Nationalism is a complex topic that involves patriotism, pride in one’s nation, and belief in national superiority. The Bible does not directly address nationalism, as the modern nation-state system did not exist in Biblical times. However, the Bible does speak to issues of ethnic identity, God’s universal love, and the dangers of pride. Examining relevant Biblical principles can shed light on a Christian perspective on nationalism.
Ethnic Identity in the Bible
The Bible recognizes ethnic identities, beginning with the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 which describes the dispersal of Noah’s descendants into various people groups. God chose Abraham to begin the nation of Israel, promising, “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2). Israel developed a distinct ethnic identity, with circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). God gave Israel unique religious laws to separate them from other nations (Leviticus 20:22-26).
At the same time, the Bible is clear that all people descend from common ancestors in Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-2) and Noah (Genesis 9). As humans created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), all people have value regardless of ethnicity. Scripture condemns prejudice (Proverbs 24:23) and teaches that God shows no partiality among nations (Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Romans 2:11). In Christ, divisions are transcended as all believers become one body in Him (Galatians 3:28).
God’s Universal Love and Salvation
A core Biblical theme is God’s love and redemptive plan for all peoples. God promised Abraham his descendants would be a blessing for “all peoples on earth” (Genesis 12:3). The book of Jonah depicts God’s compassion for the people of Nineveh, traditional enemies of Israel. Jesus’ Great Commission sends disciples to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and the Book of Revelation portrays people from “every nation, tribe, people and language” worshiping God (Revelation 7:9).
This universal scope indicates God values all people and desires all to know Him. Nationalism that leads to excluding or devaluing others appears difficult to reconcile with God’s heart for the world. Christians are called to have open hands, willing to share the Gospel across man-made divides.
Dangers of Pride and Ethnocentrism
The Bible consistently warns against pride and arrogance. Pride is depicted as the “original sin” motivating the fall of Satan (1 Timothy 3:6) and Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:4-6). Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In his letter to the Philippians, Paul instructs believers to avoid selfish ambition and consider others better than themselves (Philippians 2:3).
When pride becomes collective, it can lead to ethnocentrism and xenophobia. God judges the wickedness of Sodom for neglecting the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49). The prophets condemn Israel’s religious hypocrisy, as they presumed their chosen status meant they could sin without consequence (Amos 3:2, Micah 3:11). Jesus criticizes Jewish leaders who used ethnoreligious exceptionalism to justify ignoring their own moral failings (Matthew 23:23-24).
As a corrective, Scripture calls God’s people to practice justice, love, and humility (Micah 6:8). Believers must be wary of any ideology that tempts them toward undue pride in their group’s superiority. Nationalism can morph into idolatry, replacing God with the nation as the object of ultimate loyalty.
Citizens of Heaven
The New Testament depicts Christians as living in the world but not being “of” the world (John 17:14-16). Followers of Jesus have a new primary identity in God’s kingdom. Paul writes, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20) and instructs believers to set minds on “things above” instead of “earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Christians should see themselves first as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, still loving earthly homelands but remembering their temporary status (Hebrews 11:13-16).
This does not mean total disengagement from earthly societies. But it does call believers to a detachment that recognizes no nation can fully achieve God’s ideals. Christians should remain willing to prophesy against and renounce any nationalism that compromises Biblical values. The church must hold national loyalties loosely, centered first on serving God’s kingdom.
Obeying Government Authorities
The Bible calls Christians to submit to governing rulers (1 Peter 2:13-17), paying taxes (Matthew 22:15-22), and praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3). However, the Bible also records believers choosing to disobey state orders that contradict God’s commands (Daniel 3:8-18, Acts 5:27-29). When nationalism is idolatrous or promotes policies violating scriptural ethics, Christians must obey God over national laws.
This may require activism or prophetic criticism against certain nationalist agendas. It also suggests caution about overly intertwining faith and patriotism. Well-meaning civil religion can blur the line between devotion to God and devotion to country in concerning ways.
Loving Neighbor as Self
Jesus called the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) the second greatest command, after loving God. This exhortation has implications for how citizens of God’s kingdom should view fellow humans inside and outside their nation. Scripture teaches that all people bear God’s image and are worthy of dignity and respect.
Nationalism can fail this test when it leads to dehumanization, mistreatment, or callousness toward the suffering of those from other countries. Loving one’s neighbor requires caring for their wellbeing, even if it means sacrificing certain national self-interests.
Golden Rule and Justice
Treating others as we would want to be treated, known as the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), is a guiding life principle in the Bible. If patriotic feelings tempt us to apply worse standards to foreigners than we would accept being applied to our own group, that violates this basic tenet. National favoritism is inconsistent with the biblical value of impartiality.
The Bible also frequently emphasizes justice and warns against unjust policies that oppress the vulnerable. Nationalism can become problematic when it promotes national self-interest at the expense of justice for oppressed groups. Christians are called to stand for justice (Proverbs 31:9, Micah 6:8) even in the face of pressure to overlook injustice for the sake of national unity.
Qualified Affirmation
In light of these principles, the Bible does not appear to support an unrestrained nationalism that claims national superiority or privileges one’s own group at the expense of others. However, this need not require rejecting all sense of national identity or appreciation for one’s country and culture either.
The Bible shows patriotism within appropriate limits is not incompatible with faith. For example, king David honors and fights for Israel, yet consistently gives glory to God as his true king. Paul takes pride in his Jewish heritage (Philippians 3:5) while also recognizing his ultimate identity is in Christ.
The key is keeping national affiliation subordinate to Christian ethics and priorities. Appropriate patriotism appreciates a nation’s strengths while honestly acknowledging its flaws, maintains solidarity without contempt for other groups, and values national identity without idolizing it.
Conclusion
The Bible does not provide definitive answers on the complex debates around how to apply its principles to concrete policy issues. Good-faith cases can be made both for and against particular nationalist political proposals from a Biblical perspective. This article aims not to settle these disputed questions but to outline relevant Biblical themes to inform Christians seeking to gain wisdom on issues of nationalism.
In summary, the Bible balances an affirmation of ethnic identity and qualified patriotism with a vision of universal human dignity and God’s redemptive plan for all nations. Scripture calls believers to civically engage while maintaining primary loyalty to God’s values. Christians are to humbly share the Gospel, love neighbors, practice justice, and stand against idolatrous nationalism that leads to prejudice or oppression. By grounding their political thought in Biblical truth, Christians can become ambassadors of Christ’s love to people of all nations.