As an ordained minister in Los Angeles, with years of experience as a leader in congregations across the country, I've been deeply troubled by the rise of Christian nationalism. I've witnessed how this ideology, cloaked in Christian rhetoric, has been used to justify racism and hate. The events of the attempted insurrection on January 6, 2021, and recent events and rhetoric leading up to and following the Presidential Election in 2024 serve as a stark and painful illustration of this phenomenon.
The narrative of Christian nationalism, which you've likely heard, goes something like this: America was founded as a divinely ordained Christian nation, a "city upon a hill." But we've strayed from God's path, and it's our duty to restore our nation to its "Christian" roots, by any means necessary.
While Christian values influenced the founding of the United States, early America was not exclusively Christian. The founders established a secular government, and the historical record is marred by inconsistencies, such as the treatment of Native Americans and the slavery of Africans.
Comparing the United States to Israel as the chosen people by using the biblical narrative is problematic. While Israel held a special status in the Old Testament, Jesus' message was universal, not nationalistic. He rejected attempts to make him an earthly king.
Jesus rejected attempts to make him an earthly king, demonstrating that his kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36 NIV Jesus said, “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.”
Culturally, the narrative is counterproductive. While political engagement is important, our focus should be on building a "nation of Christians," not a "Christian nation." Legislation cannot change hearts.
Let's examine some biblical points.
Joshua 5:13-14 NIV [13] Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” [14] “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
The encounter with the angel of the Lord highlights that God is not simply "on our side." God's purposes transcend human political agendas.
John 6:14-15 NIV [14] After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” [15] Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus explicitly stated that his kingdom is not of this world.
Matthew 4:8-10 NIV [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Jesus resisted Satan's temptation to gain power over the kingdoms of the world.
These scriptures, and others, demonstrate that Jesus' mission was primarily redemptive, not political. While we are called to be "salt and light" in the world, including in the political sphere, our ultimate goal should be to transform hearts, not to seize political power.
The allure of Christian nationalism is understandable. Many who embrace it genuinely care about their country and want to see it turn to God. However, true transformation comes through the Gospel, not through political force.
John 18:36 NIV Jesus said, “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.”
Romans 1:16 NIV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Let us strive to be a nation of Christians, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all aspects of our lives.
The narrative of Christian nationalism, which you've likely heard, goes something like this: America was founded as a divinely ordained Christian nation, a "city upon a hill." But we've strayed from God's path, and it's our duty to restore our nation to its "Christian" roots, by any means necessary.
While Christian values influenced the founding of the United States, early America was not exclusively Christian. The founders established a secular government, and the historical record is marred by inconsistencies, such as the treatment of Native Americans and the slavery of Africans.
Comparing the United States to Israel as the chosen people by using the biblical narrative is problematic. While Israel held a special status in the Old Testament, Jesus' message was universal, not nationalistic. He rejected attempts to make him an earthly king.
Jesus rejected attempts to make him an earthly king, demonstrating that his kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36 NIV Jesus said, “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.”
Culturally, the narrative is counterproductive. While political engagement is important, our focus should be on building a "nation of Christians," not a "Christian nation." Legislation cannot change hearts.
Let's examine some biblical points.
Joshua 5:13-14 NIV [13] Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” [14] “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
The encounter with the angel of the Lord highlights that God is not simply "on our side." God's purposes transcend human political agendas.
John 6:14-15 NIV [14] After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” [15] Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus explicitly stated that his kingdom is not of this world.
Matthew 4:8-10 NIV [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Jesus resisted Satan's temptation to gain power over the kingdoms of the world.
These scriptures, and others, demonstrate that Jesus' mission was primarily redemptive, not political. While we are called to be "salt and light" in the world, including in the political sphere, our ultimate goal should be to transform hearts, not to seize political power.
The allure of Christian nationalism is understandable. Many who embrace it genuinely care about their country and want to see it turn to God. However, true transformation comes through the Gospel, not through political force.
John 18:36 NIV Jesus said, “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.”
Romans 1:16 NIV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Let us strive to be a nation of Christians, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all aspects of our lives.
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