The Word in Focus with Dr Larry Taylor

We all need:

• Safety
• Belonging 
• Purpose

American Christian Nationalism promises safety. I have heard Christian nationalists say: “We don’t need a pastor in the white house; we need a strong-man, a bully, someone to protect us.” And “It’s time to get ready to take up arms and make this nation great again!” And “Ten-thousand illegals at the border! We need to seal it off or we’ll be overrun!” 

American Christian Nationalism promises belonging with its flags and red hats, rallies, belief in conspiracy theories, and common hatred of “others.”

American Christian Nationalism promises purpose – take over every school board, ban books, fire librarians, fill every political office from county election official to president, stake the courts, and impose by legislation or force the group’s belief system.

But, the safety, belonging, and purpose is false and demonic. Jesus promises real safety, belonging and purpose.

Jesus gives us safety: He will never leave or forsake us. He is with us always. Where he is, we will be also.

Jesus gives us belonging: Out of every nation, tribe, ethnicity, gender, language, background and circumstance, we are one in Christ. We are ambassadors of God’s kingdom. Our citizenship is in heaven. 

Jesus gives us purpose: Go into all the world and disciple the nations. Love one another with pure hearts. Love your enemy. Work for peace. Seek reconciliation. Care for the homeless, sick, dying, incarcerated, broken, immigrant, disenfranchised people on the margins of society. 

As Kingdom people, we need to lovingly engage Christian Nationalists in quiet conversations, welcoming them individually to the table of fellowship, acknowledging their fears and feelings as real, and gently engaging them at the heart level. The goal is reconciliation, not winning an argument.