In Bonhoeffer’s day, Adolf Hitler and members of the Nazi Party embodied the “Christian-conservative, imperial populist front.” Today, we have comparable characters and movements in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere.

Despite changes in historical circumstances, location, or personalities, heretical religiopolitical movements have contaminated Christianity since its inception. The universal sine qua non or essential condition of Christian orthodoxy is the centrality of Christ and love for God and humanity. Anything that distorts, dismisses, or diminishes the centrality of Jesus Christ – his mission, ministry, model, and message – is heretical. 

Today’s most predominant and dangerous heresy is Christian nationalism, made even worse in its racialized forms. Proponents of racialized Christian nationalism substitute ethnic identity, citizen status, chauvinistic patriotism, or racial superiority, in place of transcendent moral and spiritual allegiance to Christ.

In this learning series, we are exploring the characteristics of Christian nationalism, while we consider and formulate ways to combat its deleterious effects. TDBI stands unequivocally against Christian nationalism, its corruption of the Christian faith, and its threat to human flourishing. We recognize that one of the best ways to learn about the problem and its adherents is to examine primary source material, and in our discussion of these works, do not seek to promote the dissemination of these dangerous ideas. With this in mind, we suggest seeking out some of these readings from your public library, used booksellers, or online.

The NATIONALCONSERVATISM website asserts that Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalism offers a tour-de-force argument for the good of Christian nationalism, taken from Scripture and Christian thinkers ancient, medieval, and modern. According to the author, Christian nationalism is not only the necessary alternative to secularism, “it is the form of government we must pursue if we want to love our neighbors and our country.”

Authors Andrew Torba and Andrew Iskar present Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations as a spiritual, political, and cultural movement comprised of Christians working to build a parallel Christian society grounded in a Biblical worldview. This book propounds to guide readers on “how to take dominion and disciple their families, churches, and all nations for the glory of Jesus Christ our King.”

As you examine these books, consider the following questions and prompts:

• How do the authors define “Christian nationalism”?
• What are their primary justifications for adopting a Christian nationalist mission?
• What are your top three responses to their primary assertions? Consider responses based on Scripture, other readings, and personal experiences.

Last month, Vote Common Good, released a short quiz you can take to learn about some defining characteristics of present day Christian nationalism in the US.

This quiz is based on extensive research by PRRI and Brookings Institute whose results were issued earlier this year.

In the coming installments, we will present materials and resources challenging the assertions, opinions, and propositions made in the books mentioned in this email. You’ll hear from authors who critique Christian nationalism from historical, theological, and social justice perspectives.

In preparation for our next email, check out Preparing for War, by Bradley Onishi