Hi All! Christian Nationalism: A Constructive Conversation is now available for purchase! It represents the most important thing I’ve wanted to say to the American church in this cultural moment. It’s also intimately tied to my journey as a national leader in the pro-life movement for six-and-a-half years, as well as my present work as a church planter. You can … Read More
The Best Alternative to Christian Nationalism
One more week till release! And I’ve included another excerpt from “Chapter 4: Danger #3: The Domination Problem” below. In many ways, whether we see Christian nationalism’s desire for political domination (primacy of place) as a problem or not comes down to whether or not we’re comfortable with living in a liberal democracy where all American citizens, not just Christians, … Read More
Christian America and the Lure of Christian Nationalism
Hi Friends, it’s only two weeks till the release of my new booklet Christian Nationalism: A Constructive Conversation. I appreciate your prayers and please enjoy this and next week’s section from Chapter 4 titled “Danger #3: The Domination Problem.” In his excellent book, titled “Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?”, historian and Messiah University professor John Fea details why … Read More
Josh Hawley’s Vision of a Christian America
“Christianity is the electric current of our national life. Turn it off, and the light will fade. If we care about the future of our country, we must renew the influence of biblical faith in America.” Josh Hawley in February 2024. Unfortunately for Josh Hawley, Yale graduate and U.S. Senator from Missouri, his face and fist have become synonymous with … Read More
Justice that Prioritizes Trust and Heart-change
When I worked as a leader at the center of national pro-life ministry for six years, I couldn’t talk openly about the dangers of Christian nationalism without being canceled. This meant that, if I still wanted to tell the truth and steer folks in healthy directions, I had to find creative ways to do so. Without naming Christian Nationalism or … Read More
Christian Nationalism’s Blending or Blurring Problem
I want to thank those who’ve contributed to the definition below and continue to invite others to send any push-back or enhancements: Christian Nationalism is a subtle form of idolatry that blends patriotism with Christianity in such a way that Jesus is no longer our first allegiance but some vision of a great America. It begins as a well-intentioned desire … Read More
Defining Christian Nationalism, 2 of 2
“Normal Christian political engagement is humble, loving, and sacrificial; it rejects the idea that Christians are entitled to primacy of place in the public square…” Paul D. Miller, professor of the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University and a research fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. I appreciate the feedback I got last week on my working … Read More
Is America God’s Central, Chosen Nation for Our Times?
Note: Hey friends, I’m excited to share that I’m working on a new booklet in the Constructive Conversation series on Christian Nationalism. This week’s post is related to that, as was last week’s, and, I expect, several more over the coming months. If you want a simple definition of Christian nationalism, think of it as a subtle form of idolatry … Read More
Misplaced Priorities
“O grant us help against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” Psalm 60:11-12, NRSV One of the more troubling but deeply revealing emails I received while serving at the center of the pro-life movement was from a dear mom whom I’ll call Sarah. Choosing … Read More
Faith in Crisis
Believe it or not, my greatest crisis of faith came thirty years ago while I was immersed in discussions and study related to God and the Bible at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. One day, as I wandered the nearby campus of Westminster Presbyterian Seminary, a solitary PCUSA school with several attractive stone buildings, I even seriously questioned the existence … Read More