Published on April 2, 2024, 1:11 am

Image source: Fox News

In the face of escalating alarms over the purported threat of “Christian Nationalism,” it begs the question: Is America a Christian nation? Moreover, has America ever been a Christian nation? Controversial discussions about this issue recently made real news headlines across trusted news platforms.

The debate was rekindled when Mother Jones posted an headline cautioning that it was time to start worrying about Christian Nationalism. This conflicted with remarks from Ross Douthat, a Catholic journalist for the New York Times, who argued that contemporary religious conservatives are predominantly just regular American Christians engaging in standard American Christian politics rather than being foot soldiers of an emerging theocracy.

So what exactly defines Christian Nationalism? In examining whether America is or was a Christian nation from a christian worldview perspective we encounter diverse perspectives and interpretations which provides valuable insight.

For instance, Former president Barack Obama sparked controversy back in June 2007 when he asserted on CBS, “Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation — we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation.” His statement underlined the melting pot nature of the US and that Americans bind together under shared values more than religious affiliations.

Although Attorney and professor John Eidsmoe indicated his agreement with Obama regarding America not having an official state church like England at its founding period, he insisted that this did not negate its strong foundational ties to Christianity rooted in biblical principles brought here by our founding fathers. He argued that these key figures were mostly professing Christians actively engaged with Christian churches hence attesting to America’s acknowledged past as being predominantly culturally influenced by Christianity.

Does this then seal America’s past as definitively ‘Christian’? The answer seems multi-faceted. If we regard strong societal foundations inclined towards majoritarian Christianity as markers evidencing it being labelled as such – then yes! It can be certainly regarded as heavily leaning towards being deemed ‘christian’ in its cultural roots. However, if we infer it as a mandated state religion or comprehensively acting out Christian ethical values as a nation – the answer would be in the negative.

In current times, it can be parsed that America is Christian but straddling the borders of plurality. It houses a majority of Christians with holidays and customs prevalent over those of other religions like Buddhism or Hinduism thereby lending it a definitive ‘Christian’ identity.

However, seen from a moralistic viewpoint—judging factors such as pro-life stance or sexual morality— labeling America as predominantly ‘Christian’ becomes less apparent. Any attempt to force Christian values upon others beyond simply advocating for our values in public forums and at polling stations may be viewed as misguided and potentially perilous.

So how should ardent followers of Jesus perceive America? We ought to see America akin to other global nations, marred by human flaws necessitating the intervention of Gospel. Additionally, we must commend and uphold our individual liberties derived from Judeo-Christian heritage actively manifesting themselves within everyday American life—a distinctive trait unique to this country within our world.

Lastly, conscious that we aren’t inherently a Muslim or Hindu nation, it’s undeniable that thriving churches contribute positively towards America’s societal health which adds value to related discussions revolving around cultural nationalism . Revitalising these traditional institutions could result in societal awakening, an endeavor greatly sought after in today’s times.