Yoram Hazony, an Israeli philosopher and author of The Virtue of Nationalism, dives into the complex relationship between nationalism and biblical teachings. He discusses the Old Testament's vision of nations, citing the Table of Nations in Genesis and critiques of empires like Babylon. Hazony argues for the value of independent nations with borders, traditions, and moral guidelines. His insights challenge modern Christian perspectives on nationalism and highlight the Old Testament's relevance in today's political landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
Bible's National Identity View
The Bible presents Israel as a nation, not just a faith, emphasizing national identity through family and tribal groupings.
Biblical worldview inherently accepts nations with distinct traditions, linking politics, religion, and heritage.
insights INSIGHT
Biblical Value of Diversity
The Tower of Babel story critiques the human desire to erase diversity by enforcing uniformity.
The Bible values nations as diverse entities with separate languages and traditions, opposing homogenizing empires.
insights INSIGHT
OT Political Emphasis vs NT Focus
The Old Testament is deeply focused on political and communal realities like kingdoms and exile.
Christians often focus more on personal salvation, missing the Old Testament’s strong political teachings.
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In 'The Virtue of Nationalism,' Yoram Hazony presents a case for the nation-state as the optimal form of government, emphasizing its role in protecting personal and collective freedom. He argues that nationalism, based on bonds of mutual loyalty to a shared culture and history, provides social cohesion and trust necessary for civil and political liberties. Hazony contrasts nationalism with both historical empires and modern forms of global governance, such as the United Nations, which he sees as imposing a universal standard that is intolerant of cultural differences. The book explores the historical roots of nationalism, particularly in the context of English, Dutch, and American Protestantism, and argues that a world of independent nations is more conducive to peace and freedom than a globalist or imperialist system[2][3][5].
Is nationalism always bad—or does the Bible have a more nuanced view of nations, borders, and political life? In this fascinating episode, Israeli philosopher Yoram Hazony joins Dru Johnson to explore the political vision of the Old Testament, from the Table of Nations in Genesis to the prophetic hope of nations learning from Israel in peace.
Hazony explains how the Bible’s anti-empire stance emerges from the stories of Babel, Assyria, and Babylon—and why God’s vision for humanity includes independent nations with borders, traditions, and space to seek Him freely. Together they unpack how Israel’s kingship, laws, and tribal structure offer a model of checks, balances, and moral limits on power.
The conversation also tackles modern questions: What can Christians today learn from biblical nationalism? How does this compare with movements like Christian nationalism in the U.S.? And why does Hazony see so many modern Christian intellectuals missing the Old Testament’s political teachings?
00:00 Introduction to Nationalism and the Bible
00:56 Biblical Foundations of National Identity
09:32 Political Philosophy in the Old Testament
12:43 Critiques of Nationalism in the Hebrew Bible
20:42 The Nature of Sin and Human Corruption
22:40 Nationalism and the Biblical Perspective
26:08 Borders and National Independence
40:01 Governance and the Role of Law
45:28 Christian Nationalism: Perspectives and Concerns
The Biblical Mind 