Marc Minter

Few topics have provoked more emotional fervor than the role of Christians in politics. I suppose our American cultural and political moment are the right weather conditions for this sort of stormy debate, but those who know the least bit of history will realize that the relationship between religion and politics is not a new discussion at all. And yet, the phrase Christian Nationalism has become something of a lightning rod.

As we might expect, non-Christians are passionately against Christian Nationalism. Politicians, pundits and nearly all of the mainstream press seem to think Christian Nationalism would mean a return to witch trials and inquisitions. It is hard to take these people seriously, however, when they accuse Christians everywhere of malice just for saying that Jesus is King.

A significant number of Christians aggressively denounce Christian Nationalism too. Some Christian academics, pastors and influencers argue it is un-Christian. They point to various Bible verses that seem (at first glance) to oppose a Christian interest in building or maintaining a worldly kingdom of any kind. Their arguments sound an echo of 16th-century Anabaptists, who often refused citizenship under any magistrate, who almost universally denied that Christians could serve in the military or politics, and who sometimes wholly rejected societal structures by forming their own compounds away from the world. These might be the logical conclusions of their arguments, but I don’t hear any Christians in America planning to renounce their citizenship.

Yes, the noise is quite loud against Christian Nationalism. I hear yelps and scolds from friend and foe. Still, a growing number of Christians are advocating for it. One problem with the label is that there are so many definitions for Christian Nationalism. Divergent “camps” of often divide along denominational lines – Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, and other traditions have all marked out their positions. And even within these broader camps, there are divisions and distinctions.

It is confusing to say the least. I confess I am not sure what to make of it all, and I am a vocational pastor with a lengthy and expensive education. But I do think many Christians can agree with some aspects of what often flies under the banner of Christian Nationalism.

Are you a Christian Nationalist? I say, that depends. If I’m being asked whether I want the federal government to establish a national church or denomination, then the answer is no. If I’m being asked whether I want non-Christians to be compelled by the state to affirm a Christian creed, then the answer is no. But if I’m being asked whether I want city, state and federal laws to reflect the ethical standards of the Bible, then I unapologetically answer yes.

I’d like to see more Christians appointed and elected to political offices. I’d like to see more Christians appointed and elected to judicial seats across the nation. I’d like to see more Christians researching, writing and advocating for policies and laws at every level that align with biblical principles and ethics. In general, I want American society to become more Christianized, and I want Christians in America to live according to biblical principles and urge others to do the same. Surely, most every Christian can join me in these desires.