Sylvia and I went to see “Bonhoeffer”, a recommended movie.
I cried twice.
Modern America and Nazi Germany share unsettling similarities. Hitler exploited Christian Nationalism to convert followers, convincing them to commit horrific atrocities that ultimately led to World War II. Bonhoeffer, a German Protestant pastor, recognized this deception and its devastating consequences.
Exploiting Christian beliefs, the Nazis legitimized oppressive policies by combining “divine will” with national aspirations and twisting the notions of national and religious purity. We may not be there yet, but the concerning signs could lead to tragedy if we ignore them. Wise patriots founded our country as a democratic republic for good reason, realizing theocracies failed throughout history.
Christian Nationalism is dangerous. It intertwines religious faith with an extreme love of a fictional view of the country. We are not a Christian nation; that’s a myth, not a fact. It doesn’t reflect our real origins despite nationalists promoting this idea. (I’ll prove that another time.) When religion and politics mix, it always results in negative outcomes. Prime examples include The Crusades, The Spanish Inquisition, Heretical Executions, The Salem Witch Trials, Chattel Slavery, The Ku Klux Clan, and Jim Crow. Is there a chance today’s mix will be better? This toxic blend always erodes individual liberties, persecutes minorities, and justifies violence in the name of twisted holiness. Granted, it’s not so bad in America (yet) as it was in Nazi Germany, but Galatians 5:9 warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” How much sin is too much?
Scripture doesn’t support this. Jesus could have easily overthrown Rome and usurped Pontius Pilate, yet bowed to the empire’s authority. Jesus will rule this earth, but He took no action. His kingdom lives in the hearts of His children. We should convert the lost, not seek to overthrow the country in an ungodly quest for political power. We must focus on evangelizing, not alienating. It ruins our testimony—and can therefore ruin the chances for the lost to make heaven. Instead of embodying a despised enemy as a religious bigot, we should strive to be a worthy example.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
I must have missed the part where it said to form a Political Action Committee and insert Christian theology into society regardless of whether they like it. God gives us a choice. We can follow Him or not. While inaction is expensive, we can’t force the Gospel on people; it’s a gift. Without free will, can anyone choose love and submission? My free choice is to love and follow Jesus. I pray that’s your choice, too. But it’s not my place to force you to make the same choice.
Jesus is our teacher. He showed mercy to tax collectors and prostitutes. But He criticized the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He told us to follow the scriptures, but not the Pharisees.
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, (Matthew 23:2-5)
Bonhoeffer’s story warns the seductive Pharisee spirit, while sounding pure and holy, is a deceptive path to hell. Religious faith and political ideology must remain separate. Weaponized faith serving the interests of a particular nation or group leads to a dangerous place.
Bonhoeffer’s faith and understanding gave him the courage to resist the Nazi regime. He recognized the danger of manipulating religion for political gain. His ultimate sacrifice, hanging for resisting the Germans, testifies to the power of conscience and moral courage.
Bonhoeffer’s life provides us with a deeper understanding of Christian Nationalism’s destructive potential. Genuine faith does not use weaponized oppression, but drives justice, compassion, and love. Navigating the complex modern world, we must remain vigilant against seducing spirits seeking to exploit religion.
The Pharisees may have been an ancient Jewish sect, but their spirit still invades many, even in our present age. Their religious spirit lives on and will continue for the rest of this world’s days. But Jesus loved all, even sinners. And He hated religion. He hung Himself on a cross to destroy it. But we resurrect it in our sinful desire for power.
Should we vote Biblically? Of course. More importantly, we should live Biblically. But do we want a theocracy? Let’s fight for what we believe is right without trying to force our beliefs onto others. We are to live peaceful lives.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18)
Should we instead attempt to dominate? Let’s let scripture answer that.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (1 Samuel 15: 23a)
Jesus is watching. And will judge.