From “American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays The Gospel and Threatens The Church” by Andrew L. Whitehead
From the first moment of comingling the power of the state with Christian faith, we see repeatedly emperors, kings, prime ministers, and presidents legitimating their power over others, the power of the sword, in the will of the Christian God. They forgive themselves of numerous atrocities by claiming that God has blessed them with the power they wield. They baptize their desire to conquer, capture, and control as divinely ordained. In other words; If God is on your side, who can stand against you?
Just as frequently, we see Christian gladly aligning themselves with those wielding the power of the sword. Surely, we argue, this is the will of God. With the power of the state and sword on our side, Christian will (finally!) be able to broaden our influence over society. We will be able to enact laws, influence customs, and shape culture to align with our interpretations of the BIble. Think of all the lives we will save. We will be able to wield this power over others in a just manner. Just wait and see.
The temptation for self-interested power is seductive. It seems to solve so many problems. Why must we sacrifice our privileged position to ensure that our neighbors flourish as well? However, it is in this failure to empower those marginalized that we begin to treat power like an idol. Our hope and faith are in the possibility that we can defend and extend a world that benefits “us,” fashioning a Christendom where we are able to bend the lives and desires of those around us to our vision.
This vision of power is the central idol of white Christian nationalism. This idol tempts us because we believe that only through gaining privileged access to power over others can we ensure our own protection. But is this the way of Christ? What was his relationship to power? I have been asking myself these questions for the past twenty-plus years.