Faith, Flags, and Fear: Untangling the Christian Nationalism Debate

The Definition Dilemma: Why Labels Matter

When someone throws around the term "Christian nationalism" in conversation, they might be referring to anything from traditional Christian beliefs about marriage to extreme ideologies that distort the gospel. The term itself has become weaponized in our cultural moment—used by some to embrace a particular political vision and by others as a blanket accusation against any Christian who brings their faith into the public square.

This linguistic confusion creates a real problem. Without clear definitions, conversations shut down, and Christians may find themselves either embracing problematic ideologies or retreating from legitimate civic engagement altogether.

"The biggest problem with 'Christian nationalism' is that no one seems to agree on what the term means."

The word "nationalism" itself carries different interpretations. It could refer to the extreme ethnocentric movements that fueled 20th-century atrocities, or it could simply mean the belief that distinct peoples deserve political self-determination—a relatively uncontroversial idea. When "Christian" gets added to the mix, the potential meanings multiply further, leading to both confusion and conflict.

Historical Christianity vs. Modern Accusations

Many beliefs now labeled as "Christian nationalism" were once considered mainstream expressions of Christian civic engagement. Recognizing the biblical principles that influenced America's founding, acknowledging Christianity's significant role in American history, or believing Christians should vote according to their values are not radical positions—they reflect how Christians have participated in public life for generations.

Even figures like John Jay, America's first Supreme Court Chief Justice, explicitly encouraged selecting Christian rulers. And Martin Luther King Jr. routinely quoted Scripture while advocating for justice and arguing that rights come from God. Were they "Christian nationalists"? By today's elastic definition, perhaps—but this reveals the term's inadequacy more than it clarifies their actual beliefs.

"Christians in the United States have always brought faith into politics, always prayed for the nation as the Bible instructs, always advocated for godly and just laws, and always sought to elect fellow Christians to government offices."

The Bible itself instructs believers to pray for rulers and nations (1 Timothy 2:1-2), to be involved in seeking the welfare of the cities where they live (Jeremiah 29:7), and to be salt and light in all areas of life (Matthew 5:13-16). These commands don't change based on modern political terminology.

What Is Dangerous? Misusing Faith to Justify Hate

While many accusations of Christian nationalism target legitimate Christian political engagement, some movements that adopt this label genuinely distort the gospel. Unlike nations defined by ethnicity or culture, America has always been heterogeneous. When nationalism becomes tied to ethnic identity—as with white nationalism that has appropriated Christian symbols like the cross—it becomes antithetical to the gospel's inclusive message.

The internet has fueled a resurgence of ideologies that blend Christianity with troubling racial overtones. This mixture is not only politically dangerous but theologically untenable. The gospel transcends racial and national divisions (Galatians 3:28), making any form of ethnonationalism fundamentally incompatible with authentic Christian faith.

This is why discernment is crucial—we must evaluate political movements against Scripture rather than adopting labels without examination.

Trusting Him, Shaping Me, Restoring Us

Trusting Him: God's design for government and society comes from His wisdom about human flourishing. Scripture teaches that government is ordained by God (Romans 13:1-7) while also making clear that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This tension gives us a framework that neither idolizes nor abandons earthly political engagement.

Shaping Me: Following Jesus means bringing our whole lives—including our political engagement—under His lordship. This discipleship transforms how we approach public discourse, requiring us to speak truth with grace and pursue justice with mercy, even when discussing controversial topics.

Restoring Us: When believers engage politically with biblical wisdom rather than partisan zeal, we become agents of healing in a divided culture. This approach to civic life creates space for meaningful dialogue that respects human dignity while upholding truth.

How to Respond: Practical Steps

1. Ask for definitions. When someone uses the term "Christian nationalism," politely ask, "What exactly do you mean by that?" This simple question often reveals assumptions and creates space for real conversation.
2. Distinguish between historical Christian political engagement and problematic ideologies. Recognize that Christians have always brought their values into the public square without necessarily embracing nationalism.
3. Evaluate all political movements against Scripture. Neither embrace nor reject a political label without examining whether its claims align with biblical teaching.
4. Speak with both conviction and humility. Model how to discuss contentious issues without either capitulating to culture or demonizing opponents.
5. Focus on specific policies rather than labels. Move conversations from vague accusations to concrete discussions about what policies best promote human flourishing.

Faithful Citizenship, Not Fearful Retreat

Navigating today's charged political climate requires wisdom that goes beyond slogans and labels. The path forward isn't retreating from public engagement nor uncritically embracing nationalist sentiments. Rather, it's faithfully participating as citizens of both earthly and heavenly kingdoms—bringing salt and light to our communities while remembering where our ultimate allegiance lies.

Want to go deeper? Explore more videos and resources that equip you to engage cultural challenges with biblical wisdom at IdentityProject.tv/explore.