The Problem is Muslim Nationalism, Not Christian Nationalism
Christians are debating Christian nationalism constantly these days, and the political and theological left are fueling that debate. The contours of the argument are difficult to understand because the definitions of Christian nationalism vary widely.
The political and theological left seek to disregard any honest discussion of the of the Judeo/Christian thinking that formed the basis of our Republic. They also forbid any participation of Christianity in the public square. The problem with this is that the ethics of Christianity create an unavoidable societal fabric that is inseparable from government and governing if Christianity is genuinely held.
Certainly, some are wary of the danger of raising partizan support and patriotism above fealty to Christ—and such a concern is warranted. Peter’s response to the Jewish leaders in Acts 5:29 clearly identifies our ethical limits as believers. However, this does not preclude us from being thankful for the government God has given us, however flawed, because it is still His gift according to Romans 13:1. We also should be loyal to the nation God has given us as good citizens (1 Peter 2:13-14). It is even permissible for believers to be enthusiastic in our thanks and loyalty.
What about Muslim nationalism?
Islam, wherever it resides, longs for Sharia Law—regardless of which branch of Islam. Sharia Law, and the Constitution of the United States of America are in direct conflict with one another. [i] The reasons for the conflict are found in the differences between the two religions.
Christianity is a faith-based religion.
True Christianity, not the abusive aspects of false Christianity practiced by Catholicism and other corrupt forms, is faith-based. No one can genuinely be compelled to be a Christian. Paul did not force people to become Christians. He preached the word and the Holy Spirit moved them to genuine faith. The early Baptists were the focus of persecution from other Christian groups because they held this truth dear. That is why John Leland, a colonial Baptist leader, and James Madison worked so hard to make sure that religious liberty was the initial freedom addressed in the Bill of Rights. [ii]
The true ethics of Christianity limit the power of Christianity over the faith of anyone else and would protect the rights of anyone to believe and practice according to their conscience.
The dilemma of Islam.
The dilemma of Islam is that our Bill of Rights gives every Muslim the right to believe that he should have the right to deny freedom of conscience to others.
Every branch of Islam believes in the importance of establishing Sharia Law. Sharia Law denies freedom of religion to others. While there are many ways it does this, there are two primary ways.
Sharia apostasy laws.
Sharia Law declares that anyone who apostatizes from Islam should be executed. That is correct. Anyone who converts from Islam to any other religion should be executed by the governmental and religious authorities. This is true for all branches of Islam. [iii] The many thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands around the world today who are converting to Christ from Islam are doing so in spite of the threat of death, and many are being killed.
Sharia blasphemy laws.
Sharia Law has been commonly interpreted in such a way that will allow those who commit blasphemy against Mohammed or other aspects of the faith to be executed. While many say that the Koran says to tolerate blasphemy, this is only where Sharia Law does not rule or dominate. Where it has ruled, blasphemy laws exist.[iv]
“Voluntary” Sharia Law already exists here.
There are already local communities within the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries where Sharia law is being implemented as a “voluntary” alternative to the local, state, and federal court systems. In countries like Nigeria, true Christians and nominal Christians alike are being kidnaped, abused, and murdered based upon Islamic justification.[v]
One of the criticisms of fundamentalist Christians is that we spend more time battling those who are closest to us, than standing up to and dealing with the bigger issues plaguing our society and culture. There is some truth in that. While Christians continue to debate Christian Nationalism, we might consider whether this squabble is a harmful distraction from the greater debate that could eventually limit our Christian freedoms altogether. Consider Paul’s instruction to Timothy.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
While we should pray for our freedom of religion to continue to flourish, it is foolish to think that prayer alone is the answer when Christians, by means of legal civic participation, can also protect the freedoms we hold dear. Our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, is a stewardship providentially allowed us by God according to Romans 13. That stewardship is ours to manage honorably before Him.
Christians must awake from their slumber and participate in the process so sacrificially preserved by previous generations. If we do not act to preserve our freedoms, there are those waiting in the wings to take them from us. We cannot put our heads in the sand and hope for the best.
Audio version of this post: The Problem is Muslim Nationalism, Not Christian Nationalism
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[i] ‘They’re ordering to kill apostate, blasphemous’: Witness drops bombshell in anti-sharia law hearing
[ii] https://www.bgav.org/blog/champions-of-religious-liberty-john-leland-and-james-madison
[iii] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aXxwsa4OO0M
[iv] https://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/publications/cjm/article/freedom-expression-apostasy-and-blasphemy-within-islam-sharia-criminal
[v] https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/nigeria-christians-world/
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