Best I can tell, folks these days use the phrase “Christian nationalism” and “Christian nation” in one of two ways. Some mean that Christianity should influence the nation and its laws. Others mean that the nation and its government should actually identify as Christian. The problem is, many people, Christian and non-Christians, advocates and critics, don’t recognize the difference, which is one reason I believe we should drop the label altogether.
Advocates of Christian nationalism in terms of influence have in mind Christians opening their Bibles; doing their best to understand what God requires of a nation; and then stepping into the public square and seeking to pass laws, establish practices, and encourage traditions in keeping with a biblical view of justice and righteousness. Let me label this first group The Influencers. They want a Christianity-influenced nation. Though I think The Influencers need to drop the “Christian nationalism” or “Christian nation” label posthaste, as I’ll argue in a moment, you can count me in with this group. To deny the role of Christian influence in the public square is to deny the Lordship of Christ.
Advocates of Christian nationalism in terms of identity mean all of this but more. Let’s
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