearing up the confusion

Where in the world did this term come from and what does it mean?

In looking up on the internet “Christian Nationalism” one will be shocked to find it has become a serious issue in the United States. You will see headlines and articles in major newspapers and blogs as well as editorials by Christian leaders. I even saw one headline that read “Christian Nationalism is literally killing us”. Wow this must be a very serious issue then right? I took time to dig a little deeper to see what Christian Nationalism is defined as. This was when the exposure and comedy of what is driving this craze began to come to light. Not one definition was the same. Every single one differed and all seemed to be unable to offer a rational definition without including a nasty derogatory phrase or term to describe it. I read arguments against it, took notes and came to some easy conclusions.

1. Christian Nationalism isn't really a thing. It's a derogatory term made up by left wing leaders in the Church and trumpeted by lefties everywhere. The purpose being to shame concerned Christians from participating in reformation or in loving their country.

2. The arguments and definitions put forth by the anti-Christian Nationalists are almost all straw men. What do I mean by straw man? Straw man arguments first pose a position that no one actually holds or a subtle variation that misconstrues a position. The debater then ascribes this imaginary position to their opponent which makes it easy to mock and beat. It's a tactic that was used constantly by Barack Obama during his presidency (and beyond). It has had surprising success against Republicans who had to take time defending themselves from positions or statements they never made.

3. The biggest threat to Marxist control over America is an active, vibrant and involved Church. This is because Christianity is more than a belief. It’s something worth dying for.

4. There is some real hatred for people like me out there.

5. This is more regurgitated hate for Donald Trump and the slogan of “Make America Great Again” by never Trumpers in the Church.

The term Christian Nationalism has been coined to label any Christian who believes that God's Kingdom should influence and infiltrate every area of culture including politics. The group of people that are being targeted tends to be well versed in the Christian heritage and history of America. They tend to see God's hand in her national story. This same person could further believe in radical scriptures(some sarcasm here) that talk about a nation being happy whose God is the Lord. It's possible these poor folks would believe the Great Commission was not limited to simply preaching a salvation message but included the discipling of a nation by teaching said nation to obey Jesus's commands. Likely they would also believe that prayer and Bible reading should be put back in public schools(like we had for hundreds of years) or that being a Christian is a good trait for our leaders or that morality in society should be judged by Biblical standards etc.. You get the idea.

What Christian Nationalism is not. There are far too many mischaracterizations by the left to cover them all but here are a few corrections.

1. No one believes Patriotism is the same or equal to salvation. Like no one.

2. No one believes the actual government system is to be religious or Christian. No Theocracy is dreamed about or favored. In fact the constitution is appreciated and supported.

3. It has nothing to do with race and is not in any way affiliated with white supremacy. I know the race card is the favorite thing of progressives to throw out whenever they are losing an argument but wanting our country to return to our Godly heritage and roots is a desire shared across all ethnic groups.

4. No one believes America and the Kingdom of God are one and the same. It is correct to believe that America has a destiny (as do all nations) and that we are to work hard to see it's Godly destiny fulfilled.

What I believe.

If it hasn't already been obvious I am squarely in the category of someone the left would call a Christian Nationalist. I have also been called a deplorable or someone that clings to my Bible and my guns. Badges I wear with honor. I believe the Church in America has been infiltrated for quite some time with progressive pastors, teachers and leaders that are all too happy to equate Jesus with liberal causes while decrying politics or division. I believe that the body of Christ will be the most powerful influence in all areas of life including education, the arts and entertainment, business and politics. Jesus spoke many times in parables about returning to His servants tasked with taking cities for Him. I believe in a good destiny for America and as long as she returns to God will fulfill it.

Jesus didn't run for political office(wasn't His mission). However Jesus didn't do a lot of things we are tasked with now. This is important for us to fully understand. He was sent to seek and save the lost sheep of Israel only and to lay down His life. He brought His Kingdom to earth and it now dwells in His followers. So our mission is different. We who carry God's Kingdom are to influence and disciple systems to come under the Lordship of Christ in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

A very interesting prophesy in Daniel chapter 2 comes through the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and the subsequent interpretation given by God. It details the Kingdom of God being established on earth at the time of the Roman Empire. The picture was a stone cut out without hands becoming a mountain to take over the whole world and destroy all other kingdoms of the world. It was said this kingdom would not be passed on(meaning having only one King) and that it would be eternal. Pretty crazy that history was spelled out hundreds and hundreds of years before events took place!

We are at war with spiritual forces that influence our world. You can’t watch five minutes of the news and not realize this truth. Scripture teaches that believers fight not by carnal or fleshly means but with spiritual weapons. Note what those weapons are for. The taking of every stronghold, every argument and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God(2Corin 2:4). Jesus said that the gates of Hell itself would not prevail against the Church(Matt 16:18). It's why the believer is likened to a soldier(2Tim 2:3,4) or why the Church was and is built by the apostles(1Corin 12:28) which is a military term. The apostles were called the ones who turned the world upside down for a reason. Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Psalms says the saints of God(believers) can bind Kings and princes with their praise, worship and prayer(Ps149:6-8). In the book of Revelations the bride of Christ overcomes the evil one by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and by loving not our lives even unto death. We will win this fight but fight we must.

Scripture seems to strongly indicate that the Lord's return is waiting on the enemies of God to be subdued. To become His footstool if you will(Ps 110:1). The Kingdom of God is within us but the Kingdom of God is on earth and I truly believe earth has become the center of the heavenly drama unfolding and we are called to participate. If you as a believer feel no call to love America and to further the Kingdom here then you should pray and find out what nation you are called to. We are all missionaries.

I do not apologize for my beliefs and in fact am more confident than ever that God is up to something in our nation. The fact that we have another bullseye on our backs for believing God wants His Kingdom to dominate every other earthly kingdom is fine with me. If you feel I have missed anything please feel free to reach out I would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading and if you enjoyed it please share!