A term we are hearing more and more of: Christian Nationalism. But what is it? No term seems more divisive today than Christian Nationalism. Even among conservatives, it remains a hot-button issue. Mentioning it is like tossing in a holy hand grenade; it will likely elicit strong opinions one way or another.

Christian Nationalism is a concept that carries a wide range of meanings depending on who you ask. For some, it represents the idea of a homogeneous Christian culture where everyone follows Christian beliefs. For others, it might signify a form of Christian patriotism or the struggle to implement a theocratic government that enforces Christian laws. Some advocate for Christian nationalism as a way to legislate Christian morality, while others see it as a violation of the separation of church and state. To the extreme, there are those who label supporters of Christian Nationalism as domestic terrorists.

Given this full spectrum, it’s clear that these interpretations of Christian nationalism are quite different.

Four Definitions of Christian Nationalism

In an attempt to clarify the term, The New York Times outlined four distinct definitions of Christian Nationalism:

Definition One: The belief that America should unite religion and politics in the same manner as the tribes of Israel in Leviticus and Deuteronomy (the more extreme case) or Puritan New England (the milder one) — with religious law enforced by the government, a theocratic or confessional state, and non-Christian religions disfavored.

Definition Two: The belief that America is a chosen nation commissioned by God to bring about some form of radical transformation in the world — the spread of liberty, the triumph of democracy — and that both domestic and foreign policy should be shaped by this kind of providential aim.

Definition Three: The belief that American ideals make the most sense in the light of Christianity, that Christians should desire America to be more Christian rather than less, and that American laws and policies should be informed by Christian principles to the extent possible given the realities of pluralism and the First Amendment.

Definition Four: Any kind of Christian politics that liberals find disagreeable or distasteful.

Defining Terms

Douglas Groothuis, in his essay on nationalism, emphasizes the importance of carefully defining terms when discussing Christian Nationalism. Politicians and political pundits often weaponize words, and the term “Christian Nationalism” is no exception. Thanks to media narratives and associations with events like the January 6th Capitol riots, many people now equate Christian Nationalism with far-right terrorism. This has led to strong negative connotations, especially among liberal-leaning voters.

What Christian Nationalism Is Not

Christian Nationalism is not simply cultural Christianity or the historical influence of Christianity on national values. For instance, the Church of England, despite being a state church, does not represent the form of Christian Nationalism we see debated in the United States.

Communicating About Christian Nationalism

When discussing politics around Christian Nationalism, it’s often more productive to avoid the term altogether and ask people to explain what they mean. There is no single definition of Christian Nationalism, and using the term without clarification can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce biases. It’s crucial to ask for clarification. If someone identifies as a Christian Nationalist, asking them to elaborate on what they mean can prevent miscommunication and foster more meaningful dialogue.

In such polarized times, clear communication and open dialogue are essential. Understanding the various definitions and implications of Christian Nationalism can help bridge divides and promote a more informed and respectful conversation.

In conclusion, Christian Nationalism is a multifaceted term with diverse interpretations. To engage in constructive discourse, it’s important to define terms clearly and seek to understand the perspectives of others. By doing so, we can better navigate the complexities of this topic and work towards a more unified society.

This post marks the beginning of a series aimed at exploring the multifaceted concept of Christian Nationalism and its implications in contemporary society. As with any ongoing dialogue, it is crucial to start by defining terms clearly to ensure that we are all on the same page. By establishing a common understanding, we can engage in more meaningful and productive discussions. That is what the inaugural post aims to do. In this series, we will delve into various perspectives on Christian Nationalism, examining its historical contexts, and current debates. This foundational post sets the stage for a deeper exploration, inviting you to reflect on and contribute to this important conversation.

Reflection

• How do you define Christian nationalism, and do you see it as a positive or negative influence in society?
• Do you think the separation of church and state is essential for maintaining religious freedom? Why or why not?
• How should Christians engage in politics without conflating their faith with nationalistic ideals?

Resources

• Nationalism: Pro and Con By Douglas Groothuis, March 27, 2024
• Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies, by N. T. Wright, pg 129-136
• The Gospel Destroys Christian Nationalism w/ NT Wright https://youtu.be/6rywufA9uZM?si=EhdvejCDBwpX9Izf
• Estonian Legislative Body Designates Russian Orthodox Church as a Proponent of Russian Military Offensive Story by Ella Bennet
• Four Ways of Looking at Christian Nationalism by Ross Douthat, March 1, 2024
• What Is Christian Nationalism, Exactly? By David French, Feb. 25, 2024
• Whose Version of Christian Nationalism Will Win in 2024? By Michelle Goldberg, May 15, 2023
• The Religious Roots of a New Progressive Era, Welcome to the post-Protestant Reformation. By Ross Douthat, July 7, 2020
• What Is Christian Nationalism? An explainer on how the belief differs from other forms of nationalism, patriotism, and Christianity. By Paul D. Miller, 2-3-2021,
• Christian Nationalism Is Worse Than You Think. Millions of Americans believe in this political ideology. What church leaders need to know—and how they can help those under its influence. By Morgan Lee, 1-13-2021
• N.T. Wright on Politics, Jesus, and the Powers, by The Reconstructionist https://youtu.be/FW0P-WrhSYU?si=VtO0B37E9M8zBcwx
• Hot-button words trigger conservatives and liberals differently By Yasmin Anwar