Christian nationalism is a tree with many branches. Many different ideas and teachings can be considered part of the greater Christian Nationalist movement. These ideas don’t necessarily build on each other. Some even directly contradict. Because of this, it can often be difficult to nail down exactly what Christian Nationalism is. This has led to considerable confusion, many defend and support Christian nationalism only because they think Christian nationalism is synonymous with conservative Christianity.
For this reason, it is important that we establish a clear, precise definition for Christian nationalism before forming our arguments. While it may not be obvious there is a unifying principle which all these ideas adhere to. Christian Nationalism is the belief that the government has the authority and responsibility to oversee and dictate how people are to worship. A system of beliefs where God commands the earthly authorities to act as an intermediary between him and his Church. This is the foundational principle on which all Christian nationalist ideas, policies, and beliefs rest.
A Rose by Any Other Name
Now, many would argue this definition is incorrect with some Reputable Leaders within the movement arguing that they are actually directly opposed to the government interfering in matters of worship. Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, Mike Johnson, has gone on record saying he believes the separation of Church and state is unconstitutional:
“Jefferson clearly did not mean that metaphorical “wall” was to keep religion from influencing issues of civil government. To the contrary, it was meant to keep the federal government from impeding the religious practice of citizens. The Founders wanted to protect the church from an encroaching state, not the other way around. (…) What these two Founders and their fellow patriots all understood from history was that there are many important rules and practices that can help build and sustain a healthy republic. But the key – and the essential foundation – of a system of government like ours must be a common commitment among the citizenry to the principles of religion and morality.” – Mike Johnson, The True Meaning of Separation of Church and State
Putting this into simple terms Representative Lauren Boebert said “The church is supposed to direct the government, the government is not supposed to direct the church.”
There are two problems with The Church leading our government. First of all, the bible very clearly states that Christ’s Church is to submit to the earthly authorities.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1- 2)
Second of all, unlike with the government, overseeing worship is the primary function and responsibility of The Church. It’s the reason the Church exists. In a world where the Church “leads” the government, either the Government is dictating how we worship God, or The Church stops being a church. In the relationship between Church and State there is separation or there is homogenization. It is a binary value, not an issue of pecking order.
Actions louder than words
We can also see our definition clearly reflected in the political policies Christian Nationalists support. One of the most commonly held Christian Nationalist beliefs is that we should institute prayer and scripture into our public school system. Texas recently passed laws mandating the Ten Commandments be displayed in all schools. They have not stopped there though as Texas Lawmakers now push for mandatory prayer time in schools. While others believe that teachers should be required to teach the bible as part of their curriculum.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
Reading scriptures, verbal teaching, and prayer. These are the methods by which God commands us to worship Him. When we put prayer in schools or make a bible part of the curriculum, we are mandating God’s worship. Even more concerning, we are trusting the government to interpret scripture and determine how we are to worship God.
Why it Matters
As a personal rule, I try never to argue with people about what they believe. I find it to be very unproductive. It’s frustrating, insulting, and only leads to people doubling down on their beliefs. This is a rare situation where that rule needs to be broken.
Christian Nationalism, as a movement, thrives on ambiguity and assumption. Going back to our speaker of the house. When asked about his worldview, Mike Johnson said “I am a Bible-believing Christian. Someone asked me today in the media, they said, ‘People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun?’ I said, ‘Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it.’ That’s my worldview.”
With all due respect, this answer is so vague as to actually bring his faith into question. Muslims, Mormons, and all manner of Heretics look to the bible and find their beliefs to be supported by scripture. This ambiguity is a struggle for those who oppose Christian Nationalism as well as those who support it. There is a massive media industry based on this, with Political personalities having built entire careers around people rushing to argue about Christian nationalism when they’ve never even stopped to think through what it is they’re arguing.
While people may disagree with this definition and may claim to believe something different. The truth is made clear if you study their actions and exercise reason. Christian nationalists believe that The Government should act as a middleman between God and his people. This is the definition we will be using moving forward as we form our arguments.
Sources
Johnson, Mike. “Speaker Johnson Op-Ed: The True Meaning of the Separation of Church and State.” U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson, 12 July 2025, mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2645
Pengelly, Martin. “Republican Lauren Boebert Wins in Colorado after Denouncing Separation of Church and State.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 29 June 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/29/republican-lauren-boebert-wins-colorado-primary-church-state
Kamal, Sameea. “Texas Will Require Public School Classrooms to Display Ten Commandments under Bill Signed by Governor.” The Texas Tribune, The Texas Tribune, 25 May 2025, www.texastribune.org/2025/05/24/ten-commandments-texas-schools-senate-bill-10/
Acharya, Pavan. “In Quest to Infuse More Religion into Texas Schools, Advocates Say Courts Are Now on Their Side.” The Texas Tribune, The Texas Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025, www.texastribune.org/2025/02/12/texas-ten-commandments-school-prayer/
Sy, Stephanie, et al. “Oklahoma Education Head Discusses Why He’s Mandating Public Schools Teach the Bible.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 1 July 2024, www.pbs.org/newshour/show/oklahoma-education-head-discusses-why-hes-mandating-public-schools-teach-the-bibleWinters, Micheal. “Speaker Mike Johnson’s Biblical Worldview Is a Bit Crimped | National Catholic Reporter.” National Catholic Reporter, www.ncronline.org/opinion/ncr-voices/speaker-mike-johnsons-biblical-worldview-bit-crimped Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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