Christian Nationalism: Examining how merging faith with state power contradicts the teachings of Jesus and undermines humble discipleship.
As a Christian and a citizen of this nation, I would like to share some thoughts on what I believe the Christian response should be in times of national crisis. The Christian response to Christian Nationalism and Christian privilege must be a clear and compassionate rejection of any ideology that merges faith with state power or cultural dominance, as these are fundamentally opposed to the teachings of Jesus. Christian privilege contributes to the marginalization of others and obscures the radical call of the gospel to serve, not to rule.
In moments of national upheaval, Christianity’s historic dominance in American society provides Christians with unearned social advantages, often at the expense of other faiths and nonreligious groups. This “Christian privilege” becomes problematic when it leads to the belief that Christian norms are universal, overshadowing the rights and dignity of others.
Christian Nationalism, which seeks to blend faith with national identity and state power, can easily turn Christianity from a message of sacrificial love into a tool for political dominance, contradicting the teachings of Jesus. Authentic Christian discipleship demands a rejection of this merger; instead, Christians are called to humility, service, and solidarity with the marginalized, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
Christian teachings fundamentally challenge the idea of privilege and superiority by calling believers to humility, self-giving love, and service to others. According to the New Testament, followers of Jesus are instructed not to act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, to “consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The life and teachings of Jesus consistently subvert social hierarchies. Jesus associated with outcasts, washed his disciples’ feet, and declared that the first will be last and the last will be first.
The challenge today for Christians, especially those aware of their privilege and the dangers of nationalism, is to use their influence not to protect status but to advocate for justice and the well-being of all people. Scripture makes clear that blessings are responsibilities, not rewards of divine favoritism. Followers of Jesus are urged to speak up for the vulnerable, defend the rights of the poor, and lead by serving others. Christian identity is rooted in humility and radical hospitality, not supremacy.
Jesus frequently rebuked religious leaders for their pride and called his followers to servant leadership: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Christian identity is not about supremacy over others but about embodying Christ’s self-sacrificing love, which breaks down barriers of race, class, and nationality.
The consistent message throughout the New Testament is that humility and radical hospitality should define the Christian community, not arrogance or claims of superiority. Acts of humility are repeatedly encouraged, and pride is condemned as an obstacle to true faith and fellowship.
When Christians renounce distortions of Christianity for political power, and instead embrace sacrificial love and solidarity, they restore not only social order during crises but also the credibility and witness of the Christian tradition.
Finally, I believe Christian Nationalism and Christian privilege are temptations to confuse the cross with the sword, and to use faith for power rather than service. The Christian response should always be faithful to Jesus’ teaching, renounce these distortions, practice humble solidarity, and work for a society, this nation, where people of all faiths and no faith can live in harmony with all of God’s creation. When Christians do this, I firmly believe that we will not only establish order in times of national crisis but also restore the credibility and witness of our Christian tradition in the peaceable kingdom, where the great prophet Isaiah prophesied that not only humans, but all God’s creatures, will live together in peace and harmony. (Isaiah 11:1-9).
