TOPIC: Christian Nationalism, Power, and the God of Jesus
Based on THE GOD THEY PREACH AT THE PENTAGON BY Michael Woolf – SOJO.net
Why This Conversation Matters: Christian language is increasingly used to bless national power, military strength, and political dominance. When God is described primarily as a God of war or a sponsor of a nation’s greatness, we must ask: Is this the God revealed in Jesus Christ? This study invites us to let Scripture—not politics or patriotism—define our theology.
Key Idea from the Article: A recent sermon delivered at the Pentagon portrayed God as a warrior who sanctions military might and national dominance. The concern raised is not about faith in public life—but about a distorted theology that:
- Treats a nation as chosen in a biblical sense
- Blends Christian faith with nationalism
- Uses God-language to justify violence and exclusion
The danger is subtle but serious: when God is made to serve power, the gospel is reshaped into something unrecognizable.
Scripture at the Center
Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:44–45: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
Romans 12:17–21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… if it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
John 18:36: “My kingdom is not from this world.”
A Crucial Distinction: Christian Nationalism is not simply loving one’s country.
It is a theological claim that:
- God uniquely favors a nation
- National interests equal God’s will
- Power and violence can be divinely sanctioned
The Gospel of Jesus proclaims:
- God’s love for all peoples
- A kingdom not built on domination
- Power revealed through humility, sacrifice, and love
Questions for Reflection
- Where have you seen faith language used to justify power rather than peace?
- Which image of God most shapes your faith: warrior, ruler, healer, servant?
- What might it look like for the church to be faithful rather than influential?
A Guiding Truth: The church’s calling is not to make Christianity powerful, but to make Christ visible.
Closing Prayer God of peace, free us from false images that serve fear and power. Shape us by the life and teaching of Jesus, that we may be peacemakers in a divided world. Amen.
WHEN: Thursday, May 26, 1:30 pm CDT
WHEN: Wednesday, May 18th, 1:30 pm CDT.
John grew up Roman Catholic, and spent eight years studying for the priesthood before choosing another pathway. He met and married Mimi, and a few years later attended Eden Seminary and getting ordained into the United Church of Christ. He served two churches in outstate Missouri for 15 years. From there, he served as Associate Conference Minister on staff in Missouri, and then seven years as Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ in the Southwest. In June of 2015, he was elected to serve as General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. He is the author of two books, “Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right Is Hijacking Mainstream Religion:;” and “Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World.” He is the recipient of Eden Seminary’s Shalom Award, given by the student body for a lifetime commitment to peace and justice. He has a Doctoral degree in White Privilege studies, witha focus on how white privilege affects the church. Father of three and grandfather of one, married to Mimi now for 31 years, John finds much joy and pride in and with his family. He is an avid biker and baseball fan.
Institute for Vital Ministry 