One of the discussion threads making renewed rounds is the definition of “Christian nationalism” — specifically, what it is and why it raises concern. Note that the term is most frequently employed by those who either are not adherents of the faith or have some apprehension related to Christians or aspects of Christianity. It’s also a new term and one not typically employed by those who adhere to it. Hence, let’s unpack what Christian nationalism is and first, what it is not…
It’s not patriotism. Patriotism is the love of country. It’s expressing devotion to and support for one’s country. We saw such oft on display at the XXXIII Olympiad.
It’s not nationalism. Nationalism is an identification with one’s country. Yes, it’s supporting the country’s interests but to the potential exclusion and detriment of other nations.
It’s not popular. According to Newsweek, only 5% of American adults have ever called themselves “Christian nationalists.”
Lastly, it’s not synonymous with Republicanism. Also according to Newsweek, of the minimal who identify as adherents of the ideology, half believe the GOP is an actual threat to the country.
So what is it and what’s the concern?
In simplest form, Christian nationalism is the belief that the US is defined by Christianity and the government should govern that way. The idea is that our laws should be based on and reflect Christian values and there is no intentional separation of church and state. Far less prominent factions may be extreme, and as we see via the louder, political gamesmanship on both the left and the right, the extremes are typically highlighted more by critics than adherents.
We are a nation, no less, that was built on individual freedom; our government was designed to promote and protect that freedom, meaning we can live primarily as we choose save we harm no one else. Such leads to two very logical conclusions. One, the government does not and cannot dictate morality (as too many partisans on too many sides too conveniently seem to dismiss). And two, to be or not to be a Christian — or any organized religion — is the choice of the individual.
We do need to be prudent in acknowledging the historic role Judeo-Christian values have played in our governance, as pending the state one lives in, 3 to 4 of the Ten Commandments are actually articulated in the law. Hence, Christian values have long been an influence on the law; they are just not the determiner.
Allow me here, therefore, a bit of a significant relevant tangent, if you will…
One of the challenges of this conversation, especially as emotions run high and fears get deep, is that we sometimes lose sight of what specific things really mean.
I am a Christian. Let me say it better. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. When Jesus walked this planet and physically interacted with the people, he didn’t invite them to come join some new, hip organized religion. He invited people to follow him.
What does that mean and what does it not? To follow Jesus means to spend time with him and become more like him, embracing what he thought, taught and did. He consistently implores two primary things: to love God and love other people. No matter what. There is indeed more — being humble and kind, empathizing, providing care, offering generous grace and ceaseless truth in ways people can hear it — but those first, two primary things are never compromised.
So what is following Jesus not? It’s not arrogant. It’s not selfish. It’s not oppressive. Nor is it ever free license to play someone else’s Holy Spirit — meaning I can’t nor am I even capable of making the decision of what’s best for everybody else. It’s also never selective of love or honor. Perhaps that’s one thing that most disturbs me; we keep choosing who we will love and who we will not. We withhold love and honor when we think another doesn’t deserve it or if they disagree with us just a little too much. Friends, I am not Jesus. I simply strive to become more like him. But the more I learn, the more it’s clear selective love and honor do not emulate him.
I suppose that then reveals the reality of what Christ followers most practically are: very imperfect. No doubt that’s why sometimes it’s felt like Christians are judgmental, hypocritical or worse. There’s too much of that on this planet, in organized religion and elsewhere. But the other radically true reality is that our imperfections do not accurately reflect what Jesus thought, taught and did.
Perhaps that’s why some of this gets so hard. A follower of Jesus or not, an adherent of Christian nationalism or not, a believer in some other left/right fringe ideology, we are each so very imperfect. Which means none of us will ever corner the market on wisdom. And there will always be need to be humble and kind.
God be with us all.
Respectfully…
AR