Matters of Life and Death

Does God care about nations? Colonialism, culture wars and Christian Nationalism with Nigel Biggar

Dec 3, 2025
Nigel Biggar, a prominent Christian ethicist and Priest, delves into the ethics of colonialism and the complexities of Christian nationalism. He discusses the moral implications of historical actions, arguing that colonialism isn't just a matter of history but also ethics. Biggar defends a form of patriotism that aligns with Christian love for one's country while warning against toxic nationalism. He critiques the secular shift in Britain and emphasizes the significance of nations in moral theology, illuminating the intertwined legacies of faith and governance.
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INSIGHT

Empire Isn't Monolithically Evil

  • Nigel Biggar argues the simple equation "empire = evil" is historically and morally untenable.
  • He started Ethics and Empire to correct political misuse of colonial history and learn from past moral reasoning.
ANECDOTE

Thrown Into The Culture Wars

  • Nigel Biggar recounts publishing a London Times article saying British imperial history contains both pride and shame.
  • He was surprised to be quickly vilified and pulled into the culture wars for that claim.
INSIGHT

Qualified Loyalty To Nations

  • Nigel rejects both idolising nations and globalist utopianism, arguing nations remain the basic unit of international life.
  • He supports a "qualified loyalty" to one's nation that is critical and under God.
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