Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #7 — Idolatry Of Nationalism

Picture: Counsel #7 — Idolatry Of Nationalism CCW 115.1

Christian nationalism can have a significant negative impact on religious liberty, particularly for those who don't adhere to the version of Christianity it promotes. Advocating for a specific interpretation of Christianity to be the foundation of law and government marginalizes other belief systems of the religious and non-religious. Christian nationalism seeks to blur the line between church and state, potentially leading to government favoring a specific religion and its practices and urging punitive measures against conscientious objectors and religious minorities.^[172] CCW 115.2

Adventists, with a global community, see their allegiance to God as transcending national borders and believe that ultimate loyalty belongs to Him, not the state. This rejection of state-sanctioned religion protects individuals from being forced to conform to a nationalistic religious identity. Nationalism promotes a distorted interpretation of Jesus' teachings, replacing Jesus’ gentle call to obedience and repentance with an unholy merging of patriotism, coercion and religious devotion.^[173] CCW 115.3

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’” John 18:36 NKJV CCW 115.4

“No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 386 CCW 115.5

Reflect: "Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world...’" How does this challenge the idea of nationalism elevating a particular nation to a superior status? CCW 115.6