MY TURN: Christian Nationalism is not Christian

Deborah Rose recently wrote a My Turn that served to confuse the issue of Christian Nationalism and its varied definitions. Her mixture of truth and error was anything but helpful.

Christians who live in America (I’ll focus on the American Christian) are called to stewardship of their families, possessions, neighborhoods, cities, counties, states and nation. We are called to love our neighbors and hate whatever harms. Therefore, true Christian behavior requires engagement. However, Christian Nationalism (as defined by many) is not a sound theological, soteriological, sociological, eschatological framework. In fact, in many ways is in direct contradiction to the Bible.

If one is a Christian and lives in this nation — they may think themselves Christian Nationalist. However, they are wrong! Christian Nationalism (as defined by many) is not Christian.

The fact is, Jesus will return to the earth and establish His Kingdom. Thus we are taught to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …” (Matthew 6:10).

The “Christian Nationalist” who believes he or she will establish the Kingdom now, or that they are “helping” God establish His Kingdom are mistaken. We are called to “disciple the nations” (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, we teach and defend the truth. However, we are not responsible to subdue, force, or demand that those around us comply. Compliance is in the hands of the Lord.

Deborah has assaulted well-meaning patriots, proactive concerned citizens and biblically sound Christians with her blurry and confusing misinformation piece. There are many errors in her “My Turn.” However, one thing she got right was the quote — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” However, she is dead wrong when she said, “The effort was done to keep … the Church out of government.”

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Paul D. Van Noy is pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship in Coeur d’Alene.