Two Loves
Christians are arguing about a phrase. Some use “Christian nationalism” as an insult for any believer whose faith touches his vote. Some wear it as a badge. Most church members are not sure what it means, and they are tired of being told what they are.
Under the argument are real questions. Is America a Christian nation? Is any nation? May a believer love his country, stand for its anthem, and grieve over its sins? Should a government favor the Christian faith? Many readers of this page are not American, and these questions reach them too, in Seoul, Lagos, Manila, São Paulo, and London. A believer from one nation and a believer from its old enemy can kneel side by side and call God Father. No flag can do that.
Can a nation be Christian in the way a person can be Christian?
Three Questions
- What must someone believe to be saved? The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). No passport, party, or heritage adds to it or takes from it.
- What must a Christian believe and obey? Honor rulers and pray for them (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1–2). Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Faith cannot be forced. Israel's covenant belongs to Israel. Believers in every nation are one body in Christ (Colossians 3:11). Idols are forbidden, and a nation can become one (1 John 5:21).
- Where has God granted liberty? How to weigh an imperfect ballot, how law should apply a moral truth, and how a church marks a national holiday. See How Christians Decide.
Here is where we stand. A Christian may love his country and bring his faith into public life. No nation today is God's covenant people. The church must never be merged with the state. And we warn against two ditches: idolizing a nation and despising one.
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For Deeper Study
- The Search for Christian AmericaAmazon Mark A. Noll, Nathan O. Hatch, and George M. MarsdenThree evangelical historians test the claim that America was founded as a Christian nation. Their answer is more critical than some readers will expect.
- Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?Amazon John FeaA balanced historical introduction by an evangelical historian, fair to both sides of the American argument.
- Did America Have a Christian Founding?Amazon Mark David HallA political scientist's strong case that Christianity shaped the founding more than many allow, including careful work on the less famous Founders.
- The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders: Reason, Revelation, and RevolutionAmazon Gregg L. FrazerAn evangelical scholar argues that the key Founders were neither orthodox Christians nor deists, but held a blend he calls theistic rationalism.
- Soul Liberty: The Baptists' Struggle in New England, 1630–1833Amazon William G. McLoughlinA historian's account of what Baptists suffered under Christian commonwealths. Written by a scholar, not from a Baptist conviction.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
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Separation of Church and State
Separation of church and state means that Christ rules His churches through His Word and that civil government has no authority over the soul, not that believers must leave public life.
Open Doctrine