Christian nationalism
A view held among orthodox Christians
A range of views holding that a nation should formally recognise Christianity and order its laws and public life by Christian principles, sometimes tied to a particular national identity.
Also called: Christian nationalist, Christian nationalists
What it means
Christian nationalism is a broad and debated label. In its more historic form, some Reformed writers argue that a Christian people may rightly form a nation that acknowledges Christ publicly, supports true religion, and shapes its laws by God's moral law. They note that the original Westminster Confession gave the magistrate a role in protecting the church, and that many Protestant nations once had established churches. The label is also used for a looser blend of patriotism and faith that treats one nation as specially chosen by God.
Supporters believe Christians should not accept a public life emptied of God, and that nations, not only individuals, are called to honour Christ. Concerns raised from Scripture are real. The church is a people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, and no earthly nation is the new Israel. Christ's kingdom advances by word and Spirit, not by political power. When faith and national identity are fused, the gospel can be confused with a culture, and believers of other nations can feel second class in Christ's church.
American Presbyterians revised the Westminster chapter on the magistrate to deny the state power over the church. Because the term covers views from careful to troubling, this site records a church's stance as a view and describes what it actually teaches.
In Scripture
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Christians are to pray for kings and all in authority so that we may live peaceful, godly lives.
Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world.
The redeemed come from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.
In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, for all are one in him.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 23.3; LBCF 1689 24.1-3
On this site: Church & state
Related terms
TheonomyA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that the civil laws of the Old Testament, including their penalties, remain the standard for civil government today unless the New Testament changes them.
Two kingdomsA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that Christ rules the church and the civil order in different ways, so the church's calling is to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments rather than to pursue political programmes.
Neo-CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
A Dutch Reformed tradition that stresses Christ's lordship over every area of life and calls Christians to shape culture, work, and public life by a biblical worldview.
EvangelicalTerm
A Protestant Christian, or church, committed to the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ's atoning death, the authority of the Bible, conversion, and sharing the faith.