In our current political culture, we hear a lot about the idea of Christian Nationalism. Many ascribe this to President Trump and to many in the Christian right who seem to hold him as God’s ordained leader for this time. Let me begin by saying, President Trump is God’s ordained leader for this time, as was President Biden in his. The Bible is clear on this.
Romans 13:1 “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
Daniel 2:21 “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”
No amount of cheating, trickery, or vote suppression can subvert God’s will. We may not always like it, but God is in control. Along the way, American Christians have always believed that America holds a special place in God’s plan. While that might be true to a point, I’m thinking of the number of global workers sent from the US; it is a challenge to prove that our destiny is greater than that of other nations. Every nation has a part to play in the plan of God. Different as they may be.
From a historical perspective, the notion that Christian Nationalism is a new phenomenon is not accurate. Indeed, the philosophical name may change, but the idea remains the same. The most understood ideal is that of Manifest Destiny. This originated in the 18th century, stemming from the belief that God ordained the US to play a pivotal role in the coming Kingdom of God. Yet, this philosophy predates the 18th century.
Pilgrim leaders such as William Bradford and John Winthrop wrote about God’s protection, provision, and blessing on the new land. They believed that God ordained a haven for them to worship God as they pleased—something they could not do in England. This is also seen in the name of Rhode Island’s Capital, Providence. Which, ironically, was the only colony that welcomed people of all faiths, mainly Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Jews.
The concept of divine blessing was later adopted by subsequent generations of Americans, who developed the idea of Manifest Destiny, which continues to influence today’s Christian Nationalism. In between, we had the Moral Majority, the Religious Right, and many other titles that conveyed the same idea.
I cannot elaborate too much here, but suffice it to say that this idea is not new. It has been around for centuries. So, if that is the case, and it is, why bring it up? There are undoubtedly many who will disagree with my opinions here, but what fun is blogging if you can’t make a few people mad along the way 😊
In a broad sense, I recognize that God has been at work in our nation. I pray He continues to do so. I fear that, as the nation of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament, when we turn our backs on God, He will remove some of His blessings from us. It is not a given that just because we are ‘Merica,’ we can do what we want.
I also chose to write on this topic for another reason. The concept of Manifest Destiny is closely tied to the theological/spiritual notion of replacement theology. Many Christians throughout history believed that the Church is a replacement for Israel. As such, antisemitic opinions prevailed, even among firm believers like Luther and the Pilgrims. I am not making the argument that Christian Nationalists are antisemitic. If anything, it is the opposite. Most born-again believers are very pro-Israel, seeing their blessing as a signal of the end times. Where this becomes a problem is our opinion and view of other nations in our world. Beyond this, there is an opinion that American Christians must be in power to bring righteousness back to our nation. This is Kingdom Now theology at its core and is NOT BIBLICAL.
I certainly get that notion. Israel’s history is replete with examples of both righteous and unrighteous kings. As the leader went, the nation went. As New Testament believers, we often overlook one crucial aspect: the fulfillment of prophecy. Ironically, those who shout the loudest about prophecy are the first to stand against it in the political realm. When Scripture says we will be hated, wrong will be right, and right will be wrong, men will be lovers of self rather than lovers of others; we act as if we have to force righteousness. In doing so, we could be found fighting against God’s will.
No matter who is in the White House or the head of any other nation, God is in control of who rules. Beyond that, every leader, every event in our world, somehow plays a part in pushing us toward the return of Christ. So, yes, I am a conservative Christian. Yes, I vote in every election, and yes, I cringe when I hear so many Christian Nationalists at times express unbiblical opinions. I want our nation to prosper, but I also know that Jesus is in control. The end times will come when the moment is right and there is nothing we can do in the ballot box or the pulpit to stop or accelerate Christ’s return. We don’t want to stop it, unless, as Jesus said, we want it delayed for a bit longer so others can come to know Him.
This will be a two-part blog. Part two will focus on replacement theology and the current pro-Israel movement within the Church.
Through Time 