I grew up in a conservative, evangelical Christian household and attended private evangelical schools where we pledged allegiance to the Christian flag (yes, there is a Christian flag) alongside the American flag every morning. We would belt out “God Bless America” with gusto.
My teachers, classmates and I were attached to a somewhat mythological story of America’s Christian heritage. We were the type of sentimental Christian nationalists that Donald Trump is targeting with his recent turn as a Bible salesman.
But the primary way we applied our ideals came when we voted like any of our neighbors. We didn’t menace American democracy. But today, at the other end of the Christian nationalism spectrum, is a more perilous style of Christian politics, presented by very hard-line, very programmatic Christians who aim to dominate society.
If you’re unacquainted, Christian nationalism refers to how some (not all) American Christians blend their religious devotion with nationalistic ardor, aiming to refashion America as a Christian nation. Some conservative Christians have begun pushing back on this phrase, claiming that “Christian nationalist” is a slur, representing a progressive effort to make the idea of Christians involved in politics sound scary.
As a scholar who’s studied American Christianity for years, I can confidently state that the term is not an insult. Rather, it’s descriptive: When people blur any religious identity with their partisan political identities, we call that religious nationalism. It’s an extremely common phenomenon, occurring in numerous modern nations, from India to Turkey to Brazil. “Christian nationalism” is just the Christian variety.
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Yes, some commentators do paint with too broad a brush in how they categorize or describe Christian nationalism. As with me and my schoolmates, some forms of Christian nationalism pose no imminent threat to American democracy.
But there is a new breed of chauvinistic, theologically bull-headed Christian nationalists who might be better called “Christian supremacists.” These hard-liners believe that Christianity deserves a privileged space in American society — that Christians, being better than other human beings, should be entitled to a superior form of citizenship. They claim that Christians are even destined by God to rule over society.
What is hazy nostalgia to the “God Bless America” crowd is an organized theological and political program for the Christian supremacists. They are deadly serious.
There are at least two major strands of Christian supremacy operating in the U.S. today: the highbrow Calvinists and the populist charismatics. Both groups are Protestant, and both have theological roots in an obscure group of Reformed (Calvinist) American theologians called the “Christian Reconstructionists,” who emerged in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Reconstructionists draw inspiration from 16el-century theologian John Calvin’s Geneva, a theocratic city-state where unrepentant heretics could be executed by a government that enforced orthodoxy.
Though certainly not representative of all Calvinists, today’s Reconstructionists have embraced a vision of what they call “dominion theology.” They interpret certain Bible passages to mean that Christians must “take dominion” over every society and remake it into the kingdom of God. Today, they hold conferences with titles such as “Blueprints for Christendom 2.0” and talk about how they will help Jesus the “warrior-king” to “dominion-ize” this world.
These theological intellectuals of the Christian far right are radicalizing more run-of-the-mill Christian nationalists. Reconstructionist luminaries today include people like Stephen Wolfe, a scholar with a Ph.D. in political theory who argues full-throatedly in his book “The Case for Christian Nationalism” that “Non-Christians … are not entitled to political equality.”
Like good Calvinists, the Reconstructionists are intellectual and systematic, imagining detailed programs by which Christians can re-Christianize America and, ultimately, the world. They hope their heady ideas will help trigger such a global crusade, while recognizing that their high-octane Calvinist theology will never be everyone’s cup of tea.
So beginning in the 1980s, the Reconstructionist theologians intentionally spread their ideas into other Christian communities and networks, sometimes with the more rigid Calvinist casing shaved off. They especially cross-pollinated with a rapidly growing segment of American Christianity that gets little media coverage: nondenominational charismatic Christians.
Charismatic Christians are those who are trying to restore the more supernatural dimensions of early Christianity — speaking in tongues, performing miracles and believing in modern prophecies. This is the world of next-gen televangelism, ecstatic megachurches and itinerant prophets. Nondenominational charismatics are the energetic, tech-savvy, insurgent populists of American Christianity.
Many of these nondenominational charismatics eagerly embraced the Reconstructionists’ dominion ideas (if not their formal Calvinism), giving rise to the populist charismatic style of Christian supremacy. At the front of this pack is a pastor (sometimes referred to as prophet) named Lance Wallnau, who has taken some of these dominion theology ideas and rebranded them as a prophecy called the Seven Mountain Mandate.
Wallnau’s vision of Christian supremacy entails dividing society up into seven “mountains” or arenas of influence (religion, family, government, education, media, entertainment and commerce) and urging Christians to conquer the top of every mountain in their community or nation so that Christian influence will trickle down into society.
These Seven Mountains programs are fueling many local conservative Christian groups para take over city councils or school boards, making the dominion program tactical and marketable. Wallnau is also a leader in a nondenominational movement called the New Apostolic Reformation, which has helped spread this Seven Mountains prophecy everywhere within evangelical circles.
Not coincidentally, Wallnau was also one of the first Christian leaders to endorse Donald Trump in the 2016 campaign cycle. Wallnau is the author of some of the prophecies and theology that now customarily present Christian support for Trump not merely in terms of achieving conservative Christian goals or choosing the lesser of two evils, but as a positive good, ordained by God to be president again.
As I detail in my forthcoming book, “The Violent Take It by Force,” and in a recently released audio-documentary series, Wallnau used prophetic propaganda to galvanize and mobilize charismatic Christians to endorse Trump’s election lies. In this sense, he was one of the principal theological architects of the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, and he was even there at the Capitol that day to speak at one of the instigating rallies.
This all goes beyond a baseless slur. I recommend to those Christians of the kind I grew up with that you might get over the sting of being labeled, perhaps unfairly, as a Christian nationalist. Christianity is slowly losing its privileged place in American society, and I understand that that feels strange, but you should be far more concerned about the real-life religious extremism that is burbling up in your midst, causing many to cross the line from “God Bless America” Christian nationalists to ardent Christian supremacists.
Some of the most beautiful and treasured parts of American democracy — the equality of all citizens, the separation of church and state, and freedom to believe in and practice any (or no) religion — are the targets of the Christian supremacists, who seek not comity but domination, not peace but a sword. They are plotting the end of America as we know it. Openly.
Las opiniones expresadas en este comentario, que se publicó originalmente en Religion News Service, no reflejan necesariamente las de The Roys Report.
Matthew D. Taylor is a senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, Maryland.
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36 Respuestas
I find these movements a bit strange in the fact they seem to put their faith and hope of deliverance from the ways of the world in the country itself and its politics rather than Christ. It’s like watching someone taking one big swing and a miss at the home plate of Christianity only to turn around and yell at the rest of the team that they need to do better. This is coming from someone who is a former Mormon, too.
Yes, I agree. these movements and group thinkers to say the least are strange, more so if you have a general understanding of the Bible, and specifically, any insight of the life and teaching of Jesus whose Messianic identity and calling was a disappointment to Jewish nationalistic thinking and zealotry.
I can’t say though I’m surprised at all this, because while touring the US in the early 90s and visiting a number of so-called mainstream Churches and denominations, nationalism and US exceptionalism, in word and presentation, seemed to be the norm.
One can’t imagine the Kingdom of God – in which the Prince of Peace will bring about fully and reign – being draped in Stars and Stripes, Stars of David, Union Jacks or anything else of that nature!
The 7 mountains warped theology is a grossly, utterly and disgustingly misinterpretation of Revelation 17. Atrocious hermeneutics and eisegesis. Quite frankly, I am of the school of thought that this NAR/7 mountain/Dominion theology/Nationalism IS the influential “religious/church” component of the greater antichrist system. No doubt about this. Clear as night and day.
In Revelation 17:9, the mother of harlots rides on THE beast with 7 heads; or also = 7 mountains that the harlot sits on. Revelation goes on to tell how the 7 heads/mountains are various (antichrist) empires that dominated, oppressed ancient Israel; and controlled Jerusalem beginning from Egypt to the Ottoman-Turk empire.
But, behind these various antichrist nations/kings thru out history is still THE same Anti-Christ (ie: Devil who animates it). And just like Bible foretold & foreshadowed the messiah, it also foretells of the anti-messiah in these various nations/kings who were enemies of ancient Israel.
How people have not caught on that 7 mountains is actually part of the beast (antichrist) kingdom by now by a simple studying of scripture, is truly beyond me. Must be that “given over to strong delusion” phenomenon spoken of in 2 Thes 2.
Beware. Take heed. See that no man deceives you. Yet, Yeshua’s warning still is mostly going unheeded today. Tsk.
We all have to be incredibly skeptical of a writer who has to let us know he’s a “scholar”. Further, we must disregard someone who has to disparage us with name calling by referring to us as the, “ God Bless America crowd”.
But, he is a scholar that is part of his job title. And referring to Christian Nationalist and would be Christian Nationalist as the “God Bless America” crowd is one of nicer things to say about them.
Agree with you, Cathie. I also find it strange that he singles out Mr. Wallnau in an environment where “Christian Nationalist’ influence is so pervasive. Linking Wallnau so directly to the Jan. 6 events has a perjorative tone that I find distasteful. ( I do not follow or listen to him).
Did you find the January 6 insurrection distasteful?
I found it completely awful. That doesn’t mean I have to be mocking or condescending towards that group of people just because I disagree.
I’m not sure how dryly, dispassionately linking Wallanu to Jan 6 is perjorative… Taylor is just stating some provable facts. Wallnau was there. He was very active in the Stop the Steal movement. (He continues in the lies!) I assume that because this is a very short article that Mr Taylor/editors had to limit the amount of name-dropping. (There Were actually many More characters like Wallnau involved leading up to Jan 6 and there in person… all similar fringe charismatic ‘prophet’ types ranting and raving for their god-king trump… dragging the precious name of Jesus into their disgusting idolatry and idiotic trumpism…
My guess is Taylor, in referring to himself as a scholar before offering his opinion, is making it clear his view is not something he picked up from social media or from some other dubious source. Scholarship is often viewed suspiciously by some sections of Protestant Christianity.
Scholarship can lead to good or evil outcomes. It’s the incomparable Word of God that is truth and that truth is available to all who believe, even those who don’t fit the correct intellectually acceptable status of the Christian Elite. “The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy making wise the simple.”
The problem is that too many people think their interpretation of the Bible is just as inerrant and infallible as the Bible is. Their intent is impute Biblical authority to someone’s interpretation.
Might be a bit more problematic in that fallible theological systems/institutions are awarding/credentialing people who successfully jump through their hoops, which in turn gives the “credentialed” or indoctrinated folks a biased, and often misleading sense of theological rightness.
Americans as a rule have highly valued this type of education and are currently paying a heavy price for it in many arenas.
I know people who shared the same class space with Taylor and can see why he has taken the educational path he’s chosen.
Cathie I’m with you. Disgusting!
Same here. And anyone who doesn’t see that Pres. Trump is God’s chosen man for this time and task lacks discernment. When the full truth comes out about all he’s done to destroy the forces of evil, everyone with at least 3 brain cells will love him and thank God for using him. Trump is 100% correct when he says, “This is the final battle.”
“Some of the most beautiful and treasured parts of American democracy … the separation of church and state, …”
No such institution exists, once a church files a 501c3 it has federal gov oversight, and must submit to all federal rulings and mandates, or it will lose its’ not-for-profit tax exempt status.
“As I detail in my forthcoming book, “The Violent Take It by Force,” and in a recently released audio-documentary series, …”
The article is an advertisement for his work.
Because we should definitely get our information from people who aren’t experts or scholars, who haven’t done massive amounts of research into a particular area, right?
The supremacy of Jesus Christ is indisputable, eternal, phenomenal, and beyond human understanding. Those who follow Him find eternal life when this earthly life is over.
Following Christ is an individual choice, not a political mandate. To choose Him is to choose life. To reject Him is to choose death.
It is a personal choice. No other religion can compare to following Jesus. He is the ONLY way back to a relationship with God.
¡Amén!
John 14:6, Romans 5:10, 1 Corinthians 15:42-57, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Ephesians 2:1-9, Hebrews 2:17, 1st John 4:10.
[And eternal life – zoe(n) in Greek -begins at regeneration according to passages like Ephesians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17 & 13:5, 1st John 4:9 & 13, 5:11-13 etc.
Hallelujah!]
Agreed. Nothing wrong with pledging allegiance to the Christian flag either
“Agreed. Nothing wrong with pledging allegiance to the Christian flag either”
Not according to what Jesus taught us:
Matthew Chapter 5:33-37
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
I keep seeing people claiming to know what they are talking about throw around the N.A.R. term like it really is something, when it has never been anything. The phrase was created by a “Church Growth” expert: Peter Wagner who attempted to apply it to what he was doing and to those whom were coming to his conferences. A little history check will show that NO ONE else ever used the term. Also NO ONE embraced the term. It quickly became a pejorative and then Wagner died. It means nothing. If you are going to write an article at least do the research and get the labels correct. Why should we believe what you say if you cannot even do that much?
That said, the polls that show a very significant chunk of Christian nationalists DO NOT SEE VIOLENCE AS A PROBLEM is very concerning. Also the embrace of a man of pure anti-Christ character who is now been convicted in a court in this land of RAPE as “Jesus’ choice” is just blasphemous! No other word for it. Jesus is not behind liars, thieves, manipulators, who are the ultimate arrogant asses as “His man.” Jesus is not who the nationalists portray. Instead, His power is being leveraged in order to deceive and abuse. His kingdom is not of the world and He does not need any billionaire to make it happen. He will do it personally one day with angels as enforcers, not men.
rafael,
Facts matter. President Trump was found to be “liable” for rape in a civil trial. He was not found guilty of rape under any circumstances, and he was not convicted of a crime, or he would not be eligible to run for office.
The burden of proof in a civil trial is “The preponderance of evidence” which typically translates to “is it more likely they did it or didn’t do it.” This burden of evidence is substantially lower than the standard, “Beyond a reasonable doubt” used in a criminal trial.
Further, my opinion, it didn’t appear that President Trump and his legal team tried very hard in the initial case that established his liability and is now causing him so many problems.
I don’t care for President Trump and do not support him, but the shorthand of calling him a rapist is questionable at best, particularly for a believer. In the eyes of our criminal justice system, he is not a rapist.
A well written article overall. For accuracy however, it should be noted that Seven Mountains theology did not originate with Lance Wallnau. It is a remake of 1980’s Kingdom Now charismatic theology (Earl Paulk) that was rebranded in the mid 2000s by Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Loren Cunningham (Youth With A Mission) in connection with the teachings of Francis Schaefer. Wallnau then took it up in the 2010s to become its lead advocate since.
For full in-depth historical treatment of Christian Nationalism in America, I highly recommend John Fea’s book “Was America Founded as a Christian Nation: A Historical Introduction”
Beware. John Fea is a liberal/progressive so take what he says with a grain of salt.
Scott, when I was in school I was taught to judge everything I read by my prior knowledge and using the yardstick of “cui bono?” – that is, asking myself whether the person expressing an opinion or stating a supposed fact has something to gain from my believing them. I find that that approach works well, anad it has the advantage of reducing the need for labels like “progressive”, “conservative”, “liberal”, etc.
Plenty to be repented of in any camp these days, but are overzealous Christians REALLY the biggest issue we face? We’re facing a society that tells kids they can switch genders! All depends on how they feel! The fear that some poor child might be asked to pledge allegiance to the Christian flag in vacation Bible school (which millions of us have done) doesn’t quite equal the insanity that woke society has pulled out of thin air.
The real and only issue is to claim the Name of Jesus and then fail to act like Him. Get to know His Name & who He really is, not who you think He is (Exodus 34) and then be like your Father (as Jesus lived and demonstrated). If you are His child , then be like Him as His representative.
Here we go with the blanket use of “woke” again. The way it is being used here is not what it means….
But there’s no fear in a child being asked to pledge allegiance to a Christian flag in a Christian church or school. The writer was sharing his experience with the Christian school environment (which breeds a lot of Christian Nationalists – I say that from personal experience) to add credibility. (If he hadn’t said that, he would’ve been immediately dismissed as “woke.”)
The fear is a child being asked to pledge allegiance to a Christian flag in a public school. (Just like Christians would be fearful if a child was asked to pledge allegiance to Buddha in a public school). I mean, we even allow Jehovah’s Witnesses to sit out of pledges to anything out of religious belief. You know…freedom of religion…
“But there’s no fear in a child being asked to pledge allegiance to a Christian flag in a Christian church or school. ”
Not according to what Jesus taught us:
Matthew Chapter 5:33-37
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
“But there’s no fear in a child being asked to pledge allegiance to a Christian flag in a Christian church or school. ”
Not according to Jesus:
Matthew Chapter 5:33-37
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Many Christ followers whom I know favor the policies of governance of Trump over Biden. I concur, and categorically reject being categorized as an anything other than a Christian who is voting for policies I deem best for the most citizens. Does me stating my preference make me and millions of others unChristian and “Christian nationalist?” That assertion is frightening and wrong-headed. You choose what you will; it is your choice, but a self-described “scholar” has no more valid opinion than anyone else. Both sides have their lunatic fringe, just suggesting not to paint with too broad a brush.
Most comments are excellent and thoughtful. It boils down to the worship and honour of Jesus. This should not cross into nationalistic ferver. Then it becomes idolatry.
When any religion proposes or purposes towards this type of radical supremacy that the author describes, then you not only have idolatry but the movement comes under a principality that dominates ANY religious notions of domination. Failing to recognize this is perilous.
Our nation operates according to the predominant world view. It always has and does now.
The question is, “which world view(s)?”
If not Christianity, which one(s)?
Currently, at the federal level, we are “ruled” by critical race theory, intersectionality, and queer theory.
This is the case in a fair number of states as well.
Do we accept this, or do we push back? When we push back, we seem to get labeled and told OUR “religion” should be kept separate.
“They interpret certain Bible passages to mean that Christians must “take dominion” over every society and remake it into the kingdom of God.”
Examples? What are the passages you are referring to? It would be helpful to be able to research what scripture you claim is being used.
It’s difficult from the outside to figure out what Christian Nationalism is about in America. Is it that Christians feel the need to make America Christian or is it the need to make Christianity American?