Christian Nationalism
Do you know the term Christian Nationalism? Christian Nationalism is a way of thinking about Christianity that puts the US at its center, rather than the teaching of Christ. Additionally, it seeks to use government to enforce the Christian church and the church to enforce government. There are many great resources to learn more about Christian Nationalism. Here are a few.
From the Baptist Joint Committee, a flier that gives a quick overview.
From Christians against Christian Nationalism.
From the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Choose one or more of these resources, or another one that has been recommended to you, to learn more about this ideology.
Patriotism is not nationalism
Greater awareness of the dangers of Christian Nationalism can cause confusion about celebrating the July 4th holiday. Because many of us do not want to identify as Christian Nationalists, we might avoid patriotism altogether. But the truth is, you can be patriotic without becoming nationalistic. You can love things about our country without believing other countries–and other people–are inferior.
There are a number of things I love about the U.S. I love that I am free to go to church whenever I want, and just as fee to stay home. I love visiting historical sites like the home of Abraham Lincoln and the Statue of Liberty. I love safe highways, public libraries, firefighters, and the postal service. I love North Carolina, Washington, DC, and Oklahoma.
Living in the US affords me privileges I take for granted–like having plenty of Diet Mountain Dew on the shelves of the grocery store closest to me. And living here means I can travel from the mountains to the sea and the western plains in between without needing a visa. I’m glad I was raised here and I’m grateful for all the benefits I have as a citizen of the US.
Patriotism considers strengths & struggles
All that is patriotism. But that’s not all. It is also patriotic to protest situations that are unjust and to fight for an end to oppressive policies. Holding US leaders accountable, challenging the status quo, and opposing things that challenge the future of democracy. . . those things are patriotic too.
This July 4th, I hope you’ll take a moment to consider the wonderful things about this country. I hope you will also remember that we have made irreparable mistakes as a nation (The Trail of Tears, The Salem Witch Trials, and slavery, for example). Even though those things happened before we were born, we are honor bound to learn from communal mistakes.
Being patriotic is not just about fireworks and red-white-and-blue. It’s about gratitude for what is and hope for what could be. Because here’s the thing: as great as the US is? The Kingdom of God is even better.
