In this powerful and sobering episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and explores how the ideologies of Christian nationalism and the prosperity gospel distort the way of Jesus.

While rejecting all forms of political violence, Derek uses this moment to examine the growing fusion of political power and religious language within American Christianity. He argues that Christian nationalism—like the prosperity gospel—offers a counterfeit version of the gospel that trades discipleship for dominance, humility for triumphalism, and the cross for control.

Derek outlines how Christian nationalism seeks to advance the kingdom of God through governmental action, while the prosperity gospel attempts to advance it through material success. Both, he contends, miss the heart of the gospel of King Jesus.

Conversation Themes

Lament and Clarity: Responding to political violence with grief, prayer, and a renewed commitment to peace.

What Is Christian Nationalism? Exploring definitions and distinctions between patriotism and nationalism.

The Turning Point USA Connection: How religious rhetoric and political activism blur the lines between church and state.

Five Shared Misconceptions: How Christian nationalism and the prosperity gospel both misunderstand the nature of God’s kingdom.

Following Jesus in a Culture of Power: What it means to reject triumphalism and embrace cruciform discipleship.

Key Takeaways

Christian nationalism and the prosperity gospel both mistake American values for Christian virtues—one exalting power, the other wealth.

Both misunderstand the purpose of the church, seeing it as a tool for influence rather than a community of witness.

Both redirect faith away from the triune God toward national or personal interests.

Both promise what Jesus never promised—national dominance or financial success.

Both trade discipleship for triumphalism, denying the weakness and humility of the cross.4

Books/articles mentioned in this episode:

What Is Christian Nationalism, Actually? by Glenn Packiam (Substack, October 9)

Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry

Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird

Jesus Changes Everything by Stanley Hauerwas

Read a written form of this episode here: https://www.missioalliance.org/how-christian-nationalism-and-the-prosperity-gospel-distort-the-way-of-jesus/

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Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com

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