Introduction:
In recent years, Christian nationalism has gained significant attention and debate. It is characterised by the belief that a nation’s identity and governance should be distinctly Christian, with policies and cultural norms reflecting Christian values. While on the surface, this may seem like a noble endeavour, there is a fundamental issue at its core: Christian nationalism often treats Jesus as a means to an end rather than the ultimate goal. This approach not only distorts the true essence of Christianity but also veers into idolatry.
The Means Versus the End
The essence of Christianity is a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus himself emphasised this in the Gospels. In John 14:6, He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Here, Jesus is not presenting Himself as a political tool to achieve blessings on this earth but as the ultimate way to our destination and purpose of faith, which is not of this world.
However, Christian nationalism often shifts the focus from Jesus to political and cultural power. The argument is that if the nation adheres to Christian values and laws, it will be blessed and prosper. Here, the ultimate goal is not a relationship with God but receiving blessings from God. This perspective mirrors the heresy of the Prosperity Gospel, which promises material wealth and success as rewards for faithfulness. In both cases, the real goal is not Jesus but the benefits perceived to come from aligning with Him.
The Historical Failure of Christendom
The concept of Christendom—where church and state are intertwined, and Christian values dominate public life—has been a significant part of both Catholic and Protestant histories. However, Christendom has often led to the dilution of the true Christian message. Instead of focusing on the transformative power of the Gospel, the church became preoccupied with maintaining political power and cultural dominance.
This was evident in the Middle Ages with the Catholic Church, where political entanglements often overshadowed the spiritual mission, leading to widespread corruption and the eventual Reformation. Similarly, in various Protestant states, the fusion of church and state often led to legalistic and coercive practices that strayed far from the teachings of Christ, resulting in the death and torture of many of its own citizens. This was done by both Catholic and Protestant churches as they both fell into this trap. In both instances, the true message of Jesus was lost amidst the noise of political and cultural ambitions to obtain the true goal: power.
Christian nationalism is simply the latest iteration of Christendom. It seeks to impose a version of Christianity that serves political and cultural ends rather than promoting a genuine relationship with Jesus. In this pursuit, Christ’s true message of love, humility, and service is often overshadowed by a desire for power and control.
Biblical Warnings Against Idolatry
The Bible provides numerous warnings against using God as a means to an end. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The focus here is not the blessings, but the pursuit of God’s spiritual kingdom and righteousness, not the material or political benefits that might follow.
Additionally, in the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah confronted a similar misuse of faith. Jeremiah 7:4 states, “Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’” The Israelites were using the presence of the temple as a justification for their actions, believing that mere association with holy things guaranteed God’s favour. Jeremiah rebuked them, emphasising that true worship of God involves sincere devotion and righteousness, not manipulation of religious symbols for personal gain.
The Misguided Pursuit of Blessings
Christian nationalists often argue that national adherence to Christian principles will result in divine blessings. However, this perspective reduces Jesus to a mere vehicle for achieving national success and prosperity. As seen in 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul warns against those who view godliness as a means to financial gain: “Imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” This principle can be extended to political gain and control as well.
Moreover, in the Gospels, Jesus rejects the notion of worldly power and success as the primary goals of His followers. In Luke 4:5-8, during the temptation in the wilderness, Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus responds, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” Jesus’ mission was never about acquiring earthly power but about serving and glorifying God.
The True Mission of Christianity
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 encapsulates the true mission of Christianity: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” The goal is clear: to make disciples and teach them to follow Jesus, not to coerce nations into a particular cultural or political mould.
Christianity’s essence is about transformation through a relationship with Christ, not the imposition of laws or cultural norms. When Jesus becomes merely a means to achieve political or cultural objectives, the true message of the Gospel is lost, and idolatry takes its place.
Conclusion
Christian nationalism, with its focus on using Jesus to achieve national prosperity and power, fundamentally misunderstands the nature of the Christian faith. Jesus is not a tool for political gain but the ultimate goal and fulfilment of our spiritual journey. As believers, our primary pursuit should be a genuine relationship with Christ, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. Any message or movement that treats Jesus as a means rather than the end is not true Christianity but a form of idolatry.
Christian nationalism is merely the latest version of Christendom, where the true message of Christ is drowned out by the clamour for cultural and political dominance. Let us return to the heart of the Gospel, where Jesus is the centre and purpose of our faith.
