“Christian Nationalism is a political cult disguised as a religious cult.”- John Collins
There is a wide road that leads to Christian Nationalism. Let’s examine some of the roots, history, and belief systems that inform (what we know as) Christian Nationalism (CN) today. This is not an exhaustive list; it highlights some of the commonalities between different religions that share the same goal of conquest, colonization, and coercion.
There is so much information that I had to create several posts to cover it all (click the links that are included). My primary focus will be on Ecumenicism and Authoritarianism. Authoritarianism I’ve separated into Racism and the Patriarchy (which I’ll get to). This post primarily deals with Ecumenicism in CN.
NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)
I’m starting with the NAR because it has so heavily influenced our current evangelical culture, from the music of Bethel and Hillsong to Paula White in the White House. It lays a foundation for understanding what many of these other groups (isms) have in common and how they got there—intertwining political ideology with “Christian” lingo and ending up with a hierarchy of power and control, primed for abuse of all kinds. A kind of MLM (multi-level marketing) structure, repeated over and over, by men and their whims coming to similar, but slightly different, conclusions.
In 1944, Christian Identity Doctrine, politics, religion and white supremacy merged to form the foundation of what would become the NAR and a contributor to the roots of Christian Nationalism. This movement was militant from its inception, starting with Roy Davis, an Imperial Wizard of the KKK, who was also a traveling evangelist and Pentecostal preacher. He was the pastor of and greatly influenced William Branham.
Here’s what the author of William Branham Historical Research, John Collins, has to say about him:
William Marrion Branham…was one of the most influential — and dangerous — religious figures of the 20th century. Though rarely mentioned in mainstream Christian discourse, his teachings on supernatural gifts, divine authority, end-time prophecy, and racial hierarchy laid the foundation for a global prophetic movement that continues to shape churches, revivals, and ministries around the world. From the postwar Healing Revival to the rise of the Latter Rain and beyond, Branham’s message became embedded in the very DNA of modern charismatic theology.
Behind Branham’s carefully crafted image was a pattern of staged miracles, historical fabrication, and deep associations with extremist ideologies. Archival records and government documents reveal discrepancies in nearly every aspect of his life story — from his supposed birth year to his claims of divine commission. His theology empowered authoritarian structures, promoted spiritual elitism, and gave rise to doctrines still used to manipulate and divide congregations globally.”
More info on NAR: Weaponized Religion: The Secret Christian Nationalist Origins of the NAR
“Dominion theology, also known as dominionism, is a group of far-right Christian political ideologies that seek to institute a nation governed by Christians and based on their understandings of biblical law. Extents of rule and ways of acquiring governing authority are varied. For example, dominion theology can include theonomy but does not necessarily involve advocacy of adherence to the Mosaic Law as the basis of government. The label is primarily applied to groups of Christians in the United States.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_theology
Theonomy (which is falling under Dominionism for our purposes, but is noteworthy) is “a hypothetical Christian form of government in which divine law governs societies. Theonomists believe that institutions should adhere to divine law, specifically the laws of the Old Testament. The movement’s chief architects were Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, and R.J. Rushdoony. Theonomy presumes biblical Israel’s Old Covenant judicial laws have not been abrogated, and therefore, all civil governments must enforce them. Theonomy holds that all civil governments must refrain from coercion if Scripture has not prescribed their intervention.”
Doug Wilson best sums up his ideas (which are Theonomic in nature), including bringing back the 10 Commandments (for everyone), along with Old Testament punishment, like stoning, in his interview with the New York Times
When I first heard of Integralism, I thought, “Oh, this is the Catholic version of Christian Nationalism,” but that wasn’t quite right. Because the integralist’s aim is much bigger, it is global. “The aim of the Catholic integralist is the integration of religious authority and political power.”
Catholics believe that salvation is not by faith alone through Jesus, but that we contribute to “God’s grace” by our active cooperation through our works for this “grace” to bear fruit.
Like many other religious groups, they are part of and promote Christian Nationalism, because it “shares many of the same policy goals…”
More information on Catholic Integralism
Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a religion founded by Joseph Smith less than 200 years ago. While they profess to be Christians, they actually have more in common with Freemasonry than with Christianity, from the organizational structure and symbols to the secret temple rituals. They believe a different gospel (a gospel of human works) and a different Jesus (they believe Jesus is the brother of Lucifer, among other things). Click here for more comparisons between Christians and Mormons.
Glenn Beck (a popular and outspoken Mormon) recently commented about the Charlie Kirk Memorial and how he turned to his neighbor, asking if he could feel “the Spirit” too. Do we share the same Holy Spirit with Mormons if we believe in a different Jesus and a different gospel? No. We don’t. Check out the video here (his comment is in the first couple of minutes).
False Unity and The True Gospel: Ecumenicism, Mormonism and Discernment
Freemasonry consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is considered the oldest existing secular fraternal organization, with documents and traditions dating back to the 14th century. Modern Freemasonry broadly consists of three main traditions:
Anglo-American style Freemasonry, which insists that a “volume of sacred law” (such as the Bible, Quran or other religious text) should be open in a working lodge, that every member should profess belief in a supreme being, that only men should be admitted, and discussion of religion or politics does not take place within the lodge.
Continental Freemasonry or Liberal style Freemasonry which has continued to evolve beyond these restrictions, particularly regarding religious belief and political discussion.
Women Freemasonry or Co-Freemasonry, which includes organizations that either admit women exclusively (such as the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honorable Fraternity of Ancient Masons in the UK) or accept both men and women. Women Freemasonry can lean both Liberal or Conservative, sometime requiring a religion or not depending on the Grand Orient or Obedience.
Even though Freemasonry is not an “ism” (some argue it is a religion, though it claims not to be), it has A LOT in common not only with our government, but with Christian Nationalism. Like our government, they have the left and right paradigm with conservative Freemasonry and Liberal Freemasonry. Like our government and Christian Nationalism, they seem to have their hands in everything. Like Christian Nationalism, there is a wide road for members from all religions and beliefs, and it is ecumenical in nature. You can claim any higher power as long as you have one. Also, like Christian Nationalism, Freemasonry is concerned with moralism, outward appearance, and good works. It is not concerned about the change that comes from Jesus giving you a new heart. There’s more information about Freemasons and why they can’t be faithful Christians here.
There are many more isms, groups, and religions that I have not listed. All of them include a necessary level of legalism, moralism, and fundamentalism (at least). Almost all of these include segregation and racism, hierarchy, symbolism, foster a culture of narcissism, and a cult-like mentality of “us vs. them.” Along with all the other isms, Christian Nationalism is not a uniquely “Christian” idea, as many religions believe and promote these same types of ideas.
Have you asked yourself why there’s so much overlap between each of these groups? And why does it seem so easy for them to come together? Are the ways they align good things that we are to emulate? Or are they about building and keeping a system? I’ll remind you that Jesus didn’t die for systems. He didn’t die for a political party? He didn’t die for the hierarchy that keeps certain people in power while oppressing others. Jesus died for individual people. And that group of people, which includes all tribes, tongues, nations, classes, abilities, etc., makes up his Bride, the Church.
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God… 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Is ecumenicism with other religions good if we get what we think we want? A so-called Christian Nation? Are we going to continue to flip the Bible on its head until we get what we want? Is the Christian Nationalist movement really what Jesus has called us to?
Are we to join with those who seek to dominate, control, and coerce others, by force if necessary? Are we to join with those who say the right lingo, but have different definitions of who Jesus is and what his Gospel is? Are we to join with people who have enslaved whole people groups and show partiality at every turn? Does this wide, ecumenical road lead to what we think we want -to preserve, maintain, and protect an idealistic and romanticized culture? The Bible says the wide road leads to destruction.
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
More information if you’d like:
Allie-Beth Stuckey on Kirk-ism? Told you Kirk is the New Vision for Evangelical Cultural Engagement
VENGEANCE IS OURS – Vivek at TPUSA – Christian confusion- universal religion roll out – the Quest
Vengeance is Ours, Ch. 2, The Quest Temporal
Mike Winger – YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY! CNP Tony Perkins and Knights of Malta? Ecumenical mess!
This is part of a series of posts including: My Preface to Christian Nationalism, The Wide Road to Christian Nationalism, White Supremacy in Christian Nationalism, and NAR -Seven Mountain Mandate.
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