The Christian and Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism has its roots in the dangerous myth that we were founded as a Christian nation. - Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush

CNN produced a widely watched documentary on “The Rise of Christian Nationalism.” Christianity Today created a podcast episode, “Christian Nationalism Is Worse Than You Think” to go along with many other articles and resources on the subject. Tammy Swanson-Draheim, President of the Evangelical Covenant Church, said on a podcast that she “…speaks against” Christian nationalism. The National Association of Evangelicals has addressed the subject, and Christians Against Christian Nationalism is a group that was formed and is endorsed by denominational leaders from the Presbyterian Church USA, American Baptist Churches, Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America and many more. (Image by Unsplash)

Christian nationalism is a label that has been popularized in the last few years, causing incredible polarization and divisiveness. The term has largely been used by opponents to stereotype Christians who speak out on moral issues from a biblical perspective, call America back to God and promote America’s Christian heritage. The Charles Kettering Foundation says, “Christian nationalism is an ideology that desires a close fusion of a particular expression of Christianity with American civic life. It demands our government, at all levels, vigorously defend this ideology as central to our national identity, public policy, and social belonging.”

Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, states that “Christian Nationalism has its roots in the dangerous myth that we were founded as a Christian nation, and because of that, enjoy special favor from God.” He clarified what that practically looks like, saying “the suppression of voting rights, the promotion of white supremacy, and the policing of personal privacy, including the right to abortion and same-sex marriage.”

Here are five statements about America and Christian citizenship.

1. America was founded on biblical principles. John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States and signer of the Declaration of Independence. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he reflected on the founding of America, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” Noah Webster shared similar views. He was a Revolutionary War soldier and also known as the “Schoolmaster to America.” He wrote, “The moral principles and precepts found in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.” The Christian heritage our nation has does not mean we were “chosen by God” or that we have a special “covenant relationship” with Him. Among all nations, the Bible teaches only Israel has that distinction.

2. America has both succeeded and failed at times, to live up to its founding ideals. We praise God for how America has been a beacon of freedom and liberty for the world, but also lament our sins of slavery and Native American atrocities, as well as the deaths of 60 million babies, the imposing of transgender ideology on our young and much more.

3. Christian citizens are to be loyal to only one King. For Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:38) When Christians do so, they will honor their leaders, pray for them, seek the welfare of their communities and nation, live with integrity, love their enemies and encourage one another.

4. Christian citizens are to point out evil and stand for what is just. The Scripture says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Wherever Christians are they have a moral duty to unmask evil, and advocate for laws and practices that are wise, godly and just.

5. Christian citizens are to go into all the world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of Jesus. This is the primary mission for all believers. May the people and leaders of all nations turn to Jesus. May the whole world serve the King of kings and love their neighbor as themselves regardless of differences, and including their enemies.

A prayer for you – Lord God, let us not be bound to politics or religion. Rather, help us to be united with Christ alone, and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to do all the good we can for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Know Why Jesus’ Died?

Not everyone, including church people, know why Jesus died, and if they do know, they may not necessarily agree. - Clint Decker

I live in a small rural town in north central Kansas. We have 10 churches in our city limits, with religion being a part of the fabric of our community from its founding. Accordingly, when I ask the Easter question, “Why did Jesus die?” to someone in my town, it should be a simple Sunday School type answer. (Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

One day as I was talking with an older gentleman that had lived much of his life in the town, I asked, “Do you know why Jesus died?” He honestly replied, “No, I do not.” I was shocked. I did not think that people deep in the Amazon jungles of South America knew, but I surely thought everyone in rural Kansas knew.

In 2019, a British religious poll was taken, which included a question about Jesus dying for sins. Only 46% of Christians in the poll agreed that Jesus died for sins, which meant that 54% of Christians did not agree! Again, I was shocked. Why would a Christian not believe the Christian teaching that Jesus died for their sins?

Then I came across a well-educated pastor who stated, “I don’t teach that we have an angry, vengeful God that was so wrathful over our sinfulness that God sacrificed God’s son, God’s self, to himself, for his own vengeance. That doesn’t hold for me,” said the pastor. “Jesus, having borne the pain and suffering of the cross… allows us to be liberators and to be liberated.” This is a teaching of Liberation Theology, which is taught to many pastors in seminaries across the country.

Not everyone, including church people, know why Jesus died, and if they do know, they may not necessarily agree.

Why did Jesus die and rise again? Because of sin. No other person in human history has ever died for the sins of another. It is the most unique death. This was spoken of at Jesus’ birth. An angel told Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Why did Jesus die for “sin”? Because of its awfulness. The Scriptures say, “…nothing unclean will ever enter [God’s presence], nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27) Sin is called unclean, detestable and false. God lays out some examples, “…the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars…” (Rev. 21:8) Outwardly, there is a lot of difference between being a coward versus a murderer. What do they both have in common regarding God’s rules? Prideful defiance. When God lays down His rules for us and we respond with defiance, that angers Him. He will have nothing of it.

What are the consequences God has laid out for such rebellion? Death. Both spiritual and eternal. God clearly communicates this, “…their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8) Is there any hope for humanity or is it the fate of us all? This is the good news of Easter.

Though the consequence for our sinful defiance is death, it is something we can be delivered from. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have eternal life.”

God is willing to show you mercy in the face of your deserved penalty. He voluntarily sent His Son to take that sentence. Jesus’ death on Easter’s cross was an act of divine kindness toward you. He died so you would not have to. Then He rose again, conquering sin and death, that you might overcome and have the incredible gift of eternal life, beginning now.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray that all people would know why you died and rose again. Help them to admit their prideful defiance toward your rules. Humble them, that they would cry out to you, for the forgiveness of their sin and walk in victory through Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Easter: A Gift of Life to The World

The Devil and demons of hell thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! - Clint Decker

It was Friday morning in Jerusalem, the Day of Preparation for the Sabbath on Saturday. As the sun rose and people began their normal routine, something in the air felt different. Yes, there was the usual morning light, but dark clouds were slowly moving in, not rain clouds, but ones of a different sort. There was something ominous about it all. (Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay)

The whole city was stirred up by one man. He was arrested by authorities the night before and taken back and forth between Jewish and Roman officials. Before the council, the high priest tore his robes in judgement against the man saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” (Matthew 26:65-66) He was sentenced to death by crucifixion claiming to be the Son of God. He was Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and His death on Good Friday, nearly 2,000 years ago, had a purpose. Jesus explained this during the Passover meal with His disciples the night before, And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

His death was to be a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity – past, present and future. He would pay their penalty of death for them. Why? So they might be forgiven for all their evil deeds and be restored to a relationship with their Creator.

After His death, Jesus’ lifeless body hung on the cross before it was taken down and laid in a tomb. Darkness enveloped Jerusalem. It was finished. Jesus paid the wages of death for the sin of all humanity.

But there is more.

After Jesus’ died, a battle waged in an invisible realm. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25) Within Jesus, the Son of God, lay the supernatural power of life. It was shown when he spoke into Lazarus’ grave, who had been dead for four days, “[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” (Jn. 11:43) Another time, there was a 12-year-old girl, who had been dead for hours when Jesus came to her. Then witnesses recounted “…taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” (Luke 8:54-55) And a similar event occurred when Jesus approached a funeral procession carrying the dead body of a young man. Jesus spoke and he came to life.

How can Jesus’ raise people from the dead? Not because He is a miracle worker, but because He is the source of all life. “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn. 1:3-5)

When Jesus lay dead in the tomb for three days, within Him was still that source of divine life. The Devil and demons of hell and all of Jesus’ enemies thought He was gone for good, but on Sunday morning the supernatural life in Jesus burst forth! He rose Himself from the dead! Jesus’ said about His life, “No one takes it from me but I…have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (Jn. 10:18)

He was able to live again, because of the supernatural life within Him. His life and light overcame sin, death and darkness. And because He did, He now offers that same supernatural life to you! Turn from your sin. Turn to the living Christ and receive His gift of life!

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to believe in your beloved Son and receive His gift of life. May they be born again into a new and living hope through the work of your life-giving Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.