FBFI Statement on Christian Nationalism

This, Judge Phil Ginn wrote for Realclearreligion.com on the subject of Christians and culture. He was addressing an upcoming (March 8, 2026) feature on CNN entitled The Rise of Christian Nationalism. In the article, he includes CNN’s definition of Christian Nationalism as follows:

 CNN is ostensibly defining Christian Nationalism as “an ideology rooted in the belief that our country was founded as a Christian nation, and that our laws and institutions should reflect Christian values.” Ms. Brown goes further to assert that the assassination of Charlie Kirk “radicalized” Christians into a feeling of being persecuted.

As with almost everything, the key to everything is not in what they say, but what they mean by what they say.

Was the U.S. founded as a Christian nation?

What do you mean by that? Were we founded on the idea that there is a Creator that has endowed us all with rights? Yes. Were we a nation founded on the theological idea that all men are sinners and corruptible? Yes. Were we founded on the idea that for a nation to function there must be common ground on moral issues that make a populace cohesive enough to survive together—such things as the fact that life is sacred, murder is wrong, people can own private property, marriage is good and beneficial, and more. Of course. These things were at the core of our common belief as a nation at the beginning. It has been called a Judeo-Christian ethic. To argue any otherwise is to deny historical facts.

However, I also cringe at the bumper stickers and posters that picture Jesus wrapped up in an American flag. Jesus was not an American, is not an American, and never will be an American. Such a conflation of patriotism and the faith is inappropriate.

It seems the death of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent responses have raised the argument to new levels. Both sides are responding. It might be an overblown response. The “revival” that seemed to be happening is subsiding (or maybe never really happened) according to George Barna in a response to the American Worldview Inventory 2026 (AWVI 2026).

 Much discussion followed in the wake of the murder of Christian activist Charlie Kirk about a possible eruption of spiritual renewal and revival in the Christian Church. But a new national survey from Arizona Christian University’s Cultural Research Center indicates that any increased interest in the Christian faith spurred by Kirk’s assassination has not produced positive growth when it comes to biblical worldview. (Cultural Research Center, March 3, 2026)

In response to the extremes of the Christian Nationalism debate the FBFI produced, during our last Winter Board Meeting, a statement on Christian Nationalism. We believe it is consistent with scripture, with the historic Baptist position on separation of Church/State, and a biblical world view.

The following is Position Statement 26_02, Regarding Christian Nationalism

We reject Christian Nationalism, defined as the belief that the government should impose the Christian religion. We also reject secularist ideologies that teach that religion is purely a private matter, that freedom of religion extends only to worship, or that people should not be allowed to influence public policy based on their theological and moral convictions.

The proper attitude of believers toward nationalism depends on how the concept is defined.

• If nationalism is defined as the belief that sovereignty is best vested in nation states rather than in empires or a world government, it is consistent with God’s plan in dispersing and settling the peoples of the world and of restraining the growth of evil (See Gen 10:5; Deu 32:8; Acts 17:26-27).
• If nationalism is used as a synonym for patriotism, that is, love for and loyalty to one’s country, it is appropriate for the believers provided that our ultimate loyalty is to Christ and His word (1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Pe 2:17).
• If nationalism means belief in the superiority of one’s ethnic group or the belief that one’s nation is inherently superior to all others or enjoys a special relationship with God, then it is unscriptural (Ps 2:1-3).

God has ordained governmental authority. Rulers, whether believers or unbelievers, are ministers of God for the maintenance of peace and order and for the administration of justice (Pro 29:4; Rom 13:1-4; 1 Tim 2:1-2).

Although nations differ in righteousness and wickedness (Jer 18:7-10), no nation in the Church Age is in a special covenant relationship with God and no nation is innately superior to all others.

We are not now living in the millennial reign of Christ, nor can the church usher in the Christ’s earthly kingdom, either through political and social action or through the preaching of the Gospel and building Christian institutions (Zech 14; Mat 24:30; Rev 19:11-16).

The pattern of the New Testament and the nature of the church preclude either ecclesiastical control of the government or governmental control of the church. In this sense, Scripture supports the concept of separation of Church and State, although not the separation of God from the public square or godliness from government policy (Mat 22:21; 1 Cor 5:13; Eph 1:22-23; 1 Pe 2:13-17).

Believers should give thanks for and pray for their nations and their rulers (1 Tim 2:1-3), especially to the extent that they promote righteousness, ensure peace, and uphold religious liberty.

In nations where political participation by citizens is allowed, believers should participate in the political process, which may include voting, holding office, and serving in the military, provided that such participation does not require them to violate their loyalty or obedience to Christ.

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Audio version of this post: FBFI Statement on Christian Nationalism