Christian Nationalism

What is Christian Nationalism, and what do Christian Nationalists believe?

We hear secularists in the media and other progressive groups mistakenly suggest that a Christian Nationalist is any Christian who votes Republican and opposes abortion, is in favor of our government supporting Israel and upholding second amendment rights, etcetera-so they’ve basically weaponized the term Christian Nationalist as a pejorative against traditional Christians.

Definitions are important

Christian Nationalism is both a theological and political ideology that advocates merging national identity with Christian identity, asserting that a nation must be explicitly organized under Christian principles—with the church and state closely aligned, and political power used to enforce moral and religious norms. It is often characterized as “falling along a spectrum,” but when defined by its own leaders and theological advocates, it takes the focus off the mission of the Bride of Christ and places it elsewhere.

Distinguishing Patriotism From Nationalism

Many people who define themselves as Christian Nationalists are actually patriots who love their country and who – when taught what Christian Nationalism involves – reject the Christian Nationalist identity. Patriotism is not inherently sinful. Biblical believers can love their country while recognizing that their ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Christian Nationalism goes beyond simple patriotism by seeking to use political structures to achieve dominion and cultural dominance. In Christian Nationalism, the nation (in this context, the United States), is viewed as inherently Christian and must be shaped by and for the Christian faith. However, Christian Nationalism crosses a line when it merges national identity with Christian identity into a political theology that seeks to use government power as a means to achieve spiritual ends.

Biblical Christianity and Citizenship

By contrast, biblical Christianity emphasizes that a believer’s primary citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and while Christians can participate in civil society, the gospel transcends any earthly nation. Christian faith is not ultimately defined by political boundaries.

This White Paper outlines three main concerns about Christian Nationalism:

1. It redefines Christian faith in political terms rather than spiritual ones.
2. It risks conflating earthly governance with Christ’s spiritual kingdom.
3. It may distract believers from gospel proclamation and discipleship.

What advocates say about Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalist leaders and affiliated groups typically assert the following:

• The nation must be identified explicitly as a “Christian nation.”
• Laws and institutions should be shaped to enforce Christian moral and religious norms.
• Citizens should conform to a particular understanding of “biblical Christianity.”
• Some organizations within this movement articulate frameworks like the “Three C’s” — Christianity, Culture, and Capitalism — claiming these form the foundation of a lawful and righteous society.

What Do CN Advocates Mean by “Christian Nation”?

• • Christian Nationalists say they want to achieve a government in which civil authority is explicitly wielded in support of Christian values. But Christians ought to ask: How is this to be achieved? And more importantly: Does the Bible mandate this form of political control?

Can Politics Save Souls?

• • No. However, Christian Nationalist rhetoric has on occasion proposed that politics can be as effective in saving souls as gospel proclamation. But God’s Word says that only the proclamation of the Gospel saves. Politics may influence society but cannot regenerate hearts.

Conflating Christ’s Kingdom With National Power

• • Christian Nationalists often use biblical language such as “Christ is King.” While this is true in a theological sense, true biblical teaching and Jesus Himself teaches that His kingdom as not of this world (John 18:36).

Additionally, the Christian Nationalist movement often has elements or commonalities with Religious Syncretism (partnering with leaders who are not Christian for a common cause), and the New Apostolic Reformation, a false movement led by apostles and prophets.

Commonalities with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) Movement

Christian Nationalism and the false New Apostolic Reformation are distinct movements theologically and structurally. However, both have overlapping themes*. Here are five:

1. Dominion Language

Both movements often use “dominion” terminology — the belief that Christians are called to take authority over societal structures.

Within NAR circles, this is frequently called the “Seven Mountain Mandate” or taking over seven spheres of influence (government, media, education, business, religion, family, and arts & entertainment). Within CN circles, it may appear as political restructuring under Christian governance.
The primary aim is for Christians to occupy influential positions in these spheres, transforming culture from within to align with biblical, conservative Christian principles.
The movement encourages strategic, sometimes confrontational, efforts to gain control or “dominate” these areas through leadership, influence, and sometimes spiritual warfare.

2. Cultural Transformation Emphasis

Both movements emphasize large-scale societal transformation rather than primarily local church discipleship.

• • CN: transformation through legislation and civil authority.

  • NAR: transformation through apostolic governance and prophetic direction influencing institutions.

3. Restoration Narratives

Both movements often frame America as having a divine destiny that must be reclaimed or restored.

4. Conflation Risks

In both frameworks, critics warn of potential confusion between:

• • Christ’s spiritual reign

  • Institutional power structures

  • National destiny narratives

5. Political Mobilization

Certain NAR leaders (Paula White, Lance Wallnau, Dutch Sheets, Cindy Jacobs, Lou Engel, etc.), have actively engaged political movements, prayer campaigns, and national prophetic declarations concerning elections and government. This political mobilization typically includes:

• National days of prayer tied to elections
• Prophetic declarations about candidates or outcomes
• Organized fasting campaigns for legislative decisions
• Framing elections as spiritual battles between God’s purposes and demonic opposition
• Language of “taking back” the nation

*Note: Not all NAR teachers identify as Christian Nationalists, and some Christian Nationalists separate themselves from the NAR title.

Biblical Engagement With Culture

While Christians are encouraged to engage culture and seek the common good, this must be done through biblical wisdom, not through an agenda that equates political dominance with spiritual victory. An overemphasis on Christian Nationalism can distract believers from the core mission of the church — proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples of all nations.

What the Bible says

Jesus rejected any title of earthly political leadership, stating, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) The Bible tells us that our heavenly citizenship is primary, and that our ultimate allegiance transcends national identity. (Philippians 3:20) Furthermore, the Church’s mission Is The Great Commission, which centers on disciple-making, not state control. (Matthew 28:18–20) And true cultural transformation comes through regeneration and new birth, not legislation. (John 3:3–8)

Conclusion

A Christian may love their nation faithfully, but Scripture consistently teaches that the Church’s authority is spiritual, its citizenship is heavenly, and its mission is eternal.  Christ’s Kingdom transcends national boundaries and that the gospel — not politics — is the power of God for salvation.

In order to defend the Truth and protect our churches, Christians should:

• Keep gospel proclamation central.
• Distinguish regeneration from legislation.
• Guard the church’s mission from political redefinition.
• Anchor hope in Christ’s eternal Kingdom rather than national destiny.

HELPFUL ARTICLES & RESOURCES

Christian Nationalism: Why You Should Ask Questions

A Biblical Warning About TPUSA, Dominionism, and False Unity

What Your Pastor Needs to Know About the NAR

“This Texas Church Became a Political Machine”

Culture wars and YWAM/CRU’s spheres of influence

Pureflix an arm of dominionist International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders