patriotism

Dr. Adam Wyatt joins the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to talk about how the Bible supports the idea of loving one’s country–but not nationalism–and how pastors can navigate this volatile topic.

Patriot Church and Life Church are located in the same city, but they could not be more different. Patriot Church advocates far-right politics, while Pastor Philip Nordstrom of Life Church grows concerned about the threat of Christian nationalism within the evangelical movement.

The question for pastors, church leaders and the entire Christian church is simple: Do we want to be known for love that reflects our savior or known for a sideshow demanding its rights?

Let's talk about patriotism and the church. I want to challenge us towards a greater understanding of God’s kingdom in times of national celebration.

“There’s a lot of evil in our country today," says Rev. Franklin Graham, "and that’s why it’s so important for us as Christians to stand for the Word of God and not compromise on God’s Word."

The storm on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6th have many asking what Christian nationalism is. But for the church in America, the conflation of Christianity and nationalism has been a concern for a while.

Some younger evangelicals see a patriotic church service as a compromise with worldly power. Their approach is to take the flag out of the sanctuary, never sing a patriotic song, and never mention a patriotic holiday.

God is not an American. Even though the phrase “God and country” is popular, it is problematic. It turns Jesus into an American patriot and conflates religion and politics, yielding a false god made in America’s image.