The topic of Christian Nationalism is common in our cultural moment. The term is often used to mischaracterize Christians, but do we understand the theological underpinnings that often drive this ideology – even inside the church? In this episode, Pastors Mike and Nathan look at the topic of Christian Nationalism and the influences that have made it a common name. Is there any truth to this concept and if not, how should Christians biblical engage with the #government.
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/focusedonchrist/message
Show Summary
Episode 79 tackled a complex and timely issue: Christian nationalism and its connection to theonomy. We had Pastor Nathan Smith on to unpack these concepts and how they fit into the Christian worldview.
Let’s be honest, Christian nationalism can be a confusing term. Pastor Smith helped us understand it as prioritizing nationalistic goals over core Christian values. It’s when following the country’s agenda becomes more important than following Christ’s teachings.
Theonomy adds another layer of complexity. It’s the idea that our legal system should be based on the laws of the Old Testament. Pastor Smith and I explored how this view stacks up against scripture, particularly passages like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2, which emphasize submitting to governing authorities.
The conversation didn’t shy away from the hot-button topics. We discussed postmillennialism, the belief that the world will get better before Christ returns. This view can sometimes fuel Christian nationalism, with the idea that Christians should use their influence to improve society.
We also looked at dominion theology, which centers on Christians taking control of societal spheres to usher in God’s kingdom. Pastor Smith pointed out how this approach often misinterprets scripture and focuses on earthly power rather than the true power of Christ.
So, what’s a Christian’s role in a secular government? The New Testament, written under Roman rule, offers valuable guidance. Early Christians prioritized living out their faith and sharing Christ’s message. They submitted to authority while staying true to their beliefs.
It’s important to remember these core principles and not get caught up in political agendas. The posture of a Christian is one of humility and suffering, not worldly triumph. Our ultimate hope lies not in earthly victories, but in the future return of Christ.
Join us next week as we take a break from controversial topics and delve into the fascinating world of biblical trustworthiness. We’ll explore how the Bible came to be and why we can trust it as God’s word. See you then!