Nationalism is the belief that one’s country is superior to all others.

Religious nationalism has been the center of every empire.

Empires are the domain of the satan according to Matthew 4. All empires are exploitive and violent.

Christian nationalism is so common in the United States, most people simply think it is Christianity. 

Sadly, it is normal Christianity in many places.

American Christian nationalists:

1. Believe the nation is ordained by God
2. Believe the nation has a special divine calling in the world
3. Believe the nation is favored by God above others 
4. See the nation’s founding documents as sacred, almost on the level with scripture
5. Believe that all those who die for the nation are heroes, martyrs.
6. Believe it is a (usually male) citizen’s duty to die for the nation
7. Believe the nation’s wars are honorable and just
8. Believe the nation’s leader is appointed by God (if that leader is white, male, & conservative)
9. Pledge allegiance, sing patriotic songs in church
10. Decorate houses of worship with national symbols
11. Equate God and country as if they were inseparable 
12. See citizens as superior to noncitizens
13. Open sports events with the national anthem
14. Insist everyone stand for the national anthem and pledge of allegiance
15. Imagine that modern nations, especially Israel & the USA, are referred to in the Bible
16. Think the USA has a special place in prophecy
17. Promote public prayers during national holidays
18. Identify as an American citizen rather than as a citizen of the Kingdom of God
19. Try to control educational, political, religious, familial, scientific, entertainment, and media institutions that serve a pluralistic populace
20. Use power and coercion to impose morality on others

For the first three centuries of Christianity, followers of Jesus did none of the things listed above. They refused to kill under any circumstances, refused military service, refused to pledge allegiance to Caesar, and did not participate in the myth of Roman superiority. Instead, they loved, served, healed, took in strangers, orphans and those who were sick, and forgave all who trespassed against them. They were despised and persecuted. They were the happiest people on earth.