When the symbols of faith are woven too closely with those of the nation, something sacred is lost. In this episode, The Faithful Citizen confronts the rise of Christian nationalism and its dangerous fusion of discipleship with patriotism.

We begin with the early church, where declaring “Jesus is Lord” was not only a theological confession but also a subversive challenge to the Roman Empire. We then trace how this bold allegiance to Christ has, in modern times, too often been replaced by a comfortable blend of faith and flag. From flags in sanctuaries to political ideologies masquerading as Gospel truth, we ask: what happens when our national identity eclipses our witness to Christ?

Together we’ll explore:

How the early church modelled costly allegiance to Jesus above that of the empire.

The roots of “civil religion” in North America and its distortion of the Gospel.

The real dangers of Christian nationalism—loss of credibility, fractured witness, and idolatry.

Modern examples of faithful resistance, from Bonhoeffer to Romero to the Black church.

How to reclaim our faithful citizenship in a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

This episode is not a call to abandon love for our country—it is a call to purify it. Only when our allegiance is ordered rightly to Christ above all else can we live as faithful citizens who love both God and neighbour.

Scripture referenced: Exodus 20:3Philippians 3:20 John 18:36 Acts 5:29 Matthew 6:24 Galatians 3:28 Hebrews 12:28

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