The question usually comes not as a question, but as an accusation.
I’ve been in more than one conversation where someone leans back in their chair, squints at me over the coffee cup, and says with finality:
“You’re just a Christian Nationalist.”
It lands like a gavel. Case closed. In our cultural moment, it’s a label meant to discredit. To some, it implies you’ve traded the cross for a flag, Jesus for Caesar, the gospel for a political agenda.
Now, if you’re a follower of Christ who also happens to love your country, that accusation can sting. Do I fit the caricature? Am I guilty of confusing the kingdom of God with the kingdoms of men? Or am I simply trying to live as a biblical citizen in a confused age?
This is where the tools of tactics meet the truth of Scripture. Greg Koukl reminds us in his book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions that we don’t need to panic when challenges come. Instead, we can respond with questions that clarify, expose assumptions, and gently point others toward truth . And Scripture reminds us that our citizenship is both heavenly and earthly, always ordered, never confused (Phil. 3:20; Rom. 13:1–7).
So how should we respond when the label is thrown? Let’s walk through this conversation together.
The First Question: What Do You Mean by That?
When Jesus faced critics, He often answered with a question (Luke 20:3–4; Mark 2:9). Questions disarm. They buy time. They shift the burden of proof.
So, when accused of being a “Christian Nationalist,” a simple, calm response might be:
“That’s interesting—what do you mean by ‘Christian Nationalist’?”
This is the first step of the “Columbo Tactic” asking questions, not making pronouncements . And nine times out of ten, you’ll discover that the person hasn’t defined the term. Sometimes it means, “You bring your faith into politics.” Other times, “You want a theocracy.” Or perhaps, “You love your country and talk about God in the same sentence.”
Until the definition is clear, you’re shadow-boxing. Asking for clarity exposes whether the label is a thoughtful critique or just a slogan.
The Hidden Assumption: Faith Doesn’t Belong in Politics
Suppose they answer:
“Well, you think your Christian faith should shape politics.”
Now you can gently ask the second tactical question:
“I see. Do you think only secular views should shape politics? Why would those convictions be more valid than mine as a Christian?”
This reveals the hidden assumption that only non-religious views belong in the public square. But that assumption crumbles under its own weight. Everyone brings their worldview into political life. The question is never whether morality should be legislated (every law legislates someone’s morality), but whose morality, and why?
Romans 13 reminds us that government is God’s servant “for good” (Rom. 13:4). That means civil law inevitably reflects moral truth, whether we acknowledge it or not. When a Christian votes, speaks, or serves, they are not forcing religion on others; they are living faithfully as salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16).
The Biblical Distinction: Patriotism vs. Nationalism
Here’s where we move from tactical questioning to biblical teaching. The Scriptures affirm both our gratitude for earthly citizenship and our ultimate allegiance to heaven.
- Pray for Leaders – “I exhort that entreaties and prayers…be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
- Seek the Welfare of the City – Even in exile, God told His people: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you” (Jer. 29:7).
- Honor the Emperor – Peter urged believers under Rome’s rule: “Honor all people, love the brethren, fear God, honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17).
- Remember Your True Home – Paul wrote, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20).
This means patriotism, a healthy love of country, gratitude for freedom, desire for justice, is biblical. Nationalism: elevating country to idol status, confusing America with Israel, or blending the gospel with politics—is not.
You can thank God for your earthly home without mistaking it for your eternal one.
A Tactical Turn: Putting a Stone in the Shoe
At this point in the conversation, you don’t need to deliver a sermon. Remember Koukl’s advice: the goal is not to “close the deal” in one conversation, but to “put a stone in their shoe” something that will poke at their thinking later .
You might end with a gentle challenge:
“If loving my country while putting Christ first makes me a ‘Christian Nationalist,’ what word would you use for someone who seeks the good of their nation but refuses to make it an idol?”
That question lingers. It doesn’t demand an immediate answer. But it forces reflection: maybe “Christian Nationalist” isn’t the right label after all.
The Witness of History
It may help to remember that Christians have faced this confusion before.
- The early church honored Caesar in civil matters but refused to call him Lord. They prayed for the empire even as they were persecuted by it.
- Augustine, in The City of God, drew a sharp line between the “City of Man” (temporal nations) and the “City of God” (the eternal kingdom). Christians live in both but belong finally to the latter.
- Reformers like Luther and Calvin argued for lawful obedience to rulers, but always under the higher law of Christ.
This long tradition reminds us: being a Christian citizen has always required careful balance, engagement without compromise, loyalty without idolatry.
Bringing It Home
So let’s return to the coffee shop, where the accusation first landed.
Them: “You’re just a Christian Nationalist.”
You: “What do you mean by that?”
Them: “Well, you think your faith should shape politics.”
You: “I see. Do you think only secular values should shape politics? Why would those be more valid than mine?”
Them: “….”
You: “The Bible tells me to pray for leaders, seek the good of my country, and honor those in authority. That’s not nationalism—it’s just obedience to Christ. My highest loyalty is always to Him.”
At that moment, you’ve turned what could have been a label-war into an opportunity for reflection. You’ve modeled truth spoken in love. And you’ve left behind a question that may linger long after the conversation ends.
Conclusion: Faithful Citizens of Two Kingdoms
The Bible never tells us to withdraw from civic life, nor does it tell us to deify it. Instead, it gives us a rhythm: live as faithful citizens of the nation God placed you in, while remembering you are first and forever a citizen of heaven.
So, can you be a Christian and love your country? Absolutely. Can you let that love become ultimate? Never.
When someone calls you a “Christian Nationalist,” take the opportunity to slow down, ask questions, and point to Scripture. You don’t need to win the label game. You just need to remind them—and yourself—that our hope is not in elephants or donkeys, but in the Lamb who reigns.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” (Heb. 12:28)
