The problem with Christian Nationalism

Another old Twitter thread saved before the deluge

The problem with Christian nationalism is not that it makes Christ's Lordship too large; it is that it makes Christ's Lordship too small.

Christian nationalism is too optimistic about what government can accomplish in the moral sphere; and too pessimistic about what Jesus will do through His Church.

Christian nationalism too readily identifies Christ's cause with particular nations or ethnic groups, and too readily dismisses Christ's determination to break down walls between peoples.

Forms of Christian nationalism have done some good in the past, as most things have; but the alliance of heavenly grace with earthly power is always a problematic mix at best.

No sword can ever accomplish what the Cross achieves; and the Cross has no intent to accomplish what the sword carves out for itself. They are at odds and ever will be, eternally.

The Cross is for those meek of spirit; not those made meek by force of arms. When arms are borne in the name of Christ, there is no grace left to tell: Cross becomes cudgel, and the love of Jesus becomes legend.

But the Good News is this. A new heavens and a new earth is coming, inexorably and soon enough. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

And citizens from every nation, tribe, people and tongue will be there, a greater number than anyone can count.