Christian Nationalism: Theocracy or Theonomy?

 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. —John: 17:17

 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. —John 13: 34-35

 

 

The drums for Christian Nationalism have been beating for many decades. Only until recently has there been political opportunity. We are seeing the efforts unfold before our very eyes. The Heritage Foundation must be commended for its exhaustive Project 2025 playbook.  https://www.project2025.org/

Focus on the Family, Family Research Council and evangelical churches have successfully and passionately promoted to Christians the Biblical understanding that there are only two worldviews:  secular and biblical. To bring “America Back to God” and “Make America Great Again”, a Biblical worldview must be reintroduced into our secular society. Sadly, our social construct is severely polarized. Standing for law and order, decency, respecting Biblical values, pro-nuclear family and protection of our individual freedoms to choose, is not generally accepted.

The Truth Project (TTP) is a DVD series produced by Focus on the Family (2006) to encourage all Christians in an understanding of a Biblical “absolute truth” worldview, especially in its application for their lives. Many evangelical churches have used The Truth Project to educate their members in a Christian Worldview. It has been watched by hundreds of thousands of Christians and has been highly influential in providing an educational foundation for the Christian Nationalism mindset, by defining “absolute truth” and the need to bring America under the sovereignty of God.  Del Tackett exhorts listeners to THINK biblically and deeply, identifying, choosing truth and avoiding the conflicting, deceptive secular world view. He is an excellent moderator, exuding an infectious passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and for His Word.

Many of the teachings are solidly Biblical, the moderator encouraging all believers to have a love for the Scriptures and to get to know the heart of God through the revelation of His Word.

Despite all that impressed me about The Truth Project, there were still some troubling aspects that tempered my enthusiasm.

According to his biography, Dr. Tackett was introduced to the Reformed faith in the late 1970s and started The New Geneva Theological Seminary as a branch of Knox Seminary in 1992. Knox Theological Seminary is a ministry of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and is a bastion of Calvinism.

One of the main contributors to TTP was the late R. C. Sproul, perhaps one of the most influential Calvinists of our day.

Calvinists teach that a person must be regenerated  by (irresistible) grace before he can believe and be saved.

The single-most puzzling item is the inclusion of a man who unequivocally represents a false gospel : Roman Catholic priest Robert Sirico.

Almost none of “Father” Sirico’s involvement in TTP seems to make sense (especially considering the historic anti-Catholicism of Calvinism) until one sees the direction in which The Truth Project is headed.

It seems to be a reprise of Christian Reconstructionism directed at this next generation of evangelicals. Reconstructionism is a Calvinist-based movement that was popularized by Rousas Rushdoony, Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, and Gary DeMar. Also known as Theonomy, it proposes social and civil governments that are based strictly upon the Laws of God in the Old and New Testaments. 

Reconstructionists believe that through the application of God’s Laws the earth will be transformed and the Kingdom of God ushered in. Del Tackett preaches that concept in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout the series. There’s little doubt that he is attempting to emulate John Calvin’s vision for the city of Geneva, which Calvin hoped would be a utopia of Christian principles worked out in daily life. Calvin’s “Biblical Law” experiment in Geneva, however, became so legalistic that he was referred to as “the Protestant Pope.” A uniting of church and state resulted in persecuting the minority, such as the Anabaptists, who fled to America as Mennonites and the Amish.

So what is the endgame, the purpose and  goal of the Christian Nationalists?

Theocracy or theonomy?

 

TTP turns to the Fourth Commandment as a principle for New Testament Christians to incorporate into their lives regarding what he calls “The Sphere of Labor.” Although the commandment is directed at the Israelites, instructing them to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” Tackett presents it as a principle meant for believers, especially regarding their attitude toward work, and the need for a day of rest for the family and for the good of society. Are we suggesting a mandated or legislated mandatory day of rest? Are we going to support or legislate the observance of the Biblical seventh day Sabbath of creation and the Ten Commandments or Constantine’s “Lord’s Day Sunday”, that commemorates the resurrection?

The Truth Project attempts to “transform our culture,” “restore our nation,” or “fix the world’s temporal economic, social, health, injustice, ecological, and other problems” by bringing America back to God, through legislative mandates, if necessary.

During a training session, Dr. Tackett was asked if his vision, desire and goal for the participants in TTP, were to implement the “Biblical world view truths,” that would or could hypothetically lead to a theocracy or theonomy in America. Would we “force” the dissenters through legislative mandates that don’t fall into line? Is coercion permissible?

He did not choose to answer the question.

The goal of Christian Nationalists appears to be simple, albeit at the same time complex:   For America to survive and continue as the greatest nation on earth, the apple of God’s eye, the United States “must return to its origins, its roots as a Christian Nation”, and become “one nation under God.”

 

A theocracy or theonomy that would promote “absolute truth.”

 

Theocracy vs. Theonomy

 

Theocracy is a form of government where priests rule in the name of God, while theonomy refers to a theological concept prescribing societies to be governed by divine law.

 

Theocracy involves a government system where religious leaders hold the supreme power, often ruling in the name of a deity. On the other hand, theonomy is not a system of governance but a theological framework that advocates for the civil laws of a society to be based directly on biblical laws.

 

In theocracies, the laws of the state are often indistinguishable from religious commandments, and religious institutions may directly govern the state. Whereas, in theonomic thought, while civil laws should reflect biblical commands, the governance itself need not be directly by religious authorities.

 

Theocratic governments are historically seen in countries like Iran and the Vatican City, where religious texts and clerical leadership directly influence political decisions. On the other hand, theonomy, although not a form of government, influences legislative processes in some Christian communities, advocating for laws that mirror biblical statutes.

 

Supporters of theocracy believe that governance by divine guidance ensures moral and spiritual leadership. Conversely, proponents of theonomy may not necessarily support the direct rule by religious leaders but advocate for the moral principles of the Bible to shape civil legislation.

 

Theocracy can lead to a fusion of government and religion, potentially affecting religious minorities and governance. On the other hand, theonomy might influence certain laws or policies within a secular government, impacting society based on interpretations of biblical law.

 

 

We believe that the mandate for Christian believers in our day is a rescue operation of individual lost souls, not a program of collective Christian national or global transformation. Neither theocracy nor theonomy.

True believers of Jesus Christ, certainly need to reflect the teachings and love of Christ in every aspect of their lives, but they are to do so first and foremost to please the One who saves. Let the following be our Gospel:

 

“The Maker of all things loves and wants me.”

 

The most important human attribute is the freedom of choice further defined as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There is a growing concern that religious mandates “for the good of society” are coming, directly attacking our individual freedoms, most notably how we worship.

 

Christian Nationalism

 

America was founded as a secular country, not a Christian country.

The U.S. Constitution is a secular document. It begins, “We the people,” and contains no mention of “God” or “Christianity.” Its only references to religion are exclusionary, such as, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust” (Art. VI), and “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (First Amendment). The presidential oath of office, the only oath detailed in the Constitution, does not contain the phrase “so help me God” or any requirement to swear on a Bible (Art. II, Sec. 1). If we are a Christian nation, why doesn’t our Constitution say so?

In 1797, America made a treaty with Tripoli, declaring that “the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” This reassurance to Islam was written during Washington’s presidency, and approved by the Senate under John Adams.

 

Again, the First Amendment states :  “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

 

Prophecy  Predicting the Rise of Christian Nationalism

 

“When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy.” In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government (Christian Nationalism) that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends.

 

Whenever the church has obtained secular power, she has employed it to punish dissent from her doctrines. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience. An example of this is given in the long-continued persecution of dissenters by the Church of England. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, thousands of nonconformist ministers were forced to flee from their churches, and many, both of pastors and people, were subjected to fine, imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom.

 

It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy—the beast. Said Paul: “There” shall “come a falling away, … and that man of sin be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. So apostasy in the church will prepare the way for the image to the beast.”

EG White, Great Controversy 443

 

“Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judgments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection toward the government. Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine law will present from the pulpit the duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities as ordained of God (Christian Nationalism).

In legislative halls and courts of justice, commandment keepers will be misrepresented and condemned. A false coloring will be given to their words; the worst construction will be put upon their motives.” Great Controversy 592

Church attendance is decreasing in America. Dramatically. Tim Alberta in his book “The Great DeChurching”, says “soon the number of dechurched (Gones) will exceed the number of unchurched (Nones).” What that means is that this opens the way for politics as a substitute religion.

He says :”This is the problem with politics as a substitute religion. Jesus commanded us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the recipe for reaching the unchurched. This is the recipe for convicting the unconvicted. This is the recipe for effecting change– whether over abortion or sexual ethics or any other issue of importance.” The real fear with the Christian Nationalist movement is that will become coercive and violate the rights of the minority for “the good of the majority.”

Making America Great Again

For Christians who want to make a difference,  stay out of politics and avoid the political crossfire. Help your fellow man, with other centered Christian love and make a difference within your sphere of influence.

“By this America will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. As I have loved you, you ought to love one another.” John 13:34, 35

Not politics, not legislative mandates, not self-centeredness, not coercion, only God’s other centered love in every human being is the answer and can begin to repair our brokenness.

“Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God’s glory is to shine forth through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn.

All around us are heard the wails of a world’s sorrow. On every hand are the needy and distressed. It is ours to aid in relieving and softening life’s hardships and misery.

Practical work will have far more effect than mere sermonizing (or politicizing). We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. When Christ healed the sick, He laid His hands upon them. So should we come in close touch with those whom we seek to benefit.

There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there. ” Christ’s Object Lessons 417,418

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16,17

   REMEMBER:  “The Maker of all things loves and wants me.”

The Greatest Want of the World

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.
The youth need to be impressed with the truth that their endowments are not their own. Strength, time, intellect, are but lent treasures. They belong to God, and it should be the resolve of every youth to put them to the highest use. He is a branch, from which God expects fruit; a steward, whose capital must yield increase; a light, to illuminate the world’s darkness.
Every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God and the uplifting of humanity.”

EG White Education

Christian Nationalism: Theocracy or Theonomy?