Nationalism and Faith : Who Holds Our Allegiance?

In an age where national identity is often intertwined with faith, many Christians find themselves at a crossroads. Is our highest allegiance to the kingdom of God or to our country? Can nationalism and biblical faith truly coexist, or do they conflict? Today, we explore how Christian nationalism elevates earthly identity over our heavenly citizenship.

Context: The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church while imprisoned, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ’s kingdom, not to earthly nations or rulers.

Imagine a Christian struggling with a growing tension between their faith and their country’s political direction. Sermons and social media echo the idea that to be a good Christian is to be a patriot. Loyalty to the flag is often equated with loyalty to God. But what happens when the policies of a nation contradict the teachings of Christ?

This dilemma is not new. Throughout history, the blending of nationalism with Christianity has led to wars, oppression, and the justification of injustice. It begs the question: Can we serve two masters?

In the early church, Roman citizens took great pride in their empire. Yet, Paul and the other apostles continually reminded believers that their true home was not Rome but the kingdom of God. Christians were often persecuted because their loyalty to Christ was seen as a threat to the empire.

Today, many Christians face a similar challenge. When a nation demands ultimate loyalty, it risks becoming an idol. Nationalism can distort faith, leading believers to defend their country’s actions—even when they contradict Christ’s teachings—out of a sense of duty rather than divine obedience.

Scripture makes it clear that believers are to seek God’s kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33). While we are called to be good citizens and respect authorities (Romans 13:1), our highest allegiance belongs to Christ.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who opposed the Nazi regime, warned against this very danger:

When nationalism replaces faith, the gospel becomes secondary to politics, and the church loses its prophetic voice. Instead of shaping the nation according to God’s truth, the church risks being shaped by the nation’s agenda.

As followers of Christ, our primary allegiance is to His kingdom, not to any earthly nation. Yet, in a world where nationalism and faith are often intertwined, it can be difficult to discern where our true priorities lie. To ensure that our devotion remains firmly rooted in Christ, we must take intentional steps to align our hearts, actions, and beliefs with His teachings. Here are four ways to keep Christ’s kingdom first in our lives.

While love for one’s country is natural, it must never eclipse our devotion to Christ. We are called to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom, not defenders of earthly empires.

What are your thoughts on the balance between faith and national identity? Share your reflections below or join the conversation on social media using #FaithOverFactions.