American Christian Nationalism and the Way of Jesus (Caleb E. Campbell) Ep. #185

8 snips

Jan 30, 2025

Caleb E. Campbell, an author and pastor, dives deep into the heart of Christian nationalism, exploring its driving anxieties, like the fear of pluralism and the search for stability. He challenges the notion that supporters are driven by hatred, suggesting instead a longing for belonging. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hospitality, compassion, and curiosity in engaging differing views. Campbell also shares insights from his book 'Disarming Leviathan', advocating for scripture-centered dialogue as a means to connect and transform even amid political divides.

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INSIGHT

Good Impulses of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism prioritizes those with a strong work ethic and community values.
These values, combined with patriotism, often stem from a love of familiar things.

ANECDOTE

Homesickness and Patriotism

Caleb E. Campbell describes feeling homesick and culturally exhausted while traveling abroad.
He connects this experience to a love of familiar things and healthy patriotism.

INSIGHT

Cognitive Rest vs. Pluralism

People often long for "the way things were," seeking cognitive rest and familiarity.
However, embracing diversity and pluralism requires significant cognitive effort.

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What if Christian nationalism isn’t a head problem but a heart problem? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Dru Johnson speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan, about the rise of Christian nationalism in America and how Christians can engage this movement missionally rather than combatively.

Campbell discusses the anxieties that drive people to embrace Christian nationalism, highlighting the fear of pluralism, the longing for safety, and the allure of worldly power. Drawing from his experience as a pastor and cultural observer, he argues that many Christian nationalists are not inherently motivated by hatred but by a deep desire for rest and stability in a changing world.

The conversation delves into themes of hospitality, humble subversion, and the transformative power of the cross, challenging listeners to rethink how they approach those with opposing views. Campbell offers practical steps for engaging Christian nationalists, emphasizing the need for curiosity, safety, and scripture-centered dialogue.

Find Caleb E. Campbell at:
Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/revcalebcampbell
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.campbell2
X profile: https://www.twitter.com/calebphx
Bluesky profile: https://bsky.app/profile/revcalebcampbell.bsky.social

Find Disarming Leviathan at:
https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathan

For more articles:
https://thebiblicalmind.org/

Social Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought/
X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:03 Exploring the Good Impulses of Christian Nationalism
10:18 The Dilemma of Power: Christian Leadership in Politics
23:22 Christian Nationalism: Ideology and Identity
32:23 The Means vs. The Ends: A Christian Perspective on Power
33:25 The Call for Unity and Protection
34:26 Christian Nationalism: A Critical Examination
35:22 Navigating Leadership as a Christian
36:44 The Role of Scripture in Decision Making
38:57 The Complexity of Power Dynamics
39:54 The Dilemma of Political Engagement
42:48 The Duality of Christian Identity
44:41 The Dangers of Christian Nationalism
47:39 Personal Experiences with Christian Nationalism
51:11 A Shift in Perspective: From Combat to Mission
54:43 Practical Steps for Engagement
57:47 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue
01:00:30 The Importance of Humility in Conversations