Articles

 

Why Ethnic Pride Has No Place in Christian Identity

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 and the Error of Ethnic Superiority

In the previous article, we defined Christian Nationalism and exposed its fundamental theological error: confusing the eternal Kingdom of God with a temporary, earthly nation. Now, we must confront one of its most serious moral dangers, the subtle or obvious belief that one ethnic group is more aligned with God’s purposes than others.

Although not every form of Christian nationalism is explicitly tied to ethnicity, history reveals that ethnic superiority has often been woven into many nationalist movements. Whenever nationalism is mixed with ethnic pride, it sharply opposes biblical teaching and directly contradicts the Gospel.

Believing one’s nation is uniquely righteous, superior to others, or entitled to divine favor may lead Christians to see fellow believers from other nations as less faithful or to treat political disagreement as spiritual betrayal. Scripture repeatedly warns against pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction.” Jesus taught that His kingdom includes people “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). No nation can claim exclusive access to God’s favor.

Thomas Kidd observes that throughout American history, periods of national pride have often led to spiritual blindness, in which Christians have defended cultural sins because they were “ours.” Christian nationalism tempts believers to justify the nation instead of calling it to repentance.

Christian patriotism loves America enough to tell the truth about her. Christian nationalism loves America so blindly that it refuses to see its sins.

1. The Gospel Destroys Every Wall of Ethnic Superiority

Scripture leaves absolutely no room for racial or ethnic hierarchy within the kingdom of God. Paul states clearly in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. This does not eliminate cultural differences, but it utterly removes any concept of ethnic superiority.

The New Testament church was intentionally multiethnic from its beginning. Christ redeemed people “out of every tribe and tongue, and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). God’s family is wonderfully diverse by divine design. Christian nationalism that favors one ethnicity over another contradicts the very heart of the gospel.

2. God’s Chosenness Was Covenantal, Not Ethnic

Some may try to justify ethnic pride by appealing to Old Covenant Israel. However, Old Covenant Israel was a chosen nation for redemptive purposes, but not because of racial superiority. Deuteronomy 7:7 is explicit:

“The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people”.

Israel’s chosenness was covenantal, linked to God’s saving promises, not ethnic. Under the New Covenant, that chosenness is transferred to the multiethnic universal church. When any modern nation or ethnic group claims superiority, it is a theft of identity that God reserves for His redeemed people alone. It is a spiritual category error with serious consequences.

3. The Historical Propensity for Ethnic Pride

Thomas Kidd observes that moments in American history closely tied to nationalism have often been inclined toward racial supremacy and exclusion. This does not mean patriotism is racist; it is not. But nationalism has historically been prone to ethnic pride because it links ultimate identity to a specific land, culture, and lineage.

When this impulse affects the church, it corrupts our Christian identity and severely undermines the gospel’s witness. Christian nationalism can subtly imply:

• That “real Americans” come from one specific ethnic background.

• That Christian faith is strongest within one ethnicity.

• That other ethnic groups must completely abandon their culture to be entirely accepted.

• America’s spiritual greatness depends on ethnic preservation.

These assumptions are in direct conflict with Scripture.

4. Ethnic Pride Is Always Spiritual Pride

Paul describes ethnic boasting as a form of “confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3-4). Christian nationalism that elevates one ethnicity above others is not just a political mistake; it is a spiritual error. It treats cultural identity as a virtue and elevates ethnicity to a level God never intended.

The gospel confronts ethnic pride wherever it arises. Christian patriots, in contrast, celebrate their country’s heritage without putting their ethnicity above others. They happily join hands with believers from every background, acknowledging the unity Christ bought with His blood.

Christian patriotism says, “This country belongs to all who bear God’s image and legally call this land home”. Christian nationalism says: “This country belongs to only people who look, speak, or descend like me”.

The first is biblical love. The second is ethnic pride and partiality disguised as religious conviction, and it is racism.

The gospel unites.
Ethnic Nationalism divides.
Christ draws all peoples to Himself.
Ethnic pride pushes others away.

A Note on Immigration

Christian patriots must recognize that issues like uncontrolled mass migration and illegal immigration present a serious challenge to any nation. Scripture emphasizes the importance of borders and the need for just laws to uphold social order (Acts 17:26; Romans 13:1–4). Immigration becomes harmful not because of the ethnicity of the immigrants, but because lawlessness weakens the government’s God-given duty to protect and serve its citizens.

Christians must balance compassion with conviction. We can require legal immigrants to assimilate into American society properly and honor every individual’s dignity as a bearer of God’s image while also asserting that a nation cannot succeed if its borders are neglected or overwhelmed. Christian nationalism views immigration as an ethnic threat. Christian patriotism sees it as a matter of justice, wisdom, and stewardship for the nation, guided by both biblical compassion and biblical order.

Reflection and Next Steps

The church is the only “chosen people,” and it is beautifully multiethnic. To exalt one ethnicity over another is to contradict the very identity of God’s people. The gospel unites. Ethnic nationalism divides.

Action and Reflection:

1. Check Your Heart: Pray and ask the Lord to expose any areas of “confidence in the flesh” or subtle ethnic pride you may hold. Repent where needed.

2. Cultivate Unity: Intentionally seek out fellowship with a believer in your church who comes from a background different from your own. Celebrate the profound unity Christ bought with His blood.

Next, we will address the core myth of Christian Nationalism: the belief in a national covenant. We will then offer final guidance for faithful American Christians committed to the gospel’s unifying vision.