If its not Biblical or Constitutional… What Exactly is it?

I am no longer shocked by the nonbiblical, unconstitutional rhetoric being preached, taught, and introduced from many protestant churches, religious universities/colleges, and the greater hierarchy of our Christian communities – many of these institutions are embracing political agendas, candidates, and positions to the point of tainting basic Biblical and Constitutional truths for political gain.

The fastest growing and most damaging flavor of this corrupted belief is Christian nationalism – this nonbiblical ideology has always been a part of our American history – there are hundreds of well documented examples of Christian nationalism in the late 1800s, early 1900s, and post WWII periods – Christian nationalism typically resurfaces in conjunction with tough economic times, evolving national identity, racial conflict, and pressures from divided government – however, the focus of Christian nationalism has never been Christ, or Biblical principles – their focus has always been supremacy.    

Amanda Tyler, Executive Director Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) for religious liberty testified before a congressional committee looking into race (white) supremacy and Christian nationalism – her testimony got my attention because we share similar concerns about a surge of Christian nationalism platforms with politically laced agendas in many traditional churches today.

Here are some key take aways from her testimony and my associated concerns and perspectives:

Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that seeks to “merge” American and Christian identities – it suggests “real” Americans are Christians and that “true” Christians hold a particular set of political beliefs – the biggest concern with this attempted merger is the glaring conflict with basic Biblical and Constitutional principles and basic truths.

The “Christian” in Christian nationalism is more about ethno-national identity (white, American born) than religion – Christian nationalism is a gross distortion of the Christian faith – it’s important to note that opposition to Christian nationalism is NOT opposition to Christianity, or Christian beliefs – a growing number of Christians feel a religious imperative to stand against Christian nationalism for these very reasons – however, this position is faced with vocal and critical attacks from members of their church communities who stand with the Christian national perspective.

Christian nationalism uses the language, symbols, and imagery of Christianity to cloak their supremist ideology – it may look and sound like Christianity to the casual observer – however, a close examination reveals it uses the facade of Christianity but does not point to Jesus the Christ – it points to political agendas, figures, parties, or ideologies – the absence of Christ, Christ’s character, compassion, love, service, and basic gospel principle are the clearest “litmus test” when evaluating Christian nationalism.

Christian nationalism often overlaps with and provides cover for race supremacy and racial subjugation ideology – it creates and perpetuates a sense of cultural belonging that is limited to certain people associated with the founding of the United States – namely native-born white Christians – this narrow nonbiblical position ignores the “great commission” (Matthew 28) and it’s application to all nations and peoples regardless of race, economy, government, etc.

Christian nationalism is not patriotism – patriotism is a healthy love of country – Christian nationalism is an allegiance to country that demands supremacy over all other allegiances – including natural Biblical and Constitutional allegiances – Christian nationalism relies on cherry picked and misleading versions of American history in order to justify and perpetuate their ideology – this is a tool used to bait followers and potential followers into leveraging their white native born status for supremacy and position in an environment ripe with decay as a result of disorder caused by nonwhite, nonnative born believers and citizens.

The Christian nationalist myth must downplay or ignore the role of indigenous communities, black Americans, immigrant populations, religious minorities, secular Americans, and all others who undercut the false narrative that the United States is special because it was founded by, and for white Christians

This myth of a Christian nation is worse than just bad history – it undermines and contradicts the US Constitution – specifically, the prohibition in Article 6 against religious tests for public office – one of the truly revolutionary aspects of the Constitution that laid the foundation for the US being a faith freedom nation – Christina nationalism is also in conflict with basic Biblical principles of a loving Christ centered gospel, compassion and care for all, a salvation motivated desire to share, serve, and minister to all.

Many Christians and church leaders have joined in the fight against Christian nationalism because of increasing alarm about the violence, hate, and false teachings it has inspired against many of our country’s houses of worship, races, citizenship status, etc, etc.  – Christian nationalism inspires race, economic status, and citizenship status supremacist in public violent condemning ways – Christian nationalism fuels many attacks, protests, and defamation on federal, state, and local political, election and legislative agencies uniting disparate actors and infusing their political cause with false religious fervor.

It is essential that Americans, Christians, public, and government platforms confront race supremacy and investigate its myriad of causes – understanding Christian nationalism is imperative to both dismantling supremacy and preserving religious freedom for all.

Christianity does not unite Americans – our belonging and American society must never depend on how we worship, what we believe, or how we identify religiously – we should never allow anyone to say, that confronting Christian nationalism is somehow anti-Christian.

Groups of Christians across the world are alarmed by this false and damaging ideology – especially the way it gives an illusion of respectability to race supremacy and undermines our nation’s foundational commitment to ensure religious freedom for all.

Do we hear the Christian national narrative from our pulpits, Sunday school classes, Bible studies, etc, etc?

Do we call it out for the lie that it is and stand against it?

Do we recognize it laced into political agendas and candidates?

Don’t be fooled by it – Christian nationalism is hate, bigotry, a false supremacy – worst of all for Christian Americans, it is nonbiblical, unconstitutional, and absolutely against the teachings of Jesus the Christ.