Matters of Life and Death The idolatry of Christian Nationalism, with John Heathershaw
Oct 8, 2025
John Heathershaw, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Exeter, dives into the complexities of Christian nationalism and its implications for today's political landscape. He critiques the idolatry of nation-states intertwined with Christian rhetoric, urging a prophetic stance for the church rather than political entanglement. He addresses Western liberalism's Christian roots and the danger of tech-driven echo chambers, advocating for churches to engage inclusively with disaffected communities and model dialogue over division.
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Practical Experience Shapes Political Thought
- John Heathershaw's varied background (aid worker, MOD civil servant, academic) grounds his skepticism of grand theories.
- He argues practical experience produces better, more realistic political and aid analysis.
Christian Roots Of Western Humanitarianism
- Western humanitarian ethics draw heavily on Christian moral foundations even when secularized.
- Doctrinal claims get lost but ethical impulses (helping others) remain influential in politics.
Why Christian Nationalism Is Theologically Flawed
- Christian nationalism treats the state as the vehicle for gospel and is theologically mistaken, John argues.
- He warns that aligning church with state leads to violence and sectarianism rather than kingdom witness.
