A Different Nationalism?

What’s wrong with Christian nationalism? After all, who wouldn’t want more Christian values in our country? I sure would. But here’s my question: Is Christian nationalism actually working? Is it producing more of the fruit of the Spirit and a deeper alignment with biblical values—in society, or even among its own advocates?

I’m not trying to be snarky. I know, love, and respect many who consider themselves Christian nationalists. And I affirm their intent. But if the goal is to see more Christian values in public life, doesn’t it seem like the plan is backfiring?

So maybe we need to clarify what’s really happening. I believe what we’re seeing in many circles today is civil religion or religious nationalism—a movement that has the form of religion, often using Christian symbols and language, but driven more by political expediency than by biblical conviction.¹

Paul warned the Galatians about the danger of mixing the gospel with anything else—it produces “a different gospel.”² And Jesus refused every attempt to make him a political messiah. “My kingdom is not of this world,” he said.³ Religious nationalism reverses that order, trying to make God serve the goals of government—or even a political party.

I know some Christian nationalists say they’re simply returning to the Founders’ intent, but history shows the Founders themselves were divided—more pragmatic about religion than pious. Would anyone consider Thomas Jefferson to be an Evangelical?

That’s why I think it’s misleading to call what’s happening today Christian nationalism. The word Christian carries the weight of Scripture and the authority of Jesus himself. To attach that name to a political movement makes it accountable to the teachings of the Bible—and by that measure, neither side measures up. So call it religious nationalism if you like. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just be careful about calling it Christian.

¹ See The Russell Moore Show, October 13, 2025, “Listener Question: Should We Call Christian MAGA ‘Christian’?”; and cf. 2 Timothy 3:5.

² Galatians 1:6–7.

³ John 18:36.

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash