The phrase “Christian Nationalism” has become one of the most divisive and weaponized terms in American politics by the lefy extreme. For some, it means Christians forcing their faith on everyone. For others, it means returning to a moral foundation in government. For critics, it’s a label meant to smear anyone who believes Christianity should influence public life.
But here’s the truth i think: Americans must separate the dangerous distortion of nationalism from the biblical calling of Christians in society. I think the role is not conquest but faithfulness. As Pastor Joe Schimmel from the Good Fight Ministries has said (which I think is the healthiest most biblically grounded ministry I have seen and follow), we are called to fulfill the Great Commission, not the Great Conquest.
America’s Foundations: Influenced by Christianity, Not a Theocracy
It is undeniable that biblical truth influenced the United States’s beginnings. The Declaration of Independence affirmed that all men are “created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” That echoes the Bible’s teaching in Genesis 1:27 that all people are made in the image of God.
At the same time, history shows us the reality: not every Founder was a follower of Christ. Some, like John Jay and Samuel Adams, were strong Christians. Others, like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, leaned toward deism. Jefferson even created his own cut-and-paste “Jefferson Bible,” removing miracles and the resurrection.
So yes, America was shaped by biblical morality, but it was not founded as a Christian theocracy. The Constitution deliberately avoided a state church, protecting religious liberty instead.
The Declaration and Natural Law
The language of the Declaration reflects a blend of natural law reasoning from Enlightenment thinkers and biblical assumptions about human dignity. Its appeal to a “Creator” was deliberately broad — not a confession of Jesus Christ.
This means we should appreciate how biblical values influenced our nation’s beginnings, but we must not confuse the Declaration of Independence with the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen.
Why “Christian Nationalism” Misses the Mark
The term “nationalism” carries baggage, I don’t personally like it as it has a dark history. It has been used throughout history to justify racism, exclusion, and even violence. That is not Christianity.
Some modern movements — like the “Seven Mountains” idea, which teaches that Christians must conquer arts, government, media, and more — drift dangerously toward dominionism. They confuse Christ’s eternal kingdom with earthly power. But Christianity has never spread by conquest. It spreads by witness, by love, and by truth.
As Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). The apostles didn’t overthrow Rome — they transformed lives. The mission of the Church is the Great Commission, not political conquest.
Salt and Light in Public Life
So how should Christians in the United States think about government?
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Yes, want laws to reflect righteousness. Romans 13 says rulers are God’s servants to punish evil and reward good. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”
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But no, don’t force Christianity by law. True faith cannot be coerced. Our calling is to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), shining God’s truth into society while making disciples, not subjects. Jesus Christ is all about love and free will. The greatest act of existence was the love he had for us to die on the cross for us.
This means Christians should advocate for:
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Protecting life, because every person bears God’s image.
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Defending marriage and family as God designed.
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Pursuing justice and honesty in leadership.
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Preserving freedom of conscience and worship.
These are Christian values expressed in public life — but they are not the same as “Christian nationalism.”
Guarding Against Idolatry
Christians in the United States I think must also resist the temptation to idolize political leaders. No president — not Trump, not the Republican party, not MAGA, not Biden, not anyone — is the savior. Leaders may do good or evil, but only Christ reigns forever.
When patriotism morphs into idolatry, when love of country replaces love of God, we’ve crossed into dangerous territory.
The Global Gospel
The Gospel is not American. It is global. Jesus died for people of every nation, tribe, and tongue (Revelation 7:9). While nations that honor God’s truth may be blessed, the Kingdom of God is never tied to a flag.
Americans can love there country and seek its good (Jeremiah 29:7), but we as Christians must remember: our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Conclusion
Christians should seek righteousness in their government. But the mission of the Church is not nationalism — it is evangelism and discipleship. We are called to proclaim Christ, live as salt and light, and resist the temptation to confuse earthly kingdoms with God’s eternal Kingdom.
As Psalm 27:8 declares:
“My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
The world doesn’t need a “Christian nation” as much as it needs faithful Christians who live out the Gospel. The Church’s weapon is the Great Commission, not the Great Conquest.
PS: Here’s a really great video by Good Fight Ministries which I highly 100% recommend as the most solid biblical ministry, explaining a bit more on what Christian Nationalism is in the U.S and why it’s not the real Gospel, and is harming the U.S more than helping people come genuinely to Christ.
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