2.57 Jonathan Leeman, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • Jonathan Leeman on Christian Nationalism
Nov 6, 2023
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Jonathan Leeman, an expert on Christian nationalism, discusses the prohibition of imposing worship, the intersection of theology and political theory, the impact of post-millennialism and growing opposition to Christianity, theorizing during times of crisis, comprehending Christian nationalism, government's role in enforcing moral standards, clearing the path for the church, and the importance of the local church in Christian nationalism.
Christian nationalism can be understood as an insult, a responsible articulation, and an identification of the nation as Christian.
Christians in government should protect life and freedom, promote justice, and create conditions for the church to fulfill its mission.
Christians should prioritize living with integrity, acting as witnesses in their communities, and advocating for righteousness without imposing their faith on others.
Deep dives
The Definition of Christian Nationalism
Christian nationalism can be understood in three ways: as an insult used by opponents of Christianity to dismiss Christians' influence in the public square, as a responsible articulation of how Christianity should influence the public square, and as an identification of the nation or government as Christian, which risks breaking the third commandment.
The Role of Christians in Government
Christians in government should have a proper understanding of government's role in preparing the way for the church to do its work. They should seek to protect life and freedom, promote justice, and create conditions that allow the church to fulfill its mission and make disciples. Christians should also love their neighbors by doing justice, which includes upholding moral standards and advocating for righteousness, but without seeking to impose their worship on others.
Living as Salt and Light
Christians should first prioritize living with integrity in their own lives, starting with their marriages and personal relationships. They should strive to be salt and light in their communities, acting as a witness to their faith and upholding biblical principles. Public advocacy can also play a role, but it should be carried out wisely and by those who are best suited for the task, keeping in mind the overall goal of representing the just and righteous message of Christianity.
The Role of the State in the Christian Perspective
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the biblical and theological understanding of the state in the Christian perspective. They clarify that in a constitutional republic, government and person are no longer overlapping, and Christians should exercise caution when speaking on behalf of "we the people" and assuming that everyone shares their beliefs. They emphasize that Christians should not impose their faith on others but can individually and as elected officials speak truth to power and advocate for righteousness. The speakers also address the complexity of voting and the importance of considering the weight of various issues and not compromising on foundational moral principles.
Church's Mission and the Gospel
The conversation also emphasizes the centrality of the church and the mission of spreading the gospel. The speakers highlight that the church is the new nation and the priesthood of all believers, and its focus should be on building strong local churches, equipping believers, and being salt and light in the world. They stress the need to prioritize the gospel and the growth of the church, as the true transformation of society comes from the power of the gospel and the impact of revived and faithful churches.
