Questions
How Does Christian Nationalism Reshape Christian Reasoning?
Summary: Christian nationalism subtly replaces the discipleship logic of the New Testament—calling people under Christ’s authority through free commitment (Matthew 28:18-20)—with a political logic that seeks Christian cultural authority through law and government, governing both believers and unbelievers whether they share the faith or not.
In the New Testament, God’s people are called to build God’s kingdom through discipleship. Discipleship is rooted in the authority given to Christ over all things (Matt 28:18). The church bears witness to Christ and calls people to come under God’s authority freely committing to Christ and learning to observe his instruction (28:19-20). God’s kingdom grows as people are transformed and learn to live according to God’s order through the work of the Spirit.
Christian nationalism subtly replaces this discipleship-centered logic with a political logic. Instead of calling people to submit to God through faith, it seeks to establish a form of Christian authority through law and government. In this framework, Christian influence is secured through political power that governs people whether they share the Christian faith or not. The result is a shift away from the church’s mission of making disciples toward efforts to secure cultural or political dominance. In doing so, Christians risk pursuing Christ’s authority on terms defined by political systems rather than through the faithful witness and discipleship Christ actually commanded.
Key Takeaways: Discipleship Logic vs. Political Logic
- New Testament Logic: Christ’s authority (Matt 28:18) calls people to free commitment and transformation through the Spirit (28:19-20).
- The Substitution: Christian nationalism secures Christian influence through political power that governs all citizens—whether they share the faith or not.
- The Drift: Mission shifts from making disciples to securing cultural or political dominance.
- The “So What”: Christians pursuing Christ’s authority on political-system terms rather than through faithful witness and discipleship are not pursuing the authority Christ actually commanded.
About the Author — James Spencer, PhD, is a theologian, author, and host of the Thinking Christian podcast, where he writes and speaks on Christian formation, political theology, and technology. He holds a PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and completed the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He serves as President of the D.L. Moody Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, as adjunct faculty in Wheaton College’s MA in Leadership program, and as an Associate Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, Christianity.com, and Sojourners; he has been quoted in The Telegraph; and he is a regular guest on Stand in the Gap Today with the American Pastors Network. His forthcoming book is Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press, Fall 2026). Learn more at jamesgspencer.com.