Introduction
Christian nationalism is on the rise, and with it comes a host of myths that intertwine faith with violence. As believers committed to the teachings of Jesus, it is our duty to critically examine these narratives and confront them with the truth of the gospel of peace.
In recent years, we’ve seen a disturbing trend: a growing number of Christians aligning their faith with nationalist ideologies that promote violence and division. This fusion of religion and nation not only distorts the message of Jesus but also threatens the very fabric of our society.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most pervasive myths associated with Christian nationalism and its justification of violence. We’ll debunk these falsehoods using the teachings of Jesus, fresh historical perspectives, and real-life examples of nonviolent resistance.
Why is this important? Because the call of the gospel is clear: love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and pursue peace. It’s time to reclaim these teachings and reject the dangerous ideologies that seek to weaponize our faith with carnal machines of death.
Join me as we delve into the heart of this issue and uncover the true essence of following Christ in a world marred by conflict and division.
Understanding Christian Nationalism
Let’s begin by defining Christian nationalism in American terms. Put simply, American Christian nationalism is an ideology that asserts 1) America is a “Christian” nation and 2) America is also an exceptional nation and was always intended to be governed by Christians according to state-approved (and enforced) interpretations of Christian doctrines. This perspective holds that America has a “divine” mandate to embody and enforce Christian values at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Proponents of this view earnestly desire for America’s laws, policies, and cultural norms to reflect “Christian” doctrines.
Yet, the real issue is who gets to decide what qualifies as ‘Christian principles’ and ‘doctrines’—and just how these “Christian” laws would be enforced.
The American Protestant community, for example, is deeply divided, splintered into thousands of denominations, each with its own interpretation of key theological concepts. These denominations often even disagree on fundamental issues such as the nature of salvation, the role of the sacraments, and the interpretation of Scripture.
The fragmentation of American Protestantism reveals the inherent challenge in advocating for a nation governed by “Christian principles” when there is little to no consensus on what those principles are. If the churches themselves cannot agree on basic doctrines, it is, at the very least, premature (let alone, problematic) to impose a unified set of “Christian” doctrines on national laws and policies. Which Protestant denomination do Christian nationalists want in charge of the government? Their own denominations, of course. Herein lies the central problem.
Moreover, the Christian nationalist inadvertantly weaponizes their particular faith tradition to serve a political agenda, resulting in the exclusion and marginalization of anyone who does not conform to the state’s definition of ‘true’ Christianity. When faith is hijacked for temporal political power, it perverts the gospel of Christ, turning it into an instrument for enforcing conformity based on state-approved interpretations rather than spreading a message of universal love and redemption.
Ultimately, Christian nationalism misinterprets Jesus’ teachings by attempting to bind His transcendent message to earthly political structures. Jesus’ ministry was marked by a radical call to nonviolent love for both friends and enemies and to serve the least of these. (Strangely, these two Christian doctrines are not on the political agenda of Christian nationalists.) So too, Jesus proclaimed a Kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36), one which we cannot defend through carnal weapons and that transcends all earthly governments and national boundaries.
In tying the glorious message of Christ to the fate of a single nation (ironically, just as ancient Judaism did), Christian nationalism distorts the universal scope of the gospel. It undermines the inclusivity of Jesus’ call, which was extended to all people regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status. Rather than advocating for a world reconciled to God through Christ’s commands of nonviolent enemy love and self-sacrifice, Christian nationalism seeks to impose a rigid and singular religious identity onto the political landscape. The result would be Christians condemning, imprisoning, and even executing those deemed “sinners” by the state, all under state-approved interpretations of the Old and New Testaments.
The call of the gospel is to tear down walls, not to erect new ones. The gospel of Christ transcends earthly divisions, aiming for a world where love, peace, and justice prevail without reliance on political power or violence. Our mission is to break the cycle of violence, not perpetuate it.
Historical Context: To better understand Christian nationalism, we must trace its roots back at least to the founding of the United States. Despite the founding fathers being influenced by Christian values, their embrace of Enlightenment ideals led them to establish a form of government that was both old (a revival of ancient republics) and new (a novel approach to “rights”) that ultimately advocated for the separation of church and state. While many early Americans appreciated religious freedom to worship as they pleased, others thought this to be a grave mistake. From the earliest days of the American Republic, there has been a persistent and effort by some Protestant and Catholic leaders to embed explicitly Christian language and references to Jesus within the nation’s founding documents. Despite these efforts, the framers of the Constitution intentionally chose to create a secular government, devoid of religious endorsements, to ensure religious freedom for all. This principle is enshrined in the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion and prohibits the establishment of any state religion. Notably, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights remain secular documents to this day, designed by their drafters to protect the diversity of religious expression in a pluralistic society.
The Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War all sparked resurgences of Christian nationalist sentiment as a way to rally the nation against perceived threats. But it wasn’t until the mid-20th century, during the heights of the Cold War, that the landscape began to shift. For example, the phrase “In God We Trust” was adopted as the national motto in 1956, largely in reaction to the perceived threat of atheistic communism, as American leaders sought to define the nation’s identity in opposition to that of the Soviet Union. By emphasizing a collective faith in whatever one wants to call “God,” they aimed to foster a sense of unity and moral superiority.
Similarly, the words “under God” were added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954. This addition occurred during the same period of Cold War anxiety, as a means to further differentiate the United States from its communist adversaries. By invoking divine support, leaders hoped to instill a sense of national purpose and spiritual fortitude in the American people. In other words, the integration of Christian language into national symbols and rituals throughout U.S. history has often been motivated by political and ideological needs rather than a genuine theological consensus. It reflects a recurring pattern in America where religious rhetoric is employed to galvanize national unity and moral resolve when it is needed most.
Over time, Christian nationalism has evolved, adapting to the cultural and political landscape, but always maintaining the core belief that America is a chosen nation with a divine mandate.
Current Trends: Today, Christian nationalism is experiencing a troubling resurgence, fueled by extreme political polarization, simmering social unrest, amid perceived threats to traditional American values. This resurgence is evident in the rhetoric of political leaders who invoke religious language to justify policies and actions that are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus. We see it in the symbols and slogans that equate American identity with Christian identity, which distorts the truth about Christ and His kingdom.
The rise of Christian nationalism profoundly impacts politics and society, as its extreme elements sow division, breed intolerance, and justify violence in Jesus’ name to defend a so-called Christian nation. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol vividly shows how Christian nationalist rhetoric can incite violence, ironically mocking the true Christian faith that confidently rests in an unshakeable Kingdom of God.
In this, and many other ways, Christian nationalism threatens the integrity of the Church’s witness. When the Church aligns itself with racialized nationalist ideologies, it compromises its prophetic voice and diminishes its moral authority. Instead of being a fount of wisdom, hope and reconcilation, the Church risks becoming a partisan player in political battles, prioritizing temporal power over eternal principles.
As followers of Christ, we must stand against this dangerous ideology. Our allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not to any nation or human government. The gospel calls us to be peacemakers and to love our enemies regardless of their faith or nationality. We must remember that Jesus’ teachings transcend all political and national boundaries, calling us to a higher standard of love and compassion.
To effectively counter the rise of Christian nationalism, it is crucial to address the myths that underpin this ideology. These myths misrepresent the teachings of Jesus and distort the gospel’s call to nonviolent love and peace. In the following sections, I will seek to debunk three pervasive myths that serve to prop up Christian nationalism:
- Myth 1: Christian Nationalism is a God-Given Mandate
- Myth 2: The Second Amendment is a God-Given Right
- Myth 3: Violence is Justifiable in Defending Christian Values
By dismantling these myths, we can reclaim the true message of the gospel and reaffirm our commitment to living out the radical love and peace that Jesus exemplified. Let’s begin!
Myth #1 – Christian Nationalism is a God-Given Mandate
The Myth: One of the most pervasive and dangerous myths of Christian nationalism is the belief that it is divinely ordained. Proponents of this ideology claim that America is a chosen nation, uniquely favored by God, and that therefore its laws and governance should reflect Christian doctrines. They argue that to be a true Christian is to support this fusion of faith and national identity, viewing it as a mandate from God to transform the nation into a theocracy.
Debunking The Myth: This myth stands in stark opposition to the teachings of Jesus and the foundational principles of the gospel. The Kingdom of God, as proclaimed by Jesus, is not bound by national borders or political systems. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), clearly distinguishing His divine reign from any earthly governance. His message transcends all national and cultural boundaries, calling us to allegiance to Him and His Kingdom alone.
The early Christians understood this distinction. They lived under the Roman Empire, a regime that demanded ultimate loyalty to Caesar. Yet, they proclaimed, “Jesus is Lord,” a subversive declaration that their ultimate allegiance was to Christ, not to any earthly ruler or earthly kingdom. They lived out their faith in a way that was often countercultural and, at times, led to persecution because they would not equate their faith with political power.
Historical Christian perspectives have consistently warned against conflating faith with nationalism. Augustine of Hippo, in his seminal work “The City of God,” contrasted the earthly city (dominated by self-love and power) with the City of God (characterized by love of God and neighbor). He argued that Christians are citizens of the heavenly city, living as pilgrims in this world.
Theologians and biblical scholars throughout history have echoed this sentiment, opposing the concept that any nation is divinely chosen to wield power in God’s name.
- C.S. Lewis: “Christianity is not and never was a religion of nation-building. It is a personal relationship with God, which transforms hearts and minds but does not align itself with political agendas.”
- John Howard Yoder: “The kingdom of God, as Jesus inaugurated it, is a radically new social order, not a sanctified version of the status quo. To align the church with the state is to compromise the very essence of the gospel.”
- Dorothy Day: “The Church must always be a voice for peace and justice, standing apart from the machinations of political power.”
These voices remind us that our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and our mission is to embody the values of the Kingdom of God—values of love, peace, justice, and reconciliation—in whatever context we find ourselves. We must reject the false narrative that Christian nationalism is a God-given mandate. Instead, we should seek to be ambassadors of Christ, promoting His kingdom through nonviolent love and service to others.
Myth #2 – The Second Amendment is a God-Given Right
The Myth: A particularly entrenched belief within Christian nationalism is that the right to bear arms, as enshrined in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, is a God-given mandate. Proponents argue that this right is divinely ordained and essential for the defense of personal liberty, family, and faith. This belief often elevates the Second Amendment to a sacred status, equating it with biblical commands.
Debunking The Myth: This myth is not only unfounded biblically but also contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the early Church. Nowhere in the New Testament do we find a mandate that supports the bearing of arms for self-defense or the defense of one’s nation. On the contrary, Jesus’ teachings are rooted in nonviolence and a radical love for one’s friends and enemies.
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. In it, He calls His followers to turn the other cheek, love their enemies, and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:39, 44). When Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus at His arrest, Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus’ kingdom is not advanced through violence or force but through sacrificial love and peace.
The early Christians understood and lived out these teachings. They refused to take up arms, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom. Tertullian, an early Christian writer, declared, “The Lord, in disarming Peter, disarmed every soldier.” For the early Church, the use of violence was incompatible with following Jesus.
Case Studies: The interpretation of the Second Amendment as a divinely inspired right has led to numerous instances of violence and conflict, both historically and in contemporary society.
- The Militia Movement: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, various militia groups in the United States have claimed that their armed resistance is sanctioned by America’s God. These groups often cite the Second Amendment as a divine mandate to protect their rights against government overreach. This ideology has led to numerous violent standoffs, such as the 1993 Waco siege and the 2014 Bundy standoff, resulting in loss of life and further polarization.
- The January 6th Capitol Attack: The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021 saw individuals carrying Christian symbols and banners alongside firearms and other weapons. The conflation of Christian nationalism with a perceived divine right to bear arms provided fuel for the violence that day, resulting in deaths and injuries.
- Gun Violence in Churches: Tragically, the misguided belief in a divine right to bear arms has empowered dangerous individuals to commit violence in churches and schools. The 2015 Charleston church shooting exemplifies the devastating impact of this myth. The growing presence of firearms of the most deadly kind have transformed places of peace and learning into sites of horror and bloodshed.
As followers of Jesus, our allegiance is to His teachings of peace and nonviolence. Because we reject homicidal violence in all forms, we have no need for assault rifles or firearms of any kind. It’s time to ditch the notion that bearing arms is a divine mandate and instead embrace the call to be peacemakers armed with spiritual weapons.
Myth #3 – Violence is Justifiable in Defending Christian Values
The Myth: One of the most insidious myths propagated by Christian nationalism is the belief that violence is justifiable to protect and defend Christian values and rights. Proponents argue that in a world increasingly hostile to Christianity, it is not only permissible but necessary to use force to safeguard religious freedom, moral values, and the Christian way of life. This myth seeks to cloak acts of violence in a veneer of righteous indignation, suggesting that such actions are not only acceptable but divinely sanctioned.
Debunking The Myth: This belief stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who unequivocally called His followers to a life of nonviolent love of both friends and enemies. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount provides clear instructions for how we are to respond to aggression and persecution: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39). This radical call to nonresistance is not an endorsement of passivity or cowardice but a profound demonstration of moral courage and faith.
Jesus further commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He modeled this love throughout His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion, where He forgave those who were killing Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) The power of nonviolent resistance is rooted in this divine love, which has the power to transform hearts and dismantle systems of oppression without perpetuating the cycle of violence.
The early Christians understood this principle well. They faced persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom, yet they did not resort to violence. Their steadfast commitment to nonviolence in the face of unimaginable suffering bore powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Stories of Nonviolence: Throughout history, there have been countless Christians who have chosen the path of nonviolence, demonstrating that it is not only possible but profoundly impactful.
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Dr. King, inspired by the teachings of Jesus and the example of Mahatma Gandhi, led the American civil rights movement with a commitment to nonviolent resistance. Despite facing brutal opposition, his unwavering dedication to love and peace brought about significant social change and highlighted the moral bankruptcy of violence.
- The Early Anabaptists: In the 16th century, the Anabaptists emerged as a radical Christian movement committed to nonviolence. Despite severe persecution and martyrdom, they refused to bear arms or retaliate against their oppressors. Their witness to the gospel’s call for peace continues to inspire Christians today.
- Corrie ten Boom: During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews from the Nazis, risking their lives in the name of Christ’s love. Even after being imprisoned in a concentration camp, Corrie continued to advocate for forgiveness and reconciliation, embodying the power of nonviolent resistance.
It should be clear that violence only begets more violence, while nonviolence has the power to break the cycle and bring about lasting peace and justice.
The Dangerous Consequences of Christian Nationalism
Impact on Society: The intertwining of nationalism with Christianity has profound and perilous consequences for society.
First, Christian nationalism creates an “us versus them” mentality, dividing people along religious, ethnic, and political lines. This polarization fosters a climate of fear and suspicion, where those who do not conform to a specific brand of Christianity are viewed as threats to the nation. Such an environment is ripe for the rise of hate crimes, discriminatory policies, and social unrest.
Second, the aggressive rhetoric often associated with Christian nationalism legitimizes intolerance and exclusion. When religious leaders and politicians use biblical language to justify discriminatory practices, they provide a moral veneer for actions that are fundamentally unjust. This leads to the marginalization of minority groups, including other religious communities, immigrants, and those with differing political views.
Third, the justification of violence in the name of protecting Christian values exacerbates societal conflict. When individuals believe that their actions are divinely sanctioned, they are more likely to engage in extreme behaviors, including acts of violence and terrorism. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol is a stark example of how Christian nationalist ideology can incite violence and threaten democratic institutions.
The social fabric of a nation is weakened when its citizens are divided by religious nationalism. The result is a society marked by hostility, fragmentation, and a loss of common purpose, undermining efforts to build inclusive and peaceful communities.
Impact on the Church: The primary issue with Christian nationalism isn’t the desire for the nation to follow Christ’s commands—after all, who wouldn’t want a world that embodies His teachings of love, forgiveness, and compassion? The real problem lies deeper.
For example, when we talk about “Christian” in the context of Christian nationalism, it almost always means Protestant. This narrow definition conveniently excludes Catholics and Orthodox Christians, who are still too often viewed with suspicion by many Protestants. They’re seen as not trusting in Jesus in the “right” way, according to Protestant understanding. But here’s the kicker: American Protestantism itself is in complete disarray. It’s fractured into thousands of denominations and sects that can’t agree on basic doctrines or politics, let alone the finer points of scripture. It’s like trying to build a house on quicksand—unstable and destined to crumble.
So too, consider that the modern form of Christian nationalism that’s emerging in the 21st-century seems to have completely missed a crucial teaching of Jesus. In Matthew 20:25, Jesus says:
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
Jesus contrasts the world’s political systems with His own model of leadership and urges His followers to avoid the temptation and folly of temporal political power.
Let that sink in for a moment. Jesus modeled a life that was never about grabbing political power or ruling with an iron fist. His idea of greatness was servanthood, not authoritarianism.
Christian nationalists appear to have completely misunderstood the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t tell us to seize temporal political power or commit acts of violence against enemies in His name. He called us to make disciples of all nations through love, compassion, and nonviolence.
Christian nationalism distorts the very gospel message it claims to promote, thereby damaging the Church’s witness to the world. When the Church aligns itself with nationalist ideologies, it compromises its prophetic voice and dilutes the transformative power of the gospel.
Christian nationalism misrepresents the nature of the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ teachings emphasize that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and that His followers are called to be peacemakers and servants, not wielders of political power. By conflating the Kingdom of God with earthly nations, Christian nationalism misrepresents the gospel, reducing it to a tool for political gain rather than a message of universal love and salvation.
The Church’s alignment with nationalist ideologies often leads to the endorsement of policies and practices that contradict the teachings of Jesus. When the Church supports exclusionary or violent measures in the name of “patriotism,” it betrays the core principles of love, justice, and mercy that Jesus embodied. This hypocrisy undermines the Church’s moral authority and alienates those who seek a faith that truly reflects Christ’s love.
The Church’s witness is severely compromised when it becomes entangled in the political machinations of Christian nationalism. The early Christians understood that their primary allegiance was to Christ, not to any earthly power. In contrast, when the modern Church aligns itself with political nationalism, it risks becoming a mere extension of political agendas rather than a beacon of spiritual truth. The consequences of this distortion are far-reaching. The credibility of the Church is diminished, and its mission to spread the gospel is hindered. Those outside the faith see the Church as hypocritical and power-hungry, rather than as a source of hope and reconciliation. This damages the Church’s ability to effectively minister to the world and to fulfill its calling to be the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16).
We should want all men to follow Jesus, but not through coercion or violence. We want them to follow Him because in doing so, they’ll model His nonviolent love, forgiveness, and compassion. That’s the kind of transformation Jesus envisioned—not a theocracy, but a world transformed by His radical, servant-hearted love.
So, let’s cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Jesus didn’t come to establish an temporal political kingdom; He came to transform hearts.
The True Call of the Gospel – Nonviolent Love and Peace
Jesus’ Teachings: At the heart of the gospel lies a radical call to nonviolent love and peace. Jesus’ teachings are unequivocal in their emphasis on loving enemies, turning the other cheek, and seeking reconciliation. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” He declared, “for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Jesus’ life and ministry exemplify this commitment to nonviolence, even in the face of aggression and injustice.
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently rejecting violence and advocating for a kingdom built on love and mercy. When Peter attempted to defend Him with a sword, Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus’ kingdom is not, nor is it ever, advanced through force or coercion but through sacrificial love and the transformative power of forgiveness.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) serves as a manifesto for this new way of living. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.
The Role of the Church: The Church is called to be a beacon of love, peace, reconciliation, and justice in a world marred by violence and division. As followers of Christ, we must reject the violent tendencies of Christian nationalism and embrace the true call of the gospel.
The Church must reclaim its prophetic voice, speaking out against the injustices and violence perpetuated in the name of racialized nationalism. We are called to stand with the marginalized, advocate for the oppressed, and work tirelessly for justice and peace. This means challenging policies and practices that harm others, regardless of their political or national affiliations.
Furthermore, the Church must model the principles of nonviolent love and peace within its own communities. This involves creating spaces for dialogue, fostering understanding, and building bridges between diverse groups.
Practical Steps: To reject Christian nationalism and embrace gospel nonviolence, individuals and congregations can take several practical steps:
- Educate Your Community:
- Engage in Bible studies and discussions focused on the teachings of Jesus regarding nonviolence and peace. Reflect on how these teachings apply to contemporary issues and challenge the myths of Christian nationalism.
- Promote Nonviolent Communication:
- Practice and teach nonviolent communication within your community. This involves empathetic listening, assertive speaking, and resolving conflicts without resorting to aggression.
- Model Peace in Everyday Life:
- Live out the principles of nonviolence in your daily interactions. This means being quick to forgive, slow to anger, and always seeking to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Support Peace Education:
- Incorporate peace education into church programs, Sunday schools, and youth groups. Teach the next generation the value of nonviolence and equip them with the tools to be peacemakers.
- Reject Violent Rhetoric:
- Be vigilant in rejecting and correcting violent rhetoric within your community. Speak out against language and actions that incite division and hatred, and promote a culture of peace and respect.
- Celebrate Stories of Nonviolence:
- Highlight and celebrate the stories of individuals and movements that have embodied gospel nonviolence. Share these stories in sermons, newsletters, and social media to inspire and encourage others.
These are just a few of the steps we can take to begin dismantling the dangerous myths of Christian nationalism and faithfully live out the true call of the gospel. As followers of Jesus, our mission is to be agents of His peace, ambassadors of His love, and builders of His kingdom—a kingdom not of this world, but one that transforms it through the power of nonviolent love and forgiveness.
Conclusion
In this article, we have critically examined and debunked three of the most pervasive myths associated with Christian nationalism and its justification of violence. We began by defining Christian nationalism and contrasting it with traditional Christian beliefs and patriotism. We then addressed the false notion that Christian nationalism is a God-given mandate, using biblical teachings and historical Christian perspectives to refute this claim. Next, we tackled the myth that the Second Amendment is divinely inspired, demonstrating how this belief distorts Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence. We also explored the dangerous idea that violence is justified in defending Christian values, emphasizing the transformative power of nonviolent resistance. Finally, we analyzed the harmful consequences of Christian nationalism on society and the Church, urging a return to the true call of the gospel—nonviolent love and peace.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His radical love and peace in every aspect of our lives. I encourage you to reflect deeply on your beliefs and how they align with the teachings of Jesus. Engage in meaningful discussions about nonviolence with your family, friends, and church community. Actively work towards promoting peace and reconciliation in your local context. Reject the false narratives of Christian nationalism and commit to living out the gospel of peace. Let us be the salt and light in a world desperately in need of hope and healing.
