Co-missioners,
This week’s post is a confessional position statement in a format reminiscent of the Barmen Declaration. Authored by Crossings folks Paul Theiss and Jim Squire (with input from many others) and since signed by many more (including yours truly), the statement seeks to present a response from an “evangelical” perspective to the American variant of the theo-political movement often termed Christian Nationalism. The statement itself is grounded in the specific bent of the evangelical tradition emerging from the Augsburg Confession, with its particular emphasis on the distinction between the Law and the Gospel.
As so often, a Thursday Theology post of this kind does not constitute an endorsement by the Crossings Community. That kind of thing would probably be impossible for a group of people as ecclesially and ideologically diverse as us. Rather, this statement is being shared as something written by folks in our community and theological tradition as a proposal offered for the meditation and critique of the whole Church.
In this spirit, the authors hope that you will let them and us know what you think — either by sending us an email or simply by replying in the comment boxes below on this page (a new feature that I have come to LOVE!). And if you feel so inspired, you can become a signatory of the statement by filling out this form.
It may also be interesting to compare this statement to the recent statement published by over 3/4 of the ELCA’s synodical bishops on the same topic.
You may find that they come at a similar phenomenon from different angles and may even bear out varying theologies. Another great topic for discussion.
In fact, the latter statement will be commented on in a near-future Thursday Theology post. Look forward to that!
Finally, let me extend an invitation: This month’s Table Talk will be about the Theiss/Squire statement, and the authors will lead us in conversation. There will be two sessions: the first, November 11, will focus on “Christian Nationalism and the Person in the Pew”—practical ways for laypeople to respond to the claims and pressures of Christian Nationalism in their daily lives. The follow-up session, on January 20, 2026, will zoom out for a more in-depth theological exploration titled Christian Nationalism as a Concern for the Whole Church, led by Drs. Steven Kuhl and Michael Hoy.
You can learn more and check out the trailer at www.crossings.org/table-talk.
Hope to see you there!
Peace & grace,
Co-editor Robin Lütjohann
for the Crossings Community
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH ALL PEOPLE
An Evangelical Statement of Faith against American Christian Nationalism
From Canva
American Christian Nationalism is a faith that seeks by political and religious means to control the government of the United States, using the name of Christ to promote the interests of its adherents above all others, by force if necessary. We are followers of Jesus who oppose Christian Nationalism.
1. The Christian Church stands or falls on the Gospel, the good news of God’s unconditional love and grace for every human being in Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)
Christian Nationalism falsely promises that God loves and blesses one people and one nation above all others.
2. Jesus died on a cross, an instrument of state-sponsored torture and death, for the sins of the world. God raised him to show that God’s love and forgiveness cannot be overcome. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:15)
Christian Nationalism perverts the cross into an instrument of partisan political power.
3. The Christian Church invites everyone to accept that they are flawed, in need of a Savior who died and rose to make them whole. We humbly accept God’s judgment of our shortcomings and turn to Him for forgiveness through Christ. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3: 23-24)
Christian Nationalism is afraid to confess sin, and instead promotes a myth that a particular identity or certain behaviors win special favor from God, without need for repentance.
4. Christians experience Christ’s rule of love, given by grace alone, received through faith alone. The Christian Church does not grasp the levels of naked partisan power. We work for the benefit of all by participating in government with others of good will and varying political opinions. My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest… (John 18:36). Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities… Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13: 1,8)
Christian Nationalism claims divine authority, using the trappings of religion to enforce partisan goals and punish opponents.
5. The cause of Christ is worldwide, transnational, not captive to any nation, culture, tradition, or political ideology. You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3) After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7: 9-10)
Christian Nationalism endorses one ethnicity, one nation, one political party, and one leader as uniquely chosen by God. It can attack others as enemies of God.
6. Christians stand with the hungry, sick, oppressed and marginalized, seeing in their human struggles the suffering of Jesus for all humanity. Jesus says to his followers, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Matthew 25: 35-36)
Christian Nationalism targets and stigmatizes the vulnerable.
We the undersigned commit ourselves to the cause of Jesus Christ and against Christian nationalism.
For further guidance on reaching out to others on this issue, the authors recommend Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell, Intervarsity 2024.
