Current Theme | November 2023

Toward Biblical Nationhood

A Baptist View of Church and State

We aimed to lighten the mood in October by asking ‘just one more question’ about the heated debate on Christian Nationalism. This month returns to Christ Over All’s regularly scheduled programming of essays and articles supplemented by podcasts. We will analyze the arguments we heard about Christian Nationalism and put forward a constructive approach to biblical nationhood in response. Without being exhaustive, we hope to articulate a Baptist vision for church and state, one that aids the Christian Nationalism(s) debate. We long to see Christ’s light shine in this nation and all nations, and we will consider what Scripture says to us about that endeavor.

Table of Contents

October Intermission: From Christian Nationalism(s) to Biblical Nationhood

By David Schrock • Concise Article • November 10
As we move from Christian Nationalism in October to a view of Biblical Nationhood, we review our Columbo investigation of the past month with an eye towards giving a constructive contribution to a biblical understanding of church and state.

2.59 Andy Naselli • Reading • “What Is the Spectrum of Major Views on Political Theology? A Proposed Taxonomy of Seven Views on Religion and Government”

By Andy Naselli • Podcast Reading • November 10
Here is what we have all been waiting for: A taxonomy of views on religion and government that brings a long-sought-for clarity.

The Inception of Christian Nationalism: An Article on Articles on Articles

By Trent Hunter • Concise Article • November 13
From whence did the idea of Christian nationalism come, and where do we go from here?

2.60 Andy Naselli, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • “What Is the Spectrum of Major Views on Political Theology? A Proposed Taxonomy of Seven Views on Religion and Government”

By Andy Naselli, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Podcast Interview • November 13
Listen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum catch up with Andy Naselli to discuss his recent longform essay for Christ Over All in which Andy provides a taxonomy of views on religion and government.

What Romans 13 Does (Not) Mean

By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • November 14
Romans 13 teaches that Christians ought to be subject to ruling authorities, but what does this mean in practice? And what else does this passage teach about the purpose of the state?

Athanasius contra Mundum: A Historical Consideration of Magisterial Christian Nationalism

By Forrest Strickland • Concise Article • November 15
Should he who bears the sword also be responsible for determining proper doctrine? Church history warns us against this idea of a Christian Prince.

A Sanctified State: A Baptist Alternative to Christian Nationalism

By Levi Secord • Concise Article • November 17
When the church and state both operate within their respective spheres of authority and do so consciously under the Lordship of Christ, the sanctified state is born.

Chasing Boromir: Reflections on Christian Nationalism and the Use of Power

By John Avery • Concise Article • November 20
If Christians were able to seize political power and wield it without restriction, would it be wise to do so? Our understanding of human sin should dissuade us from such concentrated authority.

2.61 Ardel Caneday, Brad Green, Trent Hunter, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum, • Discussion • “ETS Roundtable, Past Reflections and Future Previews”

By Ardel Caneday, Brad Green, Trent Hunter, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum, • Podcast Discussion • November 20
Join the Christ Over All Content Team as they commence year two of the annual Evangelical Theological Society recap, held in San Antonio, TX. Hear a rundown of the conference, some reflections on significant Christ Over All articles in the past year, and a preview of the monthly themes for 2024, Lord willing.

“Already But Not Yet”: When Does the “Already” End? When Christ Returns or When Jerusalem’s Temple Was Destroyed?

By Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • November 22
Many Christian rightly affirm the "already but not yet." But is this overlap of the ages completely fulfilled from Christ's death and resurrection to the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D.? Some say so. Peek in to Dr. Ardel Caneday's timely article that presents a better way.

Twelve Reflections on Twelve Interviews on Christian Nationalism

By Andy Naselli • Longform Essay • November 27
Last month, Christ Over All heard from numerous voices on the subject of Christian nationalism. Having sifted through all that information, Andy Naselli provides a helpful analysis here.

2.62 Andy Naselli • Reading • “Twelve Reflections on Twelve Interviews on Christian Nationalism”

By Andy Naselli • Podcast Reading • November 27
Last month, Christ Over All heard from numerous voices on the subject of Christian nationalism. Having sifted through all that information, Andy Naselli provides a helpful analysis here.

Christ Over Giving Tuesday

By David Schrock • Concise Article • November 28
What began as a conversation among friends has materialized into Christ Over All, and by God's grace we are just getting started. Would you partner with us to help us to reach more people for the glory of God?

A Book Review of Doug Wilson’s Mere Christendom

By Brad Green • Concise Article • November 29
What is Doug Wilson's "Mere Christendom," and how does it relate to Christian Nationalism and "Christocentric theonomy"? With Brad Green as your guide, come along for a tour of this important book.

November Intermission: From Biblical Nationhood to a Christmas Medley

By David Schrock • Concise Article • December 1
As we move from Biblical Nationhood in November to a Christmas Medley in December, we look forward to an assortment of edifying articles that all affirm this one common thread: Christ is Lord over all!

2.63 Andy Naselli, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • “Twelve Reflections on Twelve Interviews on Christian Nationalism”

By Andy Naselli, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Podcast Interview • December 4
Andy Naselli recently provided an analysis of the numerous interviews Christ Over All conducted last month. Here, he is joined by David Schrock and Stephen Wellum to discuss those reflections.

ENCORE: Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Christian Nationalist: Increase Mather and the Failures of New England Puritanism

By Flynn Evans • Concise Article • January 17
What can we learn about Christian Nationalism from puritan New England? Coercion cannot replace conversion when it comes to creating a godly society.

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