Understanding the divergence between faith-based values and political ideologies
Christian Nationalism has emerged as an influential socio-political ideology, especially in the context of certain Western nations. It combines elements of religious identity, racial exclusivity, and nationalism, often advocating for policies that prioritize one ethnic and religious group over others. While its proponents may claim allegiance to Christ, the ideology itself reveals a stark departure from the teachings and essence of Jesus Christ, who embodies love, humility, and inclusivity.
The Core Tenets of Christianity
At the heart of Christianity lies the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the principles of love, compassion, and service to others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declared, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), a commandment that underscores the universal nature of Christian love. Jesus welcomed the marginalized, healed the sick, and reached out to those society had ostracized. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates his vision for humanity, calling for peacemaking, mercy, and humility.
Christianity, in its essence, transcends race, nationality, and socio-economic boundaries. Paul the Apostle wrote in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage reflects the radical inclusivity of the faith, affirming that unity in Christ supersedes divisions based on ethnicity or nationality.
The Contradictions of Christian Nationalism
Christian Nationalism, on the other hand, often prioritizes national identity and racial exclusivity over the universal tenets of Christianity. It intertwines whiteness as a cultural and racial construct with Christianity, presenting a distorted view that excludes or marginalizes other racial and faith groups. This ideology frequently envisions a nation where its laws, culture, and governance align with a narrow interpretation of Christian values, often disregarding pluralism and diversity.
Exclusivity vs. Inclusivity
One of the most glaring contradictions of Christian Nationalism is its exclusivity. By elevating one racial group above others, it violates Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor” unconditionally. The ideology undermines the Great Commission, in which Jesus instructs his followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This universal call to embrace and share the Gospel with people of all ethnicities stands in direct opposition to the insular mindset of Christian Nationalism.
Power and Domination vs. Humility and Service
Christian Nationalism often seeks to impose its worldview through political and cultural dominance, contradicting the humility exemplified by Jesus. In John 13:14-15, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, demonstrating servant leadership and urging his followers to do likewise. The pursuit of political power for the sake of enforcing religious and racial hierarchies diverges sharply from the selfless and sacrificial love that Christ embodied.
Fear vs. Faith
Christian Nationalism frequently operates on fear—fear of cultural change, fear of losing dominance, fear of “the other.” Yet, Christianity encourages believers to live by faith, not fear. Jesus often admonished his followers to trust in God and to extend love even to their enemies (Matthew 5:44). The xenophobic tendencies of White Christian Nationalism reveal a lack of faith in the transformative power of love and grace.
The Harmful Implications
The ideology of Christian Nationalism has far-reaching consequences that undermine both Christian witness and societal harmony. By conflating Christianity with racial and national superiority, it alienates people from diverse backgrounds and misrepresents the faith as exclusionary and oppressive. This misrepresentation can lead to skepticism toward Christianity among those who see it as a tool for division rather than reconciliation.
Moreover, the politicization of Christianity risks distorting its spiritual mission. When faith becomes a means to justify political agendas, it loses its transformative power to heal and unite. The church’s role as a beacon of hope and love is compromised when it aligns itself with ideologies that prioritize division over unity.
A Call to True Christlikeness
As followers of Jesus, Christians are called to reflect his love, humility, and inclusivity in their lives and interactions. Christian Nationalism offers a distorted image of Christianity that must be confronted with the true teachings of Christ. This confrontation requires a commitment to justice, racial equality, and the dismantling of systems that perpetuate exclusion and oppression.
Embracing Diversity
The Kingdom of God, as envisioned by Jesus, is one of diversity. Revelation 7:9 depicts a multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshiping together. Christians are called to celebrate diversity as a reflection of God’s creativity and love, rejecting ideologies that seek to homogenize humanity.
Promoting Reconciliation
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and his followers are tasked with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). This means actively working to bridge divides, dismantle prejudices, and build communities rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Living Out the Gospel
The Gospel calls for action—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, and loving unconditionally (Matthew 25:35-40). Christians must reject ideologies that contradict these principles and instead embody the radical love and inclusivity of Jesus.
Conclusion
Christian Nationalism is not Christian nor is it Christlike. It stands as a distortion of the Gospel, prioritizing race and nation over the universal love and grace of Jesus Christ. To truly follow Jesus, Christians must reject exclusivity, fear, and domination and embrace humility, service, and reconciliation. In doing so, they can embody the transformative power of Christ’s love, bringing hope and healing to a divided world.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 