Romans 15:1-2 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
How do Empires grow in human history? There have been quite a few of them of various sizes and durations, but the common theme they share, which includes the British Empire from the map above, is that they imposed their will upon other peoples. Some of these expansions were more bloody and ruthless than others, but none were happy affairs from the point-of-view of the victims. The British were not the only empire builders to think that the "natives" ought to be grateful to join their empire, but the rose-colored glasses that empowered that sort of hubris aren't strong enough to blind us to the cost of empire born by the conquered or annexed peoples of the world.
How does this discussion of political empires connect to "Christian" Nationalism? Directly, as it turns out. "Christian" Nationalists think of the Church and the Gospel with the same expansionist mindset as those seeking to build political empires. The tactics and methods of empire building, including the use of force or coercion fit neatly into what those behind the Spanish Inquisition, for example, chose to do to "protect" the Christian nature of the Spanish Empire. We hear similar rhetoric from today's nationalist politicians and pundits as they propose law and regulations aimed at benefiting "Christian" institutions and individuals and placing obstacles and burdens on the backs of those outside the approved list. We hear talk of banning the building of houses of worship by groups not on the approved list, talk of denying citizenship or basic human rights to those who worship differently (or not at all).
The insurmountable problem with these power plays is that the Kingdom of God, where all followers of Jesus Christ owe their highest allegiance and share equal citizenship, does NOT spread by violence, by maneuverings, by pacts or alliances, nor even by threats of punishment or inducements of reward. The true Kingdom spreads only through the Fruit of the Spirit and the transforming power of the Gospel's message of salvation by grace through faith. God's Kingdom grows when his people live in ways that exemplify the neighborly attitude of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A weak neighbor is not an opportunity for gain, but an obligation to be a protector. Likewise with strength, those who have it must put it to use in helping, not exploiting, others.
Mandatory prayer in public schools? No thank you. Denying building permits for a mosque, synagogue, or temple? Not if we truly believe in the power of the Gospel. Tipping the scales of justice, education, or business so as to favor self-proclaimed Christians and dis-favor everyone else? Count me with the everyone else if you're going to do that.
We don't need an empire, especially not one that pretends to be Christian while exploiting its neighbors.
