You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (Living Bible)
Sometimes the words Christendom and Christianity are used interchangeably. They are not the same. Christendom is a term applied to countries and states where Christianity has historically been the dominant religion. In the Middle Ages and into the Age of Discovery, the concept of “Christendom” was used as a cover to give sanction to exploring powers to “Christianize heathen populations” and win those souls for Christ.
I think we all know the problems that came from colonization, and the overpowering of indigenous cultures all in the name of “Christianizing”. This is to say that we can put sanitized labels on our behaviors in the name of God.
Alexis de Tocqueville, a renowned European scholar of the 19th century who loved American ideals, said “In Europe, Christianity has permitted itself to be intimately united with the powers of the earth. Today these powers are falling and it is almost buried under their debris.”
His warning should be well heeded. To the extent that Christianity allies itself with governmental power, both suffer. Neither Christians, nor the Church, need the power of a national state to prosper or to have influence. Indeed, the church only has influence to the extent that it is NOT allied with the governing state.
I am concerned about the people who advocate for Christian Nationalism. This is not healthy, neither for Christianity, nor the nation.
Prayer: Lord, you told us the Church will prevail through your power, Amen.
Reflections of a Counselor 