2.51 Brad Green • Reading • "Christian Nationalism—The Way Ahead in Our Day? A Review Essay"
Oct 23, 2023
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Brad Green, reviewer of Stephen Wolfe's book on Christian Nationalism, provides a summary and critique of the key arguments in the book. They explore the distinction between cultural Christianity and Christian culture, the role of Christian nationalism in civil law and governance, the justification of revolution, and the Christian understanding of ethnic relations.
Stephen Wolf's book 'A Case for Christian Nationalism' explores the relationship between nature and grace, although this approach has been criticized for potential theological difficulties.
Wolf's lack of attention to scripture and the historical redemptive sweep of scripture weakens his argument in favor of Christian nationalism.
The concept of Christian nationalism includes the role of the Christian prince as a mediator for the nation's good end, but there is a need for better distinction between Christian and non-Christian understandings of ethnicity.
Deep dives
Key Points: Definition of Christian Nationalism and Brad Green's Review
The podcast episode discusses Stephen Wolf's book 'A Case for Christian Nationalism' and Brad Green's review of it. Wolf defines Christian nationalism as a totality of national action conducted by a Christian nation in order to procure both earthly and heavenly good in Christ. Brad Green reviews the book in two parts, providing a summary of its key arguments and then offering his critique.
Key Points: Nature and Grace in Wolf's Argument
One of the key building blocks of Wolf's argument is the nature and grace dualism. He argues that grace perfects nature and that natural principles can have supernatural conclusions. However, this approach has been subject to criticism as it may lead to theological and conceptual difficulties. Additionally, Wolf's lack of serious attention to scripture and the historical redemptive sweep of scripture weakens his argument.
Key Points: The Christian Prince and Ethnic Relations
Wolf explores the role of the Christian prince in Christian nationalism. The Christian prince is seen as a mediator who leads the nation to its good end and ensures that the culture reflects true religion. Wolf also touches upon ethnic relations, arguing that natural instincts towards one's own people are compatible with Christianity. However, some critique the lack of distinction between a Christian understanding of ethnicity and a non-Christian account. Attention to biblical principles and the redemptive historical nature of the canon could have improved Wolf's understanding.
Duty of Civil Government to Advance Good of Citizenry
The author argues that civil government, particularly at the national level, has a duty to advance the earthly and spiritual good of its citizens. This entails directing its people to the true religion and establishing arrangements for a peaceful and godly life.
Christian Nationalism and Religious Liberty
The book explores the concept of Christian nationalism and its relationship with religious liberty. While arguing for an official affirmation of Christianity, the author emphasizes that the civil magistrate does not have control over an individual's conscience. However, external expressions of false religion may be subject to civil restraint or punishment to prevent harm to individuals, Christian government, culture, or civil disruption.
Stephen Wolfe's The Case for Christian Nationalism has been the topic of much recent discussion. Listen to a summary and critique of his arguments in this book review.
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