A couple of weeks ago I sat in as Steve participated in an online Evangelical Covenant Church/Pacific Northwest conference ministerium discussion about Christian Nationalism. It was divided into three parts, each with a main thesis to consider, and further questions:
Discussion #1: Christian Nationalism in Historical Perspective
Agree or Disagree:
"The United States was founded as a Christian nation and should remain that way."
Further Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways has Christianity, historically, influenced national identities? What are the benefits and dangers of this influence?
2. How has Christian Nationalism shaped the way many Americans view the
relationship between their faith and government? What are the ways these views may or may not line up with the Bible?
Discussion #2: Christian Nationalism and the Teachings of Jesus
Agree or Disagree:
"The mixing of faith and nationalism is necessary to preserve moral values in America."
Further Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways has the Church, potentially, been complicit in allowing Christian Nationalist ideas to misrepresent Jesus’ articulated mission in the Bible?
2. What are the key differences between following Christ and adhering to Christian Nationalist ideology? How can we know when or if we’ve “crossed the line?
Discussion #3 - Inherited Ideologies Impacting Our Perspectives Today
Agree or Disagree:
"The church is called to be a prophetic voice that critiques both culture and government when necessary."
Further Discussion Questions
1. Can churches help their people discern how to be patriotic citizens while staying centered on a loyalty to Jesus, as Lord, rather than on political or national identity and ideology?
2. What are practical ways pastors can help their congregations recognize and resist Christian Nationalist influences
It was excellent.
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