Why the Merging of Faith and National Identity Demands Honest Conversation in the Church
As a Christian minister, a writer, and a blogger, I have devoted my life to exploring what it truly means to follow Jesus—digging into the riches of faith, grace, mercy, justice, and the ongoing journey of living as a believer in an ever-changing world. In these explorations, I am continually moved by the beauty and depth of God’s character: His boundless love, His unwavering kindness, His perfect justice, and the righteousness that invites us all into transformation. Yet, I also feel the pull to wrestle honestly with the challenges that face the church today. Among these, Christian nationalism stands out as a particularly thorny and urgent topic, one that threatens both the credibility of our witness to the world and the health of our spiritual community.
Let me be clear: my aim is not to point fingers or stir division, but to encourage thoughtful reflection grounded in Scripture and grace. The Bible reminds us that our enemy is a deceiver, skilled in subtlety (Revelation 12:9), and that even well-meaning believers can be misled. I am convinced that, in our time, Christian nationalism is one of the greatest dangers confronting the church—not simply because of its political implications, but because of its potential to distort the very heart of our faith and mission.
What Is Christian Nationalism?
If you’re like many believers, you may have heard the phrase “Christian nationalism” but wondered what it actually means. Let’s break it down in plain language. At its core, Christian nationalism is the belief that Christianity should have a special, even dominant, place in shaping the laws, values, and identity of a nation. It’s the idea that a country—often, but not always, the United States—should be defined as a “Christian nation,” and that its government and institutions should actively reflect and promote Christian beliefs.
People who support Christian nationalism often argue that the nation’s history, laws, and culture are rooted in Christianity and that these roots must be preserved or restored. They might advocate for prayer in public schools, Christian symbols in government buildings, or policies that align with a specific understanding of Christian morality. For some, this outlook comes from a desire to honor God and ensure that faith is not pushed to the margins. But for others, it can represent a fusion of religious and national identities that leaves little room for those who believe differently.
It’s important to understand that Christian nationalism is not simply patriotism—loving and praying for one’s country, or being grateful for its blessings. Nor is it the same as living out your faith in public or seeking to be a good citizen shaped by Christian values. Christian nationalism goes further: it suggests that to be truly patriotic, one must also be Christian, and that the nation itself has a divine calling that sets it apart from others. This can lead to a kind of “us versus them” mentality, where being a good citizen is equated with being a particular kind of Christian.
Why Is Christian Nationalism Problematic?
At first glance, it may seem harmless—or even desirable—for Christian values to shape society. After all, as followers of Jesus, we believe in loving our neighbors, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. Wouldn’t it be good for these values to be reflected in our laws and culture?
However, the problem arises when the church’s mission is confused with national ambition. In our zeal to influence society, we can forget that Jesus did not come to create a political kingdom. His message was not about gaining earthly power, but about transforming hearts and reconciling all people—regardless of nationality, language, or background—to God. The kingdom of God, as Jesus described it, is not of this world (John 18:36). It crosses borders and dismantles barriers.
When Christianity becomes entangled with national identity, several dangers emerge:
- Distorted Witness: When faith is wielded as a tool of political power, the church risks being seen more as a political lobby than a community shaped by sacrificial love. Our witness to the world is not about enforcing laws, but about embodying the grace and compassion of Christ.
- Marginalization of Others: Christian nationalism often sidelines people of other faiths—or no faith at all—making them feel excluded or second-class. This is contrary to the example of Jesus, who welcomed tax collectors, Samaritans, and all those considered outsiders.
- Compromised Mission: When national greatness becomes a goal equal to or greater than the Gospel, the church can lose sight of its true mission: proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, serving the vulnerable, and making disciples of all nations.
- Division Within the Body: Not all believers share the same political views or sense of national identity. Elevating one vision of “Christian nationhood” can sow division among brothers and sisters who should be united in Christ above all else.
Lessons from Scripture
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are cautioned against putting their trust in earthly powers. The Israelites, for example, often fell into trouble when they looked to kings, armies, or alliances for security instead of relying on God alone. Jesus Himself faced the temptation to seize political power (Matthew 4:8–10), but He rejected it, choosing instead the path of humility and obedience.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20 that “our citizenship is in heaven.” While we live in this world and have responsibilities as citizens, our deepest loyalty is to God’s kingdom—a kingdom founded on love, mercy, and justice for all. We are called to seek the good of our communities, to pray for our leaders, and to work for justice, but never to confuse the church’s calling with the ambitions of any earthly nation.
Responding with Wisdom and Grace
How, then, should we respond to the rise of Christian nationalism? Here are a few reflections for believers seeking to navigate this challenge faithfully:
- Examine Our Own Hearts: It’s easy to see the faults of others, but Jesus calls us to look first at ourselves. Are we tempted to equate our faith with our political or national identity? Have we allowed our love for country to overshadow our loyalty to Christ?
- Champion Religious Freedom for All: True Christian love means advocating for the dignity and freedom of others, even—perhaps especially—those who do not share our beliefs. A healthy society makes space for everyone, not just those who look or worship like us.
- Practice Humility and Listening: The issues surrounding Christian nationalism are complex and often emotional. Let’s approach conversations with humility, seeking first to understand before we insist on being understood.
- Stay Rooted in the Gospel: Our ultimate hope is not in politicians, policies, or national greatness, but in Christ alone, who breaks down walls and reconciles all people to God and each other.
Conclusion: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
The challenges posed by Christian nationalism are real and pressing. Yet, we need not respond with fear or anger. Instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us remember that we are called to be salt and light—not to wield power for its own sake, but to serve with humility, love, and joy. As we engage with the world around us, may we do so in a way that reflects the heart of Christ: seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
In doing so, we bear witness not to the power of a nation, but to the transforming grace of the One who calls people from every tribe, language, and nation into His glorious kingdom.
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