Much more Christian, far less nationalist

Published in the Journal Gazette 7/25/2026

I grew up in a fundamental, rule-bound, legalistic church. From an early age, I learned how faithful Christians were expected to behave. Following charismatic leaders and their long list of rules was the easiest way to fit into that church culture.

Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of Jesus’ simplest, purest and most challenging teaching.

Jesus didn’t offer a political strategy, a cultural agenda or another list of rules. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Then he added, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He concluded, “There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).

These words are difficult to reconcile with the rise of American Christian nationalism.

I believe Christians should participate in public life. Our faith ought to shape how we vote. We should serve our communities and pursue justice.

Christian nationalism, however, is something different.

The “Christian” in Christian nationalism is a cultural identity rooted in grievance, nationalism and the pursuit of political power. It advances the errant belief that America is “under siege” and that Christians must reclaim government to “take the country back for God.”

Its followers often describe themselves as “biblical citizens,” “defenders of religious freedom,” “patriots” and “traditional values voters.”

And what does that suggest about God?

Christian nationalists frequently proclaim God’s sovereignty while simultaneously acting as though the creator of the universe depends on election victories or legislative majorities to accomplish his purposes.

The God revealed in Scripture does not need to be rescued by political parties or movements. God is sovereign, and his kingdom is not secured at the ballot box.

Jesus never instructed his followers to seize political power. Instead, he chose the path of humility and sacrificial love.

He welcomed strangers, washed feet, healed the sick, fed the hungry, defended the marginalized and reserved his strongest rebukes for Pharisaical leaders who confused outward shows of righteousness with genuine faith.

He reminded his followers that whatever they did for “the least of these,” they did for him.

Christian nationalism turns that vision upside down.

It often measures success by electoral victories rather than by transformed lives. It seeks cultural dominance more than faithful witness.

It teaches believers to view those of another culture as threats rather than neighbors. It replaces “love your neighbor” with “defeat your opponent.”

In addition, this movement has embraced charismatic political figures who demand personal loyalty and portray themselves as uniquely capable of complete retribution and of saving America. Such beliefs should give Christians pause.

Jesus warned, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). No leader deserves a loyalty that belongs to Christ alone.

Fear and rage have become an effective political strategy. But the Gospel offers something much better.

Christianity begins with the conviction that every human soul bears the image of God, that every person stands in need of grace and that no earthly nation is synonymous with the Kingdom of God.

Christians are called to be faithful citizens, but our ultimate citizenship lies elsewhere.

That truth should reshape how Christians engage in politics. We should vote, participate in civic life and advocate for justice. But our politics must be shaped by the Gospel.

Too often, Christians begin with partisan loyalties then construct a theology to justify them. We sanctify our political identities and mistake them for discipleship.

America’s founders understood the danger of merging church and state. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion while protecting every person’s freedom to worship – or not worship – according to conscience.

That freedom reflects a biblical truth: God invites faith but never compels it. Neither should his followers.

I want a faith that shows up with food after a funeral, welcomes the stranger, cares for the poor and refuses to reduce the church to another political constituency. The church was never meant to be a voting bloc. It was formed to be the hands and feet of Christ.

As Christian citizens, we should reject the politics of fear and divisiveness and embrace the politics of compassion and love. Our witness will never be measured by whether we “take America back.” It will be measured by whether we faithfully follow Jesus – the one who commanded us to love God then love our neighbors.

Perhaps the Christian way to influence America is not to win more elections but for all of us to be more like Christ.

Gina Zimmerman of Fort Wayne worked for 24 years as a professional staff member for conservative Republicans in the House, the Senate and in the West Wing of the Reagan White House.