"Christian nationalism."
It's a phrase that seems to be everywhere these days. Depending on who you ask, it's either one of the greatest threats facing our country or simply a label used to attack Christians who love God and love America. The problem is that most conversations about Christian nationalism begin with people arguing before they've even agreed on what the term means.
For some, Christian nationalism means believing that America has a Christian heritage and that biblical values should influence society. For others, it means blending Christianity and political power in a way that elevates a nation above the Kingdom of God. Those are two very different ideas, yet they are often discussed as though they are the same thing.
As a pastor, I have found myself listening to conversations from both sides of the debate, and honestly, I wonder if we are asking the wrong question. Instead of spending all of our energy arguing over labels, perhaps we should step back and ask what Scripture actually calls Christians to be.
One thing is clear throughout the Bible: God's people were never called to withdraw from the world around them. Jesus called believers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves. Light pushes back darkness. Neither accomplishes its purpose by hiding. Throughout Scripture, we see God using His people to influence cultures, communities, and even governments. Joseph influenced Egypt. Daniel influenced Babylon. Esther influenced Persia. Paul carried the gospel into the heart of the Roman Empire. The idea that Christians should have no influence on society simply is not biblical.
Christians should vote. Christians should serve in public office. Christians should advocate for justice, defend the vulnerable, care for their communities, and stand for truth. The question isn't whether Christians should influence society. The question is what ultimately influences us.
At the same time, I think there is a growing sentiment in some circles that Christians should feel guilty for loving their country. I don't find that in Scripture either. There is nothing wrong with being thankful for your nation. There is nothing wrong with honoring those who have served in the military. There is nothing wrong with praying for your leaders or wanting your country to flourish. In fact, Scripture commands us to pray for those in authority. As Christians, we should desire to see righteousness, justice, compassion, and truth reflected in our communities and our nation.
In fact, many of the freedoms we enjoy today exist because generations of Christians were willing to stand for what they believed was right. Christians have often played a significant role in shaping society, defending religious liberty, caring for the poor, establishing hospitals and schools, and advocating for justice. Whether we are talking about local communities or national conversations, Christians should not retreat from the public square. We should engage it with conviction, humility, and grace.
But this is where we must be careful.
As grateful as I am to be an American, America is not the Kingdom of God.
The United States is not ancient Israel. God never entered into a covenant relationship with America the way He did with Israel in the Old Testament. The Church is not an American institution. It is a global family made up of believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The Church existed before America was founded, and if the Lord does not return soon, the Church will continue long after America is gone.
That truth doesn't diminish patriotism. It simply puts it in its proper place.
Personally, I think the greater danger facing many Christians today is not Christian nationalism. It is political idolatry.
Political idolatry occurs whenever our political identity becomes more important than our identity in Christ. It happens when we become more passionate about a candidate than the gospel. It happens when we spend more time defending a political party than sharing our faith. It happens when our social media posts are filled with politics but silent about Jesus. It happens when we begin viewing people primarily as political opponents rather than souls created in the image of God.
And before anyone thinks I'm pointing fingers at one side of the political aisle, I'm not. Political idolatry can happen on the right, and it can happen on the left. The human heart has always been tempted to place its trust in earthly leaders instead of the King of Kings.
Governments matter. Policies matter. Elections matter. But none of them can save us.
Only Jesus can.
One of the most powerful reminders in Scripture comes from Philippians 3:20, where Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven." Notice Paul doesn't tell believers to ignore the world around them. He doesn't tell them to stop caring about their communities or their government. He simply reminds them where their ultimate allegiance belongs.
As Christians, we should be good citizens. We should care about our communities. We should participate in civic life. We should stand for biblical truth. But above all else, we belong to another Kingdom. A Kingdom that cannot be shaken. A Kingdom that does not rise and fall with elections. A Kingdom that will outlast every nation, every government, and every political movement.
Perhaps that's why I struggle with the way the phrase "Christian nationalism" is often used today. It has become a catch-all term that frequently creates more heat than light. Some use it to describe genuine concerns about elevating nation above Christ. Others use it to dismiss any Christian involvement in culture or politics. Neither approach is particularly helpful.
Maybe the better question isn't, "Are you a Christian nationalist?"
Maybe the better question is, "Is Jesus truly King of your life?"
Because if Christ is not first, even good things can become idols. Patriotism can become an idol. Politics can become an idol. Power can become an idol. But when Christ is first, everything else finds its proper place.
We can love our country without worshiping it. We can serve our nation without placing our hope in it. We can engage in politics without allowing politics to define us. We can advocate for biblical truth while remembering that people's greatest need is not a political solution but a Savior.
At the end of the day, America doesn't need more political saviors. It needs more faithful Christians who love Jesus, love their neighbors, speak truth with grace, and remember that their ultimate citizenship is not found in Washington, D.C., but in the Kingdom of God.
And that, I believe, is a calling far greater than any political label.
