Why the Truths of “Kingdoms” Matter More Now Than Ever
Introduction: Then and Now—”Kingdoms” in a Changing World
In 2007, the book Kingdoms in Conflict by Chuck Colson offered a stark and thoughtful examination of the intersection between faith, politics, and culture in America. The era was defined by the rise of the Moral Majority and the New Christian Right—a time when evangelical Christianity was becoming deeply intertwined with the political machinery of the Republican Party. Nearly four decades later, the truths and warnings presented in Kingdoms in Conflict have not faded; instead, they have grown more urgent and relevant. Our society stands at a crossroads, grappling with identity, spiritual malaise, and the consequences of conflating religious conviction with political allegiance.
The Moral Majority and the New Christian Right: Historical Background
To understand the book’s resonance today, we must revisit its original context. In the late twentieth century, conservative Christians organized under banners like the Moral Majority and the New Christian Right, aiming to reclaim what they saw as a nation adrift from its Judeo-Christian roots. Leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson galvanized millions, asserting that America’s moral fabric depended on Christian values finding a voice in the public square. While their intentions were often rooted in genuine concern, the movement quickly became synonymous with political activism, forging a powerful alliance with the Republican Party.
From “Christian Right” to “Right-Wing Extremist”: Evolving Terminology and Perception
Over the years, the lexicon surrounding this movement has shifted dramatically. The term “Christian Right” once denoted a coalition of religious conservatives advocating for traditional values. Today, however, public discourse increasingly labels similar groups as “right-wing extremists,” a phrase fraught with suspicion and alarm. This evolution reflects not only changing societal attitudes but also the consequences of political entanglement. The shift in terminology signals a growing perception that faith-based activism is less about spiritual renewal and more about wielding power—a development that risks alienating both believers and non-believers alike.
Political Identity and the Kingdom of God: The Dangers of Conflating Faith and Party
One of the central dangers highlighted in Kingdoms in Conflict is the problematic identification of conservative Christians with the Republican Party. When religious identity becomes indistinguishable from political affiliation, the message of the Kingdom of God is diminished. Instead of transcending partisan divides, faith is subsumed by them, reducing the radical call of Christ to a set of policy positions. This fusion not only distorts Christianity’s core message but also erodes the church’s prophetic voice in society. The Kingdom of God, once a vision for transformative love, justice, and mercy, risks becoming a mere slogan in a culture war.
Modern Culture’s Spiritual Denial: Societal Trends and Consequences
Today’s cultural landscape is marked by a pervasive denial of spirituality. Secularism, skepticism, and the relentless pace of modern life have conspired to push questions of meaning, purpose, and transcendence to the margins. In many circles, faith is regarded as a relic of the past—irrelevant or even dangerous. This spiritual vacuum leaves individuals and societies adrift, hungry for significance but unsure where to turn. The truths of kingdoms in conflict speak directly to this crisis, warning that when the spiritual dimension of life is neglected, the result is moral confusion, anxiety, and division.
Christianity’s Diluted Message: Contrasting with Christ’s Original Kingdom Message
Compounding this crisis is the way Christianity’s message has often been diluted or distorted. Instead of proclaiming the radical, countercultural kingdom that Jesus announced—a kingdom marked by humility, service, and sacrificial love—many churches have settled for cultural accommodation or partisan rhetoric. The gospel becomes “good advice” for personal success or a tool for political gain rather than the transformative power it was meant to be. This dilution leaves people spiritually malnourished, searching for authenticity and depth that only Christ’s original message can provide.
The Crisis of Human Nature: Why Understanding Spirituality Matters
At the heart of our current cultural crisis lies a profound misunderstanding of human nature. Without a clear grasp of our spiritual identity and need, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past—seeking fulfillment in power, pleasure, or ideology instead of the transcendent. Understanding Christ’s message is not just a matter of personal faith; it is a societal necessity. Only by recovering a vision of the Kingdom of God—one that transcends political labels and calls us to higher love—can we hope to address the root causes of division, injustice, and despair.
Conclusion: Renewing Our Focus on the Kingdom’s Truths
The messages of the kingdom of God is more relevant today than ever before. In a society fractured by partisanship, spiritual denial, and diluted faith, we are called to return to the heart of Christ’s teaching—a kingdom not of this world, but for it. 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.” (John 18:36) By disentangling our faith from political identity, reclaiming the spiritual dimension of life, and embracing the radical message of Jesus, we can chart a path toward healing and hope. The challenges of our age demand nothing less than a renewed commitment to the enduring truths of the Kingdom.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 