What’s the difference between Christian Nationalism and Patriotism?

If you have ever been to Branson, Missouri, and enjoyed any of the musical shows or performances, there is a very good chance that at some point every veteran in the building will be asked to stand.  The emcee will share a word of thanks to the veterans for their service and then a patriotic song will be sung.  If you attend more than one show during a visit, this repetitive act of patriotism begins to feel forced and performative.  When this type of performance is done in a church worship setting, it crosses the line into Christian Nationalism.  

Patriotism is a love for one’s country, seeing what is good and bad, and calling for change within one’s nation.  Christian nationalism is the idea that claims the United States is a Christian nation and seeks to merge Christian and American identities. Patriotism is a sentiment of gratitude and pride. Nationalism asserts that our country was founded by Christian men with the intention that all laws and citizens practice this religion.  Often leaving those outside the preferred religious view to be excluded or demoted to second-class citizen status.  Patriotism focuses on love of country, while Christian nationalism seeks to impose a particular religious and national identity, believing the nation’s purpose is tied to God’s plan. 

Flag pins, like these, sold by Oriental Trading, are a great example of mixing our faith symbols with a patriotic one.  We are a nation that welcomes Christians and all religions, but we are not a Christian Nation to the exclusion of all religions.  My experience in Christian Nationalism reflects a very particular interpretation of Christianity, history and Biblical interpretation.  Generally, it is a narrow understanding of grace, forgiveness and who is considered righteous.   It may give prescribed roles to men and women.  It may decry anyone who is transgender, gay or lesbian as undesirable.  Brian Kaylor said,  in his recent appearance on the podcast of the Good God Podcast:  “Because what Christian nationalism is doing is it’s arguing that to be considered a real American, to be truly American, you have to be a Christian.” 

One of the tentpoles of our Constitution is the First Amendment, which holds that we are a nation with freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government to address our grievances. The ongoing power of the First Amendment is our collective right to petition for change and to assemble to express our hope for a better future.