What is the Deal with Christian Nationalism?

In this video, I discuss some of the recent debate on the issue of Christian Nationalism.

[andrewl]

"What do you mean by that?" is becoming my default first question whenever any hot button topic is brought up. Because most people can't define the terms they use.

[shooterdownunder]

Considering that you mentioned the state church in Germany going liberal and the orthodox lutherans left to America to be orthodox maybe you should do a series on the history of the Lutheran church. It’ll be nice to get more of a history lesson and how we went from Luther to today’s Lutheran church.

[newreformationapologetics]

The letter from Jefferson of separation of Church and state was to keep the state out of the church not the opposite. I think if we are going to have laws it should reflect the heart of God not the evil of this world. 🤔 Christians don't get bullied into not promoting biblical morals

[cwstreeper]

I believe the terms Nationalism & Nationalist often get confused in society as do Progressive/Progressivism, Conservative/Conservatism and Liberal/Liberalism.

Your commentary is spot on.

[forgeandanvil]

I agree with you that American Christianity is a mess. I believe that as Christians we must simply advocate for righteousness in both the culture and the state. Unfortunately the term Christian Nationalism is simply used as a tool to keep Christians silent about any cultural/political issues in general. It doesn't matter if you have good theology or if you believe America is the new Jerusalem, ultimately (if it is convenient to those who object) you will all fall under the category of being a Christian Nationalist if you are too vocal about desiring righteousness out of our leaders and policies.

[tylerpedersen]

You are a very reasonable theological voice. I appreciate your perspective on these controversial issues. Thank you.

[scottyyoch]

Yes, a state church is bad. Reality is that we currently have one: secularism in pagan form

Rather, a society that bases it's morality on the teaching of Christ would be much preferred. If we can say that humans are not the final moral authority, that the 10 commandments are divinely inspired, and that loving God and loving others is foundational, we are on the right track

[WGPower_Nonchalant_Cafe]

We are utterly and singularly in a neo-Babel moment. It's not a confusion of languages but a confusion of the definition of words. We all have different meanings for the same words. It's causing the same kind of fights as years ago... Something is confusing our language.

[sbm]

Dr. Cooper, could you do a follow up video on Andrew Torba’s book? It’s a very short read and what it says in there seems to directly contradict what has been portrayed as Christian nationalism in this video. I am neutral towards Christian Nationalism at this point, but would like to hear a scholarly biblical response to the most coherent and popular version of Christian Nationalism, i.e. Andrew Torba’s Christian Nationalism book.

[Jdtjl]

The crux of the issue comes down to the fact that many current prominent Christian voices will not assert Christian interests publicly or on others (not to force salvation but to restrain evil). Classical 2K would seem to be perfectly aligned with making this better

[captainfordo]

I believe that Jesus Christ should be declared the King of America and that our laws should punish evil and reward virtue.

[Ogata]

In the same way there is no such thing as a neutral education as you’ve stated in previous podcasts, There is always a state religion, always, no true neutral government can exist. To ignore this is to allow other’s state religions to reign. Laws gain their foundation from that state church’s principles, whether it be a secular enlightenment church, islamic, buddhist, or Christian. Our current state religion is a twisted post Christian, enlightenment one and our laws have begun to reflect such.
I don’t agree with many of the vocal Christian nationalists on what governement should look like (as in republican democracy, etc), but i absolutely agree with them on how the moral foundations of our legal system should reflect biblical ones.
This has been the only consistent theme i’ve seen in what is put forth as Christian nationalists and why i’d be willing to take on the moniker.
Additionally, anyone pushing for Chrisitan morals in lawfare and governance is and will be labelled a Christian Nationalist. You can nuance your position all you want, but the enemies of Christianity realize that governing according to biblical principles is to accept a different state religion than their own (though yhey won’t use such language) and will label you and attempt to destroy you unless you give in to their state religion’s legal principles.
All that to say, if you want a government and laws that punish evil and promote the good, you’re gonna be a Christian Nationalist.

[zeroexcuse]

I am a father to young children and a husband to a wife who is very Left. I am Right Libertarian and she sees my return to faith in God and wanting to share it with my kids as essentially a form of CN. Are there any good resources for prodigal sons (daughters too) who find themselves drowning in info but starving for it at the same time? I have enough theological background that I find myself very cautious about modern churches, but not enough to really be effective at sharing ideas without sounding like I believe in fairy tales.

[mwngw]

The most modern sense of the term Christian Nationalism is descriptive of a Christian "who happens to be a Nationalist." Inasmuch as the natural, default enemy of Globalism is Nationalism, most American conservatives would identify as Nationalists. To the Nationalist, Globalism embodies Communism and Totalitarianism...and is in the mind of the Christian Nationalist, the greatest threat to mankind, and especially our Republic. The accusers of Christians and Nationalists are almost invariably Progressives, and use the phrase as a pejorative equivalent to White Supremacists.

[TheHistoryShelf]

Another lucid and scholarly reaction. Thanks for your continuing to shine a light on these issues, Dr. Cooper!

[audreydakin]

Another great commentary. Your videos are excellent. Thank you. 🇨🇦👍

[Steve-wgcr]

The term "Christian "Nationalism" is a term I hear often in the media but have never heard otherwise. I don't ever recall anyone ever mentioning the term. The media often conflates the term with "White Nationalism." I do hear some Christians speak of America as being a "Christian Nation" in the sense that Christianity has been the dominant religion throughout its history and remains so today even if somewhat less so.

In terms of actual political policy the Christians who call America a Christian Nation would generally support policies that are pro-life on abortion, return of prayer to schools, etc. That is policies they see as consistent with their Christian faith.

[CRUELLANDER]

Is there such a thing as Lutheran Nationalism? If there is what is Lutheran Nationalism? What does Lutheran Nationalism look like? What does a society of Lutheran Nationalism look like with state?

Is Lutheran Nationalism the same as Christian Nationalism or are they differences.

[SantaFe]

Great video! The first time I had watched a video defining Christian nationalism it went a little bit like this; America is Christian at its core, and we must have all the right laws and elected leaders for God's blessing to be upon us. The video went on to say that there was a problem with this way of thinking because it focuses more on seeking God for what you can get from him than seeking him for who he is. That way if thinking is wrong regardless of whether or not it is the definition of Christian nationalism. It could also be called the patriotic prosperity gospel.

[donhaddix]

as a vet and elected official I stood behind mine but never pushed it as the official one. atheist pushed theirs.