Christian nationalism is generally defined as the belief that the United States—or another modern nation—should be officially recognized as a Christian nation, with laws and policies reflecting Christian values. Proponents often believe that Christianity should hold a privileged position in government, public life, and national identity. The claim that such a view is “biblical” suggests that the Bible supports the idea of a theologically guided nation-state and that Christians are divinely mandated to pursue this goal. To understand this claim, we must examine the biblical evidence typically used to support it and analyze whether it indeed promotes is Christian nationalism biblical?
Biblical Foundations Claimed by Christian Nationalists
1. The Covenant Model: Israel as a Template
One of the primary arguments for Christian nationalism being biblical comes from the example of ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, Israel was a nation set apart by God, with its laws and government directly influenced by divine commandments. Christian nationalists argue that this model serves as a prototype for modern Christian nations.
Supporters point to passages like Deuteronomy 28, which promises national blessings for obedience to God’s laws, and 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…then I will hear from heaven…and will heal their land.”
This verse is often interpreted as applying not only to Israel but to any nation that aligns itself with God’s will. In this view, the Bible offers a divine template for national life based on the law, worship, and covenantal identity found in Israel.
2. Jesus’ Kingship and Lordship
Christian nationalists often emphasize the idea that Jesus is not just the savior of individuals but the ruler over nations. They cite Psalm 2:8-12, which says:
“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
They also refer to Revelation 19:16, where Jesus is described as:
“King of kings and Lord of lords.”
In this view, acknowledging Christ’s lordship must go beyond personal devotion and extend into the political and national realms. Laws, institutions, and cultures should all recognize and reflect the sovereignty of Jesus Christ.
3. The Great Commission Applied Nationally
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, commands believers to:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Christian nationalists sometimes interpret this not only as evangelizing individuals within nations but as a call to bring entire nations under the authority of Christian teaching. This can involve the transformation of a nation’s laws, educational systems, and public policies to conform with biblical standards.
4. Romans 13 and God-Ordained Government
Romans 13:1-4 teaches that:
“There is no authority except that which God has established.”
This passage is often cited to argue that governments are accountable to God and should act in accordance with His moral order. If rulers are “God’s servants,” then, according to this argument, they must be held to a Christian ethical standard, and Christians are justified in working to shape national life according to biblical norms.
Historical and Theological Integration
Advocates of Christian nationalism also look to church history for support, especially to periods when Christianity and political power were closely linked—such as the reign of Constantine, the Holy Roman Empire, and the establishment of Christian laws in post-Reformation Europe. The integration of church and state in these contexts is seen by some as evidence that a biblically faithful nation is possible and even desirable.
They argue that separating religion from public life leads to moral decay and national weakness. Thus, Christian nationalism becomes not only a biblical ideal but a practical necessity for cultural and spiritual flourishing.
Critical Considerations and Counterarguments
While proponents argue that Christian nationalism is biblical, many theologians and scholars caution that these interpretations often stretch or misapply scripture. The Old Testament covenant with Israel was unique and not meant to be a model for modern nations. The New Testament church is transnational, and early Christians did not attempt to create a Christian nation but instead lived as faithful minorities within pluralistic empires.
Furthermore, John 18:36 quotes Jesus saying:
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
This suggests a distinction between the kingdom of God and earthly political structures. Critics also argue that merging Christianity with national identity risks idolatry—placing the nation on par with God—and compromises the gospel’s universal appeal.
The claim that Christian nationalism is biblical rests primarily on interpretations of Old Testament nationhood, Christ’s kingship, and the role of government as ordained by God. Supporters believe that modern nations should reflect God’s moral law and that Christians have a duty to pursue this vision. However, this view is not without significant theological challenges and counterarguments, particularly regarding the nature of the church, the role of the state, and the teachings of Jesus.
Whether or not one agrees with Christian nationalism as a biblical concept depends largely on how one interprets the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the nature of God’s kingdom, and the mission of the church in the world. It is a debate that requires both careful scriptural study and deep reflection on the historical consequences of merging faith and state power.
