Articles

Why Christian Nationalism Undermines the Gospel

by Dr Timothy Mann

This blog is a part of a series based on the research article, “Loving America Under Christ: Christian Patriotism vs Christian Nationalism” by Dr Timothy Mann

Christian Nationalism: Defining the Danger

In our previous articles, we established the biblical framework for nations and defined healthy Christian patriotism as a love for country submitted to Christ. Now, we must turn to the other term often confused with patriotism: Christian Nationalism.

Christian nationalism is a term often misunderstood or used as a political insult. To assess it biblically and pastorally, we need a precise definition.

Christian nationalism is the merging of Christian identity with national identity in a way that confuses the kingdom of God with a particular earthly nation and elevates national agendas to a spiritual level God never intended.

Christian nationalism is much more than just loving your country or voting based on your biblical conscience. It is the belief, sometimes explicit, often subtle, that America has a special covenantal relationship with God, that protecting the nation is a vital part of the Christian mission, or that political victories signify the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Where Christian patriotism is humble, grateful, and Christ-centered, Christian nationalism becomes sinfully proud, entitled, and spiritually confused. Scripture warns us against adopting any earthly allegiance that rivals the lordship of Christ.

1. Christian Nationalism Confuses America with God’s Covenant People

The most fundamental error of Christian nationalism is theological: it confuses the United States with Old Testament Israel or the New Testament church.

The Scripture is clear that only Israel under the Old Covenant was God’s chosen nation, and only the church under the New Covenant is His redeemed people. The language of First Peter 2:9 “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” is used for the universal church, not for any earthly state.

Christian nationalism often suggests, either directly or indirectly, that America is God’s chosen nation, like Israel’s Old Testament covenant relationship. However, no biblical text supports this idea. When Christians begin to see America as having a special spiritual chosenness, they unintentionally blur the line between the gospel and national identity. This is not only poor theology but also dangerous to the church’s mission.

2. Christian Nationalism Merges the Cross and the Flag

Another danger is the symbolic fusion of loyalties. When national symbols and Christian symbols are displayed side by side as if they represent equal loyalties, Christians can begin to believe that loyalty to their country is inseparable from loyalty to Christ.

There is nothing wrong with displaying the American flag or with respecting its history. But when the flag becomes part of Christian identity, rather than merely an expression of citizenship, it ultimately competes with the cross.

D. A. Carson warns that when cultural identity is overly emphasized, Christians risk letting nationalism or ethnicity overshadow their loyalty to Christ. The church becomes confused about its true purpose, and the gospel becomes obscured behind patriotic rhetoric. Christian nationalism turns the cross into a symbol supporting national projects. Christian patriotism keeps the cross at the heart of Christian identity.

3. Christian Nationalism Places Hope in Political Power Instead of the Gospel

Psalm 20:7 states,

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God”.

In our modern context, some rely on political parties, some on legislation, and others on elected officials. However, Christians cannot place their ultimate hope in political victories.

Christian nationalism often views political power as the primary means of advancing God’s kingdom. Elections are primarily framed as spiritual battles, and political defeats are felt like failures for the gospel.

But God’s kingdom does not grow through ballots or laws. It expands through the faithful preaching of the gospel, the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and the faithful witness of believers. Francis Schaeffer warned that when Christians rely too much on political tools, they risk losing the spiritual distinctiveness that makes their witness powerful. We should vote biblically and advocate boldly, but we must never forget that only the gospel can change hearts.

4. Christian Nationalism Redefines the Mission of the Church

Jesus gave His church a clear mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). The church is called to preach, baptize, disciple, and teach obedience to Christ. Christian nationalism distorts this mission by replacing it with cultural preservation or the pursuit of political control.

A church influenced by nationalism will:

• Turn the pulpit into a political platform.

• Treat political opponents as enemies to destroy.

• Confuses biblical preaching with partisan commentary or opinion.

• Equate national decline with gospel defeat.

• Elevate national renewal above spiritual renewal.

Robert Benne warns that when the church allows politics to define its mission, it loses its prophetic voice and dilutes the gospel. Christian patriotism supports the church by keeping the gospel at the center. Christian nationalism harms the church by shifting the mission from Christ’s kingdom to national preservation.

Reflection and Next Steps

The theological confusion inherent in Christian nationalism is clear: it attempts to assign the Church’s special covenant status and ultimate hope to a temporary, earthly nation. This is a form of idolatry that ultimately obscures the sufficiency of Christ and the centrality of the gospel.

For Discussion and Prayer:

1. Examine Your Hope: What feels like a greater spiritual setback to you, a political defeat for your preferred candidate, or a local church being unfaithful to the gospel? Your answer reveals where your primary hope may lie.
2. Church’s Mission: Review Matthew 28:19-20. What is the primary mission Jesus gave the church? Commit to supporting that mission in your local church this week.

Next, we will tackle one of the most serious moral dangers of nationalism: the error of ethnic superiority and the biblical unity Christ bought with His blood.