Nationalism & The Kingdom of God

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For my last foray into some "hot-button" issues within our current culture, aimed at finding ways to have civil discourse about them, I'd like to spend some time reflecting on Christian nationalism and why Christians should think more critically about it.  

First, let me say this:  You can love your country and still resist the lure of Christian nationalism.  In fact, for those of us who follow Jesus, resisting it might be the most patriotic thing we can do. 

I love my country.  I still get chills when I'm at a sporting event, standing, removing my cap, putting my hand on my heart, and singing the National Anthem. I love watching the Olympics and hearing chants of "U-S-A!" coming from the stands when our athletes prevail.  

I've visited some of our nation's most sacred and hallowed grounds, monuments, and buildings, and choked back tears of pride.  

But in the end, I also know that my love of country is superseded by my devotion and duty to elevate the kingdom of God, which I am called to lift higher than any kingdom of this earth.  

The essence of the Christian faith is to "seek the welfare" of our city, but to hold our ultimate allegiance to God and God's purposes.  

N.T. Wright writes: 

“Christian nationalism is impoverished as it seeks a kingdom without a cross. It pursues a victory without mercy. It acclaims God’s love of power rather than the power of God’s love... As such, we should resist Christian nationalism as giving a Christian facade to nakedly political, ethnocentric and impious ventures.”

Wright's words cut to the heart of a growing confusion in our culture—when faith is co-opted to advance political ends rather than to serve the transforming love of Christ. 

Christian nationalism dresses earthly ambition in sacred language, but as Wright reminds us, it seeks a kingdom without a cross—a triumph without humility, a dominion without compassion. Jesus, however, rejected every invitation to seize power for its own sake. 

When tempted by Satan with “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor,” he replied, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:8-10). The kingdom of God cannot be legislated, militarized, or nationalized—it is revealed in love, mercy, and service.

To resist Christian nationalism is not to reject love of country. Scripture calls us to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But patriotism becomes idolatry when it demands allegiance that belongs only to God. 

As Paul reminds the Philippians, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That heavenly citizenship compels us to love our neighbors, to protect the vulnerable, to practice justice and mercy, and to proclaim the good news of reconciliation—not the supremacy of any nation or tribe.

The true power of the gospel is not in conquest but in compassion. It is seen not in who we can control, but in how we can serve. The cross shows us that the power of God’s love is always self-giving, never self-serving. To embody God’s kingdom here on earth means living as agents of grace, choosing humility over pride, peace over power, and mercy over victory.

The Way of Christ is not a march to power but a walk of love. Each act of compassion, each word of peace, each effort to reconcile reflects the kingdom of God breaking through. Let us resist any movement that seeks to wield faith as a weapon—and instead, bear the cross as a sign of God’s redeeming love for the whole world.

Prayer:
God of every nation, remind us that your kingdom is not built on power but on love, not on fear but on grace. Keep our hearts fixed on Christ, that we might live as citizens of heaven while serving faithfully here on earth. Let your love be our allegiance and your peace our mission. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

  1. In what ways can my faith inform my love of country without becoming a form of nationalism?

  2. Where do I see the temptation for the Church to seek power instead of service?

  3. How might I more fully embody the kingdom of God through love, humility, and mercy in my daily life?

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