Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our Christian brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation. | Signed: Tony Campolo - Christians Against Christian Nationalism
Sadly, Christian Nationalism has become (to many) an axiom, much like racism, fascism, xenophobia and other unwarranted attacks on Christians and conservatives. But not all of this is hype. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green recently said: "The Republican Party's primary focus this year should be on making the political party one of Christian nationalism".
Pilgrims, America is not—nor has it ever been—a Christian nation. However, American Christians should not only have a vested interest in doing our part to see America become a nation of Christians, but we should celebrate all occasions where the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and the practice of Christian principles—are celebrated and elevated in the public realm and the things which dishonor God and bring shame upon people and a nation are repudiated.
Christianity is not a blessing that is exclusive for Christians. It is a blessing for all people and all nations, as sinners are saved from the bondage of sin and set free to live in newness of life; a life that no longer feeds the passions of their flesh but instead glorifies God and points other’s to him. As Christians are transformed by the gospel, it’s impact should have collateral blessings on their neighborhoods, their cities, their states, and their countries. This is all part of the power of the Gospel.
Jesus charged his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. This was not a passive command, nor is it a suggestion for how to live out the gospel in our private lives. This was a directive, given by Jesus, on how Christians must walk out their faith; in public, in politics, and in every day life. For a Christian, there should be no distinction between how we choose to live publicly and how we choose to live privately. And as American Christians, we have a responsibility to the world to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ; honoring the Gospel ABOVE all false religions and idols.
What is Christian Nationalism and should Christians be alarmed, encouraged, enraged, or indifferent about it? Today, Mike and I kick off a multi-part series on Christian Nationalism, its history, and how it is commonly understood and misrepresented today.
Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.