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The term Christian Nationalism is an Umbrella term for a group of many different political beliefs and religious dogmas. Many of these belief systems are too loosely organized to be considered “movements”. Instead they function as branch teachings within the greater cultural movement of christian nationalism. These teachings also aren’t exclusive to any specific christian denomination or church, rather it is a larger set of beliefs which have been integrated into the belief systems of different catholic, charismatic, evangelical, and calvinist subgroups. Each of these “branches” takes its own unique approach to religion and politics. But the thing that that unifies them all under this one umbrella term though is a belief in the Christian Nation. They believe God has commanded us to take up positions of Leadership so we can steer the United States and reshape it.  

While you may not have even heard of any of these teachings or movements make no mistake, they still have an impact on you. Even if you’re not a Christian nationalist, even if you’re not a Christian the teachings of the Dominionists are impacting the lives of every American and are worth studying. These teachings have gained enough momentum they are now informing policy and laws. Every American should be studying these theologies and belief systems in depth regardless of religious conviction or worldview.

What is Christian Nationalism?

The tumultuous relationship between church & state is the starting point for all Christian Nationalists. It’s what puts butts in seats. We see these ideas repeated time and time by senators and political pundits, as well as pastors and all manner of spiritual leaders. They believe that it was always the intention of the founding fathers that the church would take a leading role in American politics by leading the nation and exercising the constitutional authority it has been given over the government.

Here is where we run into some interesting divergences in the dogma. They agree that they are called to become a “Christian nation” but what does that mean? Should it be a law that everyone in America has to be Christian? Some would say yes but most argue that this simply means our government should be built on Christian values. Theonomy for example suggests we should govern by The Levitical Law. Other groups however use a more vague definition of Christian values choosing to forgo a more rigidly structured set of principles and values.

On top of disagreements about the “Christian values” our government should be built on, they also have different thoughts when it comes to defining a biblical view of Government. Some argue that this corruption is inherent to the concept of government. These people believe that governments and civil leadership are inherently demonic, created by the enemy to suppress God’s truths. They argue that by engaging in politics and running for office Christians wage spiritual warfare with politicians functioning as holy warriors of God.

Others believe that civil leadership, created by God, is an inherently good force that the Devil has corrupted for his ends. According to Bill Johnson “Government usually lives in a crippled state because of the fear of voters.” By prioritizing voter approval over the safety and prosperity of the realm, our leaders allow themselves to fall into corruption and become part of the problem. When our leaders act according to their guts they can change the hearts of the people. Allowing us to create a more “godly nation” and through this change in the hearts and culture, the nation will lead to prosperity.

There are also a few different answers to the question “why create a christian nation?” The answer is usually prosperity. The United States, the most wealthy and powerful nation on earth, will become more wealthy and more powerful if we govern by Christian Values.

The dominionist sees this prosperity not as a desire we all have for security, safety, and comfort but as an actual fulfillment of the great commission. 

“The Church needs to expand its vision of what it means to make “disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).” (Wallnau) Lance Wallnau argues that we are not just called to disciple through sharing the testimony of the healing power of the gospel. He says we are called to “make disciples of all nations” by taking positions of leadership throughout our culture and government.  

Some are less concerned with material blessings and instead believe the “Christian nation” is a powerful tool of evangelism. By having our government “built on Christian principles” we can make the wicked people beneath the government behave more Christian which should lead to their conversion as they too learn to love The Lord. 

“Previously many of us interpreted that (Matt. 28:19) to mean that we were to go into the nations to win as many souls as possible. Now in light of the dominion mandate, we take it literally and see that we are to disciple nations as whole social units.” (Wagner)

Lastly, some believe we should do it just because God commanded us. This is fair, as we are commanded to do all things God commands even if we don’t understand them. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”(Matthew 22:36 – 38) The question is, does God actually command us to do this? Are we truly called to be a Christian Nation?