The Christian Prince: A Savior Complex Personified | Nick Shalna
Sep 25, 2023
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Nick Shalna, an expert on Christian Nationalism, discusses the dangers of distorting biblical concepts and the idea of a 'Christian Prince' as a leader. The podcast explores the deceitful label of Christian nationalism and argues against the replacement of one form of totalitarianism with another. It also delves into the redefined idea of submission and critiques the introduction of Christian nationalism into the church. The transformative power of the gospel and cultural change are also discussed.
Christian Nationalism distorts biblical concepts such as the great commission and submission to government.
Advocating for a totalitarian regime in the name of Christian nationalism risks losing freedom and domination by the state.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Christian Nationalism
In this podcast episode, the speaker raises concerns about the concept of Christian nationalism. They argue that the intention of Christian nationalism is to create a consciously Christian nation, but this does not necessarily mean a nation of people who are actually Christian. The proposal is made to start a movement making Dr. James Lindsey the first Christian Prince of the United States. The speaker expresses concerns over the transformation of the world using the purpose driven church, stating that it creates a counterfeit outward totalitarian church and state. The speaker argues against the idea of a Christian Prince being the conscience of the nation, claiming that it goes against the savior they worship. They question the biblical basis for Christian nationalism, highlighting the absence of core principles prescribed or described in Scripture.
The Flaws of Totalitarianism
This section discusses the dangers of advocating for a totalitarian regime in the name of Christian nationalism. The speaker points out that such a regime would lead to a loss of freedom and the domination of the church by the state. They argue that dividing the nation into smaller ideals, or Balkanization, would fracture the unity of the country. The speaker emphasizes that divided kingdoms do not work out, referring to historical examples like Israel and Judah. They caution against replacing one form of tyranny with another and highlight the need for peace and truth.
The Role of a Christian Prince
The concept of a Christian Prince is discussed in this segment. The speaker explains that the Christian prince is the personification of Christian nationalism and serves as the conscience of the nation. They critique the idea of such a prince being higher than any priest or pastor, arguing that it goes against the equality of believers in Christ. The speaker points out the irony of using Psalm 82:6 to support the idea of a Christian prince, as the very next verse mentions the mortality of rulers. They express concerns about the potential idolatry and whitewashing of sin that could occur in a nation led by a Christian prince.
General Equity Theonomy and False Dilemmas
In this section, the speaker explores the concept of general equity theonomy and its potential dangers within Christian nationalism. They question whether the enforcement of Christian laws should be limited to one nation or applied globally. The speaker argues against the idea of forcing compliance to Christian doctrine, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals to exercise their own beliefs. They emphasize that submission to government should be for the Lord's sake and not to dominate others. The speaker concludes by advocating for the power of the Gospel to bring about cultural change, rather than relying on a Christian prince or a counterfeit kingdom of God.