Since January 6th, 2021, I have heard the term Christian Nationalism used by friends, media outlets, scholars, and podcast hosts almost daily. As I shared with Christianity Today, I have encountered nine definitions of the term used by people who argue for Christian Nationalism.
The definitions are:
1. I want all Americans to follow Jesus.
2. The majority of Americans identify as Christian.
3. America was founded on Christian (or Judeo-Christian) values.
4. The government should recognize Christianity as the official religion of America.
5. America should govern and fund ‘the Christian Church.’
6. The American government should propagate ‘Christian values.’
7. The American government should enforce ‘Christian values.’
8. The American government should be ruled only by Christians.
9. God has a unique relationship with America, similar to His relationship with Israel in the Bible.
However, not all definitions are valid.
As Paul D. Miller notes in his book, The Religion of American Greatness,
“People who call themselves nationalists should be aware of what nationalism means to scholars, what is has meant in history, and what contemporary politicians mean when they use it. The word nationalism has a history, a scholarly definition and a specific political resonance.”
Here are some scholarly definitions:
“Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way.” – Paul D. Miller
“an understanding of American identity and significance held by Christians wherein the nation is a central actor in the world-historical purposes of the Christian God.” – Matthew McCullough
“an ideology that idealizes and advocates a fusion of American civic life with a particular type of Christian identity and culture… the explicit ideological content of Christian nationalism comprises beliefs about historical identity, cultural preeminence, and political influence.” – Whitehead and Perry
“Christian nationalism’s “deep story” goes something like this: America was founded as a Christian nation by (white) men who were “traditional” Christians, who based the nation’s founding documents on “Christian principles.” The United States is blessed by God, which is why it has been so successful; and the nation has a special role to play in God’s plan for humanity. But these blessings are threatened by cultural degradation from “un-American” influences both inside and outside our borders.” – Gorski and Perry
“As a rival religion, nationalism may seek to conquer Christianity, or it may seek to co-opt Christianity for its own purposes. To borrow some imagery from the book of Revelation, as a “Beast,” nationalism may seek to destroy Christianity through the power of the sword (cf. Rev 13).” – David A. Ritchie
Why is Christian Nationalism incompatible with the teachings of Jesus? Check out The Cross or the Sword.