In the Season 1 finale, Pastors Steve and Luke tackle one of the most controversial and confusing terms in American Christianity today: Christian nationalism. What does it actually mean? How is it different from being a patriotic Christian? They define the term carefully, walk through PRRI's five-question diagnostic, identify where Christian nationalists have common ground with most Christians, and then unpack four key areas where it goes wrong — the myth about American history, false binary thinking, ethnic bias, and most importantly, a misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom. This episode pairs perfectly with the upcoming summer book club.
Episode Timestamps
• [00:00] Introduction — Luke Is Back!
• [00:39] Season 1 Finale — Summer Break Announcement
• [01:01] Summer Book Club Plug — Jesus and John Wayne, June 23
• [01:33] The Question: What Is Christian Nationalism?
• [01:55] Where the Term Came From — 2016 and Beyond
• [02:54] A Label Usually Applied, Not Adopted
• [03:23] Steve's Working Definition of Christian Nationalism
• [04:32] What Does NOT Make You a Christian Nationalist
• [05:23] Where It Crosses the Line — Fusing Christian and National Identity
• [06:05] Paul Miller's Expert Definition
• [06:49] Defining "Anglo-Protestant" Culture
• [07:28] Christian Nationalism's "Deep Story"
• [08:20] Why the Deep Story Is Compelling — And Where It Goes Wrong
• [08:49] PRRI's Five-Question Diagnostic
• [09:40] The Common Ground With Most Christians
• [10:33] Four Areas Where Christian Nationalism Goes Wrong
• [11:35] Wrong Area 1: The Myth About American History
• [13:30] Wrong Area 2: Binary Thinking — "Christian Nation" vs. "Secular State"
• [15:30] Wrong Area 3: Ethnic Bias
• [17:28] Wrong Area 4: Misunderstanding the Kingdom of Jesus
• [19:00] Matthew 20 — Jesus' Upside-Down Kingdom
• [19:42] The Kingdom of Jesus Comes From the Inside Out
• [20:23] Exile, Not Domination — Our True Identity
• [20:59] Summer Book Club Announcement Recap
• [21:26] Sneak Peek: Season 2 Topics
• [22:55] Closing
People's Questions Answered
Anonymous: "What is Christian nationalism?"
Key Scripture References
- Matthew 20:25-26 ("Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant")
- John 18:36 ("My kingdom is not of this world")
Resources Mentioned
- Mapping Christian Nationalism — Research by PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute)
- American Christian Nationalism by Michael W. Austin
- Taking Back America for God by Samuel Whitehead and Andrew Perry
- Disarming Leviathan by Caleb Campbell
- "Christian Nationalism Misrepresents Jesus, So We ShouldReject It" by Jonathan Leeman
First meeting: June 23. Pastor Steve leads a bookclub this summer wrestling with big ideas and hot topics in culture.
Summer Book Club
Book 1: Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Coming in Season 2
A preview of topics they're already planning:
• How should Christians engage in culture?
• Cremation versus burial
• Does God hate people?
• Why does God allow so much pain and suffering?
• Questions about sexuality
• Where do dinosaurs fit in the creation timeline?
• Speaking in tongues, and more!
Connect With Us
Submit your questions at cherryhillsfamily.org/podcast, text"podcast" to 217-546-4818, or use the link in the show notes. We'd also love to hear stories of what God is doing in the lives of people in our church — send us names and let us know!
Subscribe and share — see you in Season 2!