Why Misusing Faith for National Identity Misses the True Call of Christ
As someone who has walked with Christ for over three decades of ministry, I feel a deep burden to share my heart with you about an issue that’s troubling our faith community—Christian nationalism. It’s a topic I approach with humility and a longing for understanding rather than division. My hope is that these words encourage us to reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus, not just as a label, but as a way of living that transforms how we see God, ourselves, and every person we encounter.
Christianity: More Than a Religion—A Lifestyle of Faith
Let me start by saying this: Christianity is not simply a religion we check off on a survey or a box we tick during a census. It’s a lifestyle, a daily journey of faith. Our walk with Christ is meant to shape how we treat others, how we handle challenges, and yes, how we view the world around us. When Christianity is reduced to a set of cultural traditions or, worse, used as a banner for political movements, we lose the heart of what Jesus came to teach. That’s why Christian nationalism troubles me so deeply. It misuses the name of Christ, turning a living faith into a tool for earthly power. That’s not what Jesus meant when He called us to follow Him.
Christian Nationalism: A Misrepresentation of Our Faith
Christian nationalism claims to represent Christian values, but in reality, it often defames them. It tries to blend national identity with the message of the Gospel, making it seem like God favors one nation or people group above all others. But Scripture teaches us something very different. Our faith was never meant to be a weapon or a political rallying cry. It’s meant to be a light that points to Jesus—His love, His mercy, and His call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Hebrews 11:6—Faith That Pleases God
There’s a verse I often return to when I think about what it means to truly please God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Notice that it’s not enough to simply believe that God exists. Real faith involves trusting that God is good, that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. It’s an active faith—a faith that pursues, that questions, that tries to live like Jesus every day, even when it’s hard. This kind of faith doesn’t look for power or dominance. It looks for God’s presence and seeks to reflect His character in the world.
Active Faith and Diligent Pursuit of God
Active faith means we don’t just settle for head knowledge about God. We lean in, we chase after God’s heart, and we let Him shape our attitudes and actions. Diligent pursuit means we’re always growing, always learning, always open to correction. When our faith is alive, it humbles us. It reminds us that God is the judge, not us, and that our calling is to love, serve, and build up—not to tear down or exclude.
One Blood: God’s Design for All Nations
The Bible is clear about how God views humanity. In Acts 17, Paul stands in Athens and addresses the people about the “Unknown God.” He tells them that God “made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” In other words, we all come from the same place. No nation, culture, or ethnicity is outside God’s creative intention. We are family in the deepest sense. Paul’s words remind us that God is not the possession of any one nation or group. He is the Creator of all, and His love extends to every person, everywhere.
The Sin of Despising or Demoralizing Any Life
Let’s be plain: it is sinful and abominable to despise or demoralize any life God has created. Whenever Christians are tempted to look down on others because of their nationality, race, or background, we step outside the will of God. The Gospel calls us to honor every person as an image-bearer of the Creator. When we let nationalism or prejudice creep into our hearts, we betray the very faith we claim to uphold. Our mission is to welcome, to bless, and to reflect the love of Christ—never to diminish or exclude.
A Call to Genuine Faith and Respect for All
In closing, my hope as a minister is to call us back to the heart of our faith—a faith that is lived, not just believed; a faith that welcomes, not one that divides. May we reject the misuse of our Savior’s name for lesser causes and instead embrace a lifestyle of trust, obedience, and love. Let’s remember that God rewards those who seek Him with all their hearts, and that includes seeking justice, mercy, and kindness for every life He has made. May we be known not for Christian nationalism, but for Christlike love.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 