What does the term “Christian Nationalism” mean to you? Can you be a Christian and still be a Nationalist, or are the concepts opposed? The term “Christian Nationalism” has often been thrown around, but what does it mean? Let’s take a look.
Definitions of Christian and Nationalism
The term “Christian Nationalism” is used loosely in politics today to describe what people should be afraid of. I wrote about this in an article entitled “What is Christian Nationalism?” in September 2024. The purpose of that article was to dispel the picture painted by those opposed to one or both, but can someone be both a Christian and a Nationalist?
Christianity is a religion based on the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe one God exists in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Jesus is the center of the Christian life, and his teachings preached love, faith, sacrifice, mercy, and forgiveness. Christianity is NOT an ideology and provides moral guidance and a sense of purpose for the Christian life.
The definition of nationalism, according to the Britannica website (similar to Merriam-Webster):
“An ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests.”
The Christian Life
Jesus is the center of the Christian life, or He should be. The Bible and Catholic teaching are clear on this. John 15:5 says: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”
John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”
John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church (126): (1) The life and teaching of Jesus. The Church holds firmly that the four Gospels, “whose historicity she unhesitatingly affirms, faithfully hand on what Jesus, the Son of God, while he lived among men, really did and taught for their eternal salvation, until the day when he was taken up.”
With Jesus at the center of our lives, we are called to follow Him and live as He did, always putting others first. There are no exceptions—whether it be political affiliation, sexual preference, citizenship status, or any other factor. Our purpose is to glorify God through our actions and lives. While God doesn’t guarantee a life free from challenges, He assures us of His unwavering presence through every trial we face.
The Nationalist Mindset
People hear the word “Nationalist” and immediately think of someone who is proudly devoted to their country, culture, and history. This is not only a reasonable assumption but a celebration of patriotism. Most Americans wholeheartedly embrace their nation, taking deep pride in their history and collective identity. At first glance, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this sentiment. In the time of Jesus, the Jews viewed themselves as God’s “Chosen People” based on the Hebrew scriptures. While the Pharisees and Sadducees concentrated on maintaining their religious identity in the Roman political landscape, there were outliers, known as the Zealots, who actively sought to dismantle Roman oppression.
Nationalism veers into dangerous territory when the “nation” is deemed more important than all else. Britannica’s labeling of individuals as “Nationalists” serves as a stark reminder of this ideology’s pitfalls, presenting a troubling lineup of historical figures.
- Adolf Hitler
- Benito Mussolini
- Yassar Arafat
The men listed above demanded and enforced loyalty to the nation-state and oppressed and murdered those people whom they decided were “unacceptable” to their nation and culture. These people were evil and wrought evil across the world. These men used nationalism to justify their military expansion, propagate fascism and authoritarianism, and consolidate power.
Who Are Today’s Nationalists?
This label applies to several world leaders today. They could include Trump (US), Putin (Russia), Modi (India), Le Pen (France), and Orban (Hungary). Putin has shown himself to be a maniacal murderer reminiscent of Hitler and Mussolini. While the rest are not mass murderers like the names above, they all stand firmly for stringent immigration policies, promoting a strong national identity, and opposing a global government.
Is Donald Trump a Nationalist?
By his own admission, yes. According to many liberals and Democratic politicians, Trump is the equivalent of Hitler and Mussolini. Trump puts Americans first, but has been a strong presence on the global stage in promoting peace and using America’s strength to influence behavior, i.e., the release of the Israeli and American hostages from Gaza. The “mass deportations” underway in the U.S. were initially targeting illegal immigrants with criminal histories and/or who have committed crimes while in the country. The administration has deemed everyone who crossed into this country illegally a criminal. Many have migrated to flee oppression or to find a better life for their families. This is where Jesus teaches us to open our hearts and “welcome the stranger.” If people are living productive lives in their time in the U.S., our elected officials must fix the legal immigration system and shepherd these people into the legal process.
What Does all of This Mean?
Can a Christian be a nationalist? No! Our love and commitment to Jesus will always surpass our political allegiance to the nation. Jesus unequivocally opposed nationalism through His teachings and actions. He preached love, justice, and unity, creating a church that crossed all boundaries. In today’s society, where individualism prevails, politics have only deepened divisions among people. We live in a world of extremes, particularly in the United States, where policies swing radically from left to right depending on the administration in power. As new Presidents implement drastic policy changes, the changes sow division and create opportunities for individuals to “fall through the cracks” and be forgotten.
We can be followers of Jesus and patriotic about our country. Our faith calls us to wear the heart of Jesus in everything we do. Faith coupled with patriotism can be complementary, especially when we put others first in our thoughts and actions, regardless of “boundaries.” The people of the United States are the most generous in the world. This is our faith and identity as a nation: sharing our love and caring for those in need. I am sure most American Christians are faithful followers of Christ and proud to be patriotic Americans.
Please let me know your thoughts about this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
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