A Simple Explanation for Everyday People
Christian nationalism is a term that’s getting a lot of attention these days, but it can be confusing for those who aren’t steeped in political or theological debates. What does it really mean? And why are so many people concerned that it leads to negative feelings like hatred, bitterness, envy, and strife in individuals and communities? Let’s take a straightforward look at these questions, using plain language and real-life examples that make sense for everyday people.
What Is Christian Nationalism?
At its core, Christian nationalism is the idea that a country—especially a country like the United States—should be defined by Christian values and that its government should give special importance to Christianity over other religions or beliefs. In other words, it’s the belief that a nation should be “Christian,” not just in name, but in how it makes its laws, who it celebrates as citizens, and how it sees itself in the world.
For some people, this might sound like a good thing. After all, if you grew up with Christian teachings like loving your neighbor, helping those in need, and living with kindness, you might wonder, “Why not have a country guided by these values?” But problems arise when people use faith as a tool for power, or when being “Christian” becomes more about who belongs and who doesn’t, rather than about love and service. That’s when Christian nationalism can start to divide communities, rather than bringing them together.
The “Us Versus Them” Mentality
One of the main reasons Christian nationalism can lead to hatred, bitterness, envy, and strife is that it often creates an “us versus them” mindset. When a group says, “We are the true citizens because we share this one faith,” it automatically puts everyone else in the “other” category. People who don’t fit the mold—maybe they follow a different religion, or none at all—are seen as outsiders.
This kind of thinking can stir up all kinds of negative emotions:
· Exclusion: People who are different get left out, ignored, or looked at with suspicion.
· Resentment: Those who feel excluded might grow frustrated or angry.
· Fear: People start worrying that their way of life is under threat, and fear can easily turn into anger or hatred.
Let’s look closer at how these feelings take root and grow.
How Christian Nationalism Can Stir Up Hatred and Bitterness
Hatred—or even just strong dislike—doesn’t usually start all at once. It grows slowly, often from smaller seeds like fear, insecurity, or feeling left out. Here’s how Christian nationalism can water those seeds:
· Suspicion of Outsiders: If your community tells you that people who don’t share your faith are dangerous, wrong, or less worthy, it’s easy for suspicion to take root. Over time, suspicion can grow into hostility or outright hatred, especially if you’re constantly told that “they” are the reason for your troubles.
· Blame: When things go wrong—if there’s a loss of jobs, a natural disaster, or political unrest—it’s easy for leaders to point to “outsiders” as the cause. This blame game can turn ordinary people against each other, feeding bitterness and division.
· Unresolved Grudges: If you believe your group is being treated unfairly, you might start keeping score, remembering every slight or insult. This can lead to bitterness—a kind of heartache that sticks around, long after the original problem is gone.
Bitterness, in particular, is like a bruise that never heals. Instead of moving forward, a community holds onto past hurts, replaying them again and again. This can poison relationships and make it nearly impossible to find peace.
Envy and Strife: The Struggle for Power
Christian nationalism isn’t just about “us versus them.” It’s also about who gets to be in charge. When faith is tied to power, people start comparing themselves to others, watching closely to see who’s getting more attention, respect, or resources.
· Envy: If you think another group is getting special treatment—maybe more freedom, better jobs, or a louder voice in government—it’s natural to feel jealous. Instead of celebrating each other’s successes, people focus on what they’re missing out on, which can make relationships even more tense.
· Strife: When different groups each claim they’re the “real” citizens, arguments and fights break out. This can mean anything from heated debates and protests, to actual violence in the streets. Strife means conflict, and it becomes very hard for communities to find common ground when everyone is fighting for the top spot.
What Happens to the Heart?
All of these feelings—hatred, bitterness, envy, and strife—don’t just stay on the surface. They sink deep into people’s hearts and change how they see themselves and others. The Bible talks a lot about guarding your heart against these emotions, because they can “wax cold.” That’s an old-fashioned way of saying your heart can become hard and unfeeling.
When hearts grow cold, compassion dries up. People stop caring about each other’s problems. It’s easier to see someone as an enemy, rather than a neighbor or friend. This is especially dangerous because it goes against the core teachings of Jesus, who said to love your neighbor as yourself and to show kindness, even to those who are different.
The Problem With Twisting Faith
Christian nationalism can also twist the message of Christianity. Instead of focusing on love, forgiveness, and humility, faith becomes about winning, being “right,” or having power over others. When this happens, the message of Jesus gets lost. People become more interested in being in charge or proving themselves, rather than serving others.
Everyday Examples
It might help to see how all this plays out in real life. Here are a few examples:
· A community meeting turns ugly because some people want to keep others (maybe people of different faiths or backgrounds) out of local events, saying they “don’t belong.”
· Family members stop talking to each other because arguments over politics and religion become so heated that no one is willing to listen or forgive.
· Friendships fall apart because people become more interested in being “right” than being kind. Old bonds break down over differences in belief.
These situations create pain, not just for individuals, but for whole communities.
What Can We Do Instead?
The good news is, we don’t have to let hatred, bitterness, envy, or strife win. Here’s what anyone can do—no matter what you believe:
· Practice Real Compassion: Remember that everyone is valuable, even if they have different beliefs or backgrounds. You don’t have to agree with someone to show them respect.
· Let Go of Grudges: Bitterness only hurts the person holding onto it. Forgive, even when it’s hard. You’ll find more peace in your own heart.
· Reject Envy and Strife: Instead of competing or comparing, focus on lifting others up. Celebrate what’s good in your community, even if it doesn’t benefit you directly.
· Stay Humble: True faith isn’t about being in charge—it’s about serving others, acting with love, and learning from those who are different from you.
Final Thoughts
Christian nationalism, when taken to extremes, doesn’t just divide a nation—it divides hearts. It can make people hard, suspicious, and unkind, fueling the very things the Bible warns against: hatred, bitterness, envy, and strife. But every person has the power to choose a different way: love over hate, understanding over suspicion, and humility over pride.
The healthiest communities are those where everyone is welcome, differences are respected, and people work together for the common good. That’s not just good citizenship—it’s good for the soul. By keeping our hearts warm and open, we help build a world where everyone belongs, and where compassion—not conflict—leads the way.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 