Before we can engage Christian Nationalism faithfully, we need to understand how its advocates think—and why they believe it’s good for America.
If you’ve been following my work, you know I often highlight books that critique or challenge Christian Nationalism. But it’s equally important to understand the works that advocate for it. Knowing how people are thinking—their assumptions, arguments, and hopes—is part of loving them well.
Here are three books that help us see the case for Christian Nationalism from various angles.
1. The Case for Christian Nationalism by Stephen Wolfe
Wolfe writes from a Reformed theological framework, arguing that nations should be explicitly ordered toward Christian ends. It’s thick with theology and philosophical arguing for an idealized Christian society. While I don’t share his conclusions, understanding Wolfe’s argument helps clarify how some Christians have come to see political power as a means of preserving faith.
2. The Case for Nationalism by Rich Lowry
Lowry approaches the topic as a political theorist rather than a theologian. He argues that nationalism has been one of the driving forces behind America’s growth and success. His perspective assumes a cultural Christianity in the background without necessarily rooting it in explicit theology. If you want a more accessible, politically focused take on nationalism (without the heavy doctrinal framing of Wolfe’s work), this is a good starting point.
3. The Virtue of Nationalism by Yoram Hazony
Hazony, a Jewish scholar, brings yet another angle. Drawing from Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition, he argues that nationalism can be a moral good as it helps to preserve cultural identity and provides self-determination for ethnic groups. While Hazony isn’t promoting Christian nationalism specifically, his work has deeply influenced the broader Christian Nationalist movement.
Taken together, these books show that Christian Nationalism isn’t monolithic. It is a movement composed of various political, theological, and cultural elements that aims to gain political power to propagate its preferred way of being in the world. Understanding those nuances doesn’t mean agreeing with them. It means taking the time to listen well so we can respond with clarity, humility, and the way of Jesus.
At Disarming Leviathan, we’re trying to help Christians move beyond partisan tribalism and culture wars and toward a discipleship that shapes how we love God and love neighbor in America. Join us by subscribing to our Substack.
