Christian Nationalism??

In recent months I’ve seen the term Christian Nationalism making its way into many articles, blogs, podcasts, and even sermons, so I wanted to take a moment and share my thoughts on the topic to our congregation.

Attempting to define Christian Nationalism can be a little tricky because its definition seems to change with whoever might be discussing it and whatever their agenda may be.

As for my perspective, I will say that I have often seen Christians idolize politics. They begin to think that for anything good to happen on this planet that it must be done through Governmental power and their hope gets misplaced in whoever is the next rising star of their political party. These same folks also fall prey to considering anyone who disagrees with them as “the enemy.” I believe it is unwise to become a “disciple” of any politician. So, if your definition of Christian Nationalism looks like what I have just described, then I would be concerned with this movement.

However, let me also say that I am seeing the term Christian Nationalism being used by some to silence Christians in the public square and attempt to discourage them from engaging in the political process. This concerns me just as much as those who make an idol out of politics.

As American citizens, we live in a representative style of Government, meaning that we get to choose many of our leaders through the process of campaigns and elections. As Christ followers, I believe we should be fully engaged in every form of the political process and it is just and right to want to see Biblical values used in the leading of our nation.

Remember this, every person has a worldview. Every person has a set of values that help them to make decisions. Whether it be the President, your local Mayor, or your child’s teacher, they all have a worldview that will be clearly seen in the way they use their influence. If that worldview is not informed by the Bible, then where do their values come from?

If we have no solid foundation in which to form our worldview, then each person will get to do “what is right in their own eyes” and we end up in the confused culture in which we are now living.

If you’re a follower of Christ, I do caution you not to make an idol out of any politician, political party, or movement. Don’t rejoice too much when your candidate wins and don’t let your heart be troubled if they lose. Our hope is in Jesus!

Furthermore, if you’re a follower of Christ, do your homework, and research party platforms and candidates. Know where they stand on matters that matter to you.

Elections do have consequences. They will help frame the type of nation that our kids and grandkids grow up in. Pray, fully engage, and vote!

God Bless,

Pastor Dave

Proverbs 29:2

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Matt 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.