A Priests Take on Christian Nationalism

I think the largest issue for Christian Clergy in today's America, is the constant barrage of Christian Nationalism.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be citizens of the Kingdom of God before all else (Philippians 3:20). Our ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly nation, but to Christ, whose reign transcends borders, ethnicities, and political ideologies. In this light, Christian Nationalism, a movement that seeks to merge national identity with Christian faith presents both theological and pastoral challenges that require careful discernment.

Jesus explicitly rejected the idea of earthly political dominance for His followers:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting.” (John 18:36)

Christian Nationalism often seeks to align the mission of the Church with the interests of a particular nation, but Christ calls us to a greater commission, making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The Church’s role is to be salt and light, not to wield political power for its own advantage.

When national identity becomes inseparable from Christian identity, there is a risk of idolatry, placing allegiance to country above the Gospel. The first commandment reminds us:

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)Throughout history, whenever Christianity has been co-opted by nationalistic or political movements, it has led to compromise, injustice, and even persecution of those who do not fit the imposed religious-political framework.

The Church is catholic, that is, universal. The body of Christ includes people from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” (Revelation 7:9). Any ideology that exalts one nation, culture, or ethnicity above others as uniquely favored by God is contrary to the teaching of Scripture.

Christian Nationalism often distorts the witness of the Church. Instead of being known for love, grace, and truth, the Church can become associated with power struggles and exclusion. Jesus said,

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)When Christians are seen as more invested in political control than in embodying Christ’s love, we risk alienating those who need the Gospel the most.

The prophet Micah reminds us:

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)Christian Nationalism often prioritizes national strength over justice and mercy. A truly Christian society seeks to care for the poor, welcome the stranger, and pursue peace, rather than wielding faith as a tool for political dominance.

Rather than seeking to merge Christianity with political nationalism, the Church should be a prophetic voice, holding governments accountable to God’s justice, advocating for the vulnerable, and bearing witness to Christ’s love for all people. We should engage in public life, but our engagement must be shaped by the humility and servant-heartedness of Christ, not the pursuit of power.

As Christians, we must affirm the importance of civic duty and public faith, but we should vehemently reject any ideology that seeks to enshrine Christianity as a political weapon rather than a way of life rooted in the Gospel. Our calling is to love God, love our neighbors, and seek the peace of the world, not to build a theocracy, but to bear faithful witness to the risen Christ in every nation.

Christianity is not tied to any one nation, government, or political ideology. Christ reigns over all, and His Church is called to be a kingdom people, not seeking earthly power, but pointing to the true and everlasting reign of Jesus. With these things in mind we should, reject Christian Nationalism in favor of a faith that transcends borders, embodies Christ’s love, and proclaims the Gospel to all.