2.55 Timon Cline, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • Timon Cline on Christian Nationalism
Nov 1, 2023
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Timon Cline discusses Christian nationalism and the relationship between church and state. They explore different definitions of Christian nationalism, the importance of recovering ideas from the magisterial Protestant tradition, and the role of the state in promoting heavenly good. They also discuss the concept of post liberalism, the application of the Ten Commandments in modern society, and the role of the church in established Christianity.
The importance of working within the existing system of governance and being open to different forms of government that are compatible with the well-being of the people.
The need to recover traditional political outlooks that prioritize the orientation of politics towards higher goods and the well-being of individuals, rooted in the magisterial Protestant tradition.
The enforcement of laws related to morality, including blasphemy and obscenity laws, can have a pedagogical effect on society and encourage virtuous behavior.
Deep dives
The Importance of Working Within the System
It is important to work within the existing system of governance and to be open to different forms of government that are compatible with the well-being of the people. The speaker emphasizes the Aristotelian ideal of a mixed polity, which recognizes the monarchical element present in many political systems. There have been historical periods where the monarchical element has been emphasized to restore order and reorient the constitutional order.
Understanding Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism encompasses the recovery of older political assumptions, particularly from the magisterial Protestant tradition. It seeks to promote a society that is oriented towards higher ends and goods, including the true religion of Christianity. The speaker argues that every polity, such as a nation, should reflect man's dualistic nature and be guided by religious principles. Christian nationalism acknowledges the importance of the relationship between church and state, and advocates for a complementary partnership that promotes common good and the flourishing of individuals.
Recovering Traditional Political Outlooks
The podcast episode explores the need to recover traditional political outlooks that prioritize the orientation of politics towards higher goods and the well-being of individuals. These outlooks, rooted in the magisterial Protestant tradition, emphasize the importance of considering human nature and constructing the polity around truths that promote flourishing and the common good. The speaker suggests that these traditional outlooks have been discarded in favor of a liberal order, and highlights the need to re-examine and challenge the assumptions of post-war liberalism. The episode also acknowledges the importance of tolerance within a Christian nation, while still maintaining preferential treatment for the established religion.
The Role of Political Thought and Renewal
The speaker discusses the importance of reinvigorating the political thought of Protestants in the country and using various political means to introduce renewal. The speaker emphasizes the possibility of implementing policies that align with Christian values and the pedagogical effect of laws in moving people towards true religion.
Enforcing Both Tables of the Law
The speaker argues for the enforcement of both the first and second table of the law, emphasizing their synergy and interconnectedness. They assert that enforcing laws related to morality, including blasphemy and obscenity laws, can have a pedagogical effect on society and encourage virtuous behavior. Additionally, they highlight the state's responsibility to encourage and correct the Church when necessary, while the Church should emphasize personal regeneration and preach the true gospel.
