How Not To Confuse Christian Nationalism with Christian Conviction

When convictions collide with distortion, how do we preserve truth without losing grace?

The rise of Christian Nationalism has rightly raised alarm bells across the church. Many are speaking out—but too often, the critique becomes a sweeping generalization, casting all conservatives as co-conspirators. That’s not just inaccurate—it’s unjust. This reflection explores how we can call out political idolatry without erasing the sincere faith of those who hold traditional values.

We’re not here to excuse silence or complicity. But we are here to remind ourselves that faithful resistance requires careful discernment. Broad brushes might feel satisfying, but they rarely paint the full picture. Let’s go deeper.

Jesus spoke these words near the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, warning His followers about false prophets and those who outwardly appear righteous but inwardly mislead. His test wasn’t ideology or affiliation—it was fruit. Do their lives reflect the heart of God?

Christian Nationalism cloaks itself in religious language, patriotic zeal, and often—conservative Christian identity. The result? A faith fused with political power, tribalism, and cultural domination. This fusion distorts the gospel, trading the servant King for a strongman savior.

But we must be careful. Not every conservative Christian supports this distortion. Many are grieved by it, confused by it, or quietly resisting it. Their fruit still bears love, humility, justice, and mercy—even if their language or traditions differ from ours.

In Jesus’ day, Zealots pushed for violent revolution in God’s name. Pharisees upheld rigorous traditions but often missed the heart of the law. And yet within these groups were individuals—like Nicodemus and Paul—who ultimately followed Christ with sincerity.

Today’s conservative movement is equally complex. While some fall prey to nationalism’s pull, others remain quietly rooted in Christ, living faithfully in their families, communities, and churches. Blanket condemnation helps no one. Discernment does.

God’s standard isn’t left or right—it’s righteousness, justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). Political affiliation is not spiritual fruit. As Jesus said, the true test of faith is how we love (John 13:35).

Theologian Russell Moore warns, “Christian Nationalism is not Christianity. It’s a form of heresy.” But he also reminds us that many within conservative Christianity are potential allies in resisting it—not enemies.

Let’s hold fast to this: We must oppose Christian Nationalism without confusing it with Christianity itself.

Pause Before You Paint

Before labeling someone as complicit, ask: What fruit do I see? Not their voting record, but their character. Their love. Their humility.

Engage in Humble Dialogue

Instead of assuming motives, start conversations. Listen for their heart. Many conservative Christians have never been exposed to the dangers of Christian Nationalism—and need grace-filled dialogue, not public shaming.

Speak Boldly—But Fairly

Condemn the heresy, not the human. Be direct about the dangers of fusing faith and power, but careful not to alienate those who might stand with you if invited, not accused.

Pray for Real Unity

Ask God to purify His church—not by picking sides, but by revealing truth. Pray for the courage to stand firm and the humility to stand with, not just against.

• James 1:19-20 (NLT) – "Understand this... You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."
  In moments of disagreement—especially around politics or theology—this verse reminds us to pause. Listening first and leading with patience makes space for God’s wisdom to shape the conversation.
• Micah 6:8 (NLT) – “O people, the Lord has told you what is good... to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
  This ancient call cuts through every cultural moment. God doesn’t demand partisanship—He asks for justice, mercy, and humility, no matter our political background.
• John 13:35 (NLT) – “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
  It’s not our stance on social issues or our church affiliation that identifies us as followers of Christ—it’s our love. That’s the fruit Jesus told us to look for.
• Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you... Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.”
  When culture—left or right—tries to co-opt faith, Paul urges us to resist the mold. Transformation comes from surrender to God, not alignment with the world’s power structures.

Let’s Walk This Out Together

Truth matters. So does grace. In a time when our faith is being co-opted and politicized, the temptation to react with sweeping condemnation is real. But the way of Jesus always calls us deeper—to truth spoken in love, to justice anchored in humility, and to unity born not of sameness, but of shared surrender to Christ.

Confronting Christian Nationalism isn’t about picking the right political side—it’s about bearing the right fruit. As we name the idols of our age, let’s also choose gentleness over judgment, conversation over condemnation, and discernment over division. We don’t have to agree on every policy, but we are called to be known by our love. Let’s become people who test fruit, not affiliations—who make space for truth to shine, even in tension.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on how we can lovingly challenge Christian Nationalism without casting off our conservative brothers and sisters. Use #TruthAndGrace to join the conversation.

Journaling Prompt: Fruit or Faction?

• Where have I been tempted to label others without knowing their heart?
• What does it look like to test fruit, not affiliations?
• When have I chosen to stay silent when I should have spoken up—for truth, for unity, or for someone being misrepresented?
• How can I be intentional this week about reflecting Christ’s character when engaging with someone who disagrees with me?