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American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian
Michael W. Austin shows how nationalism is contrary to American values and Christian virtues—and offers us a better form of civic engagement.
In this brief, thought-provoking book, Michael W. Austin turns his keen mind for ethics toward the crisis currently facing our the rise of American Christian nationalism. Austin first accessibly explains the meaning and history behind nationalism. He then systematically shows how the ideology contradicts American values like liberty, equality, and justice as well as Christian virtues like humility, faith, hope, and love. Ultimately, he argues that the Beloved Community, first developed by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, offers a better model for an authentically Christian and American community. Readers frustrated by partisan argle-bargle will find a faithful guide in Austin’s thoughtful volume.
In this brief, thought-provoking book, Michael W. Austin turns his keen mind for ethics toward the crisis currently facing our the rise of American Christian nationalism. Austin first accessibly explains the meaning and history behind nationalism. He then systematically shows how the ideology contradicts American values like liberty, equality, and justice as well as Christian virtues like humility, faith, hope, and love. Ultimately, he argues that the Beloved Community, first developed by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, offers a better model for an authentically Christian and American community. Readers frustrated by partisan argle-bargle will find a faithful guide in Austin’s thoughtful volume.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 29, 2025
Intellectually, this is one of the most facile and cartoonish books I’ve ever read. If this is what passes for the PCA’s intellectual leadership on political philosophy, yikes.
May 31, 2024
A Very Readable Warning about the Dangers of Christian Nationalism
Over the past year or so, I've been closely reading the steady stream of books warning about the temptations of "Christian Nationalism." And, yes, I am aware that some authors don't particularly like that phrase. However, those two words seem to have stuck as the best-known label for this "genre" of books mainly coming from Christian scholars, historians and theologians alerting readers to this toxic blend of nostalgic patriotism and religiosity. Right now, the minority of Americans caught up in that blend of flags, crosses and dreams of the "good life" in the 1950s is a rock-solid voting block behind the re-election of Donald Trump.
Hence, the urgency among Christian writers who see the fairly obvious contradictions and outright lies. For example, while the 1950s might look good in reruns of Andy Griffith, it was an era of violence against Black Americans and the perennial violence against women and children was overlooked by everyone from pastors to law enforcement officials. And that's just the tip of the iceberg—so writes scholar, author, teacher and civic activist Michael W. Austin in his new book by the venerable Christian publishing house, William B. Eerdmans. And if you're not familiar with this Grand Rapids-based publishing house, it's best known for very thoughtful books about Christianity, especially books out of the intellectually rich Reformed tradition.
My own recommendations of such timely books still rank Dr. David Gushee's Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies (also by Eerdmans) at the top of the list in this genre. You can read why in my review last autumn on Goodreads.
But I'm giving Michael Austin's book 5 stars because of the sheer conciseness of his overview. The actual text of Michael's book is about a third the length of Gushee's book and his overall writing style here is aimed directly at everyday readers in congregations.
Please note! I was sent an advance reading copy of this book by Eerdmans to help get the word out about Michael's book and I am doing so now, way before the book's October release date because I'm hoping readers will pre-order this book and pass it around as soon as it ships.
In mid-October, there still will be a few weeks before the American election day. I wish Eerdmans had moved the release date earlier (and maybe they will—so watch Amazon for any updates).
But, because of its tone and brevity, this book by Michael Austin gets my top ranking for the kind of book to give to family and friends who tell you they "don't like to read" and who would never make it through Gushee's much more detailed global look at this crisis—or other similarly in-depth scholarly books coming out this year.
Michael is crystal clear about his aim from the opening page:
There is now a good deal of very helpful research on this topic, but a lot of this work is aimed at scholars. This book is for the person whom might not be sure what Christian nationalism is; for the person who might wonder whether or not they are a Christian nationalist. It is also for the person considering whether or not they should be one. It is also for those who are troubled by what Christian nationalism is doing to family members, friends, fellow church members and our nation.
Then, in 78 pages, he walks readers through the most common arguments they are likely to hear from Christian nationalist friends and neighbors. In each case, he argues—as a self-identified American Christian himself—why those arguments are based on errors or in many cases are twisting the meaning of the Bible or our nation's founding documents.
Thanks go to Eerdmans for producing this book—although I do wish the book would arrive sooner.
And, for readers who are interested in this book, I urge you: Pre-order it now and talk to friends about whether they would like to engage in a small-group discussion of the book in mid-October.
Over the past year or so, I've been closely reading the steady stream of books warning about the temptations of "Christian Nationalism." And, yes, I am aware that some authors don't particularly like that phrase. However, those two words seem to have stuck as the best-known label for this "genre" of books mainly coming from Christian scholars, historians and theologians alerting readers to this toxic blend of nostalgic patriotism and religiosity. Right now, the minority of Americans caught up in that blend of flags, crosses and dreams of the "good life" in the 1950s is a rock-solid voting block behind the re-election of Donald Trump.
Hence, the urgency among Christian writers who see the fairly obvious contradictions and outright lies. For example, while the 1950s might look good in reruns of Andy Griffith, it was an era of violence against Black Americans and the perennial violence against women and children was overlooked by everyone from pastors to law enforcement officials. And that's just the tip of the iceberg—so writes scholar, author, teacher and civic activist Michael W. Austin in his new book by the venerable Christian publishing house, William B. Eerdmans. And if you're not familiar with this Grand Rapids-based publishing house, it's best known for very thoughtful books about Christianity, especially books out of the intellectually rich Reformed tradition.
My own recommendations of such timely books still rank Dr. David Gushee's Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies (also by Eerdmans) at the top of the list in this genre. You can read why in my review last autumn on Goodreads.
But I'm giving Michael Austin's book 5 stars because of the sheer conciseness of his overview. The actual text of Michael's book is about a third the length of Gushee's book and his overall writing style here is aimed directly at everyday readers in congregations.
Please note! I was sent an advance reading copy of this book by Eerdmans to help get the word out about Michael's book and I am doing so now, way before the book's October release date because I'm hoping readers will pre-order this book and pass it around as soon as it ships.
In mid-October, there still will be a few weeks before the American election day. I wish Eerdmans had moved the release date earlier (and maybe they will—so watch Amazon for any updates).
But, because of its tone and brevity, this book by Michael Austin gets my top ranking for the kind of book to give to family and friends who tell you they "don't like to read" and who would never make it through Gushee's much more detailed global look at this crisis—or other similarly in-depth scholarly books coming out this year.
Michael is crystal clear about his aim from the opening page:
There is now a good deal of very helpful research on this topic, but a lot of this work is aimed at scholars. This book is for the person whom might not be sure what Christian nationalism is; for the person who might wonder whether or not they are a Christian nationalist. It is also for the person considering whether or not they should be one. It is also for those who are troubled by what Christian nationalism is doing to family members, friends, fellow church members and our nation.
Then, in 78 pages, he walks readers through the most common arguments they are likely to hear from Christian nationalist friends and neighbors. In each case, he argues—as a self-identified American Christian himself—why those arguments are based on errors or in many cases are twisting the meaning of the Bible or our nation's founding documents.
Thanks go to Eerdmans for producing this book—although I do wish the book would arrive sooner.
And, for readers who are interested in this book, I urge you: Pre-order it now and talk to friends about whether they would like to engage in a small-group discussion of the book in mid-October.
October 23, 2024
Much has been written and spoken in recent years about Christian nationalism. It is a potent political force that has deep roots in American life. However, the question is whether it is Christian or even American. I've read several really good books that uncover this amorphous movement in American life that shows concern for the nation and the Christian movement as a whole. Christian nationalism may look like a form of patriotism that draws on Christian ideas and values. But it's more than that. In its more extreme forms, proponents of Christian nationalism seek dominion over the government and the various spheres of American life. To many, it poses a danger to both the church and the state.
Michael W. Austin has written a perfect book for Christians who struggle with this issue but are not going to read a two-hundred-page book. Austin's "American Christian Nationalism" is only eighty pages in length. It covers the bases and uncovers the dangers posed by Christian nationalism. Austin is a philosophy professor at Eastern Kentucky University and Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership of Hebrew College.
Austin offers this book up as a "critical introduction to American Christian nationalism," describing what it is and why it is a matter of concern (p. xi). Thus, it is aimed not at the scholar but the general public, especially the Christian public, who aren't sure what this Christian nationalism is. Again, it's not patriotism.
Austin begins in chapter 1 by "Defining American Christian Nationalism." He reminds us that this isn't a new movement but has been with us since the beginning of the nation. However, it has become more of a matter of concern in recent years. He points out that American Christian nationalism has a number of features. First, "American Christian nationalists believe America was founded as a Christian nation." It is a common refrain, but while the founders often used religious language they did not explicitly describe the United States as a Christian nation. Secondly, they "believe the government of the United States should promote a particular kind of Christian culture (p. 8). Here is where things start to go in a dangerous direction. It's not just generic Christianity, it's usually a conservative form of evangelicalism. Third, they "believe that American Christians should pursue political and cultural power in order to take dominion over America." Again, the issue isn't Christian participation, it's the desire for power so they can take dominion. Fourth, they "believe that American Christians should prioritize American interests over the interests of other nations." While that makes sense that the US government would first of all be responsive to American needs, that doesn't mean we don't have responsibility to others outside the nation. Another move that gets us in trouble is the idea that "American Christian nationalism fuses the American and Christian identities of its adherents." (p. 11). This isn't just civil religion, it is the equation of the two. When the two are fused, to be American is to be Christian. Thus, if you're not a Christian you must not be an American. That doesn't sound very American.
The second chapter is titled "American Values and Christian Nationalism." One of the helpful elements of this book is that Austin comes at this question of Christian nationalism from both an American and a Christian perspective. I appreciate that he opens this chapter by quoting Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" which is mounted on the Statue of Liberty. It is a message of welcome to immigrants. It is a reminder that the United States is composed largely of people whose ancestors came from elsewhere. So, as some may political hay of anti-immigrant sentiment, let us remember our own ancestry, unless we happen to be Native Americans or descendants of African slaves. What are the values that America embraces, or should embrace? Liberty, equality, and service. These three values define what is good about America. Now, we've never quite lived up to these values, but they define what we aspire to. Christian nationalism, in its desire to gain power over others, tends to undermine these values.
But, Austin also believes that Christian nationalism poses a threat to Christian values. So, he offers us in Chapter 3 a look at "Christian Values and Christian nationalism." He points us to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose resistance to Hitler's schemes has been celebrated. Bonhoeffer was clear that loving Jesus is not the same thing as loving one's nation. What are the Christian values at stake? For one thing, there is the question of idolatry. He suggests that too often Christian nationalism veers into idolatry (see the fawning over Donald Trump). He writes that Christian nationalism distorts Christian faith by undermining the message of Jesus. Since taking dominion over the nation is often part of the premise of Christian nationalism, Austine reminds us of our calling to imitate Jesus, who didn't seek dominion over nations. He reminds us of our calling to make disciples, which is undermined by the political dimensions of Christian nationalism.
If Chapter Three focuses on Christian values, Chapter 4 focuses on Christian virtues. That is, he writes, character counts. Unfortunately, the embrace of Christian nationalism has undermined and contradicted Christian virtues, such as humility, Thus, the virtues he emphasizes here include faith, humility, and love. When you seek dominion over others, seeking to control their lives, these virtues get tossed aside. He writes that Christian nationalism violates both the Great Commandment (love God) and the great virtue (love your neighbor).
Finally, Austin draws on Martin Luther King's vision of the Beloved Community to conclude this brief look at Christian nationalism and its implications for church and state. What he does here is remind us of our calling as Christians. It's not to build a Christian nation where Christians control and dominate all aspects of society, but rather to live in the Beloved Community. He's arguing against Christians participating in politics and government, but he does remind us of our destiny. It is a vision that is inclusive, something that Christian nationalism denies. He is convinced, rightly so in my mind, that we'll never truly inhabit this beloved community in this life, but we can move toward it. He writes: "Let's try to create a world, or at least try to move closer to a world, where it is simply us, not us versus them or even us and them." Only us, as the song says." (p. 78). I agree.
As I said at the beginning, this brief look at American Christian Nationalism is the kind of book that can be given to someone with questions about what it means to be Christian and American. Other books dive deeper, but this is the kind of primer I think we've been waiting for.
Michael W. Austin has written a perfect book for Christians who struggle with this issue but are not going to read a two-hundred-page book. Austin's "American Christian Nationalism" is only eighty pages in length. It covers the bases and uncovers the dangers posed by Christian nationalism. Austin is a philosophy professor at Eastern Kentucky University and Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership of Hebrew College.
Austin offers this book up as a "critical introduction to American Christian nationalism," describing what it is and why it is a matter of concern (p. xi). Thus, it is aimed not at the scholar but the general public, especially the Christian public, who aren't sure what this Christian nationalism is. Again, it's not patriotism.
Austin begins in chapter 1 by "Defining American Christian Nationalism." He reminds us that this isn't a new movement but has been with us since the beginning of the nation. However, it has become more of a matter of concern in recent years. He points out that American Christian nationalism has a number of features. First, "American Christian nationalists believe America was founded as a Christian nation." It is a common refrain, but while the founders often used religious language they did not explicitly describe the United States as a Christian nation. Secondly, they "believe the government of the United States should promote a particular kind of Christian culture (p. 8). Here is where things start to go in a dangerous direction. It's not just generic Christianity, it's usually a conservative form of evangelicalism. Third, they "believe that American Christians should pursue political and cultural power in order to take dominion over America." Again, the issue isn't Christian participation, it's the desire for power so they can take dominion. Fourth, they "believe that American Christians should prioritize American interests over the interests of other nations." While that makes sense that the US government would first of all be responsive to American needs, that doesn't mean we don't have responsibility to others outside the nation. Another move that gets us in trouble is the idea that "American Christian nationalism fuses the American and Christian identities of its adherents." (p. 11). This isn't just civil religion, it is the equation of the two. When the two are fused, to be American is to be Christian. Thus, if you're not a Christian you must not be an American. That doesn't sound very American.
The second chapter is titled "American Values and Christian Nationalism." One of the helpful elements of this book is that Austin comes at this question of Christian nationalism from both an American and a Christian perspective. I appreciate that he opens this chapter by quoting Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" which is mounted on the Statue of Liberty. It is a message of welcome to immigrants. It is a reminder that the United States is composed largely of people whose ancestors came from elsewhere. So, as some may political hay of anti-immigrant sentiment, let us remember our own ancestry, unless we happen to be Native Americans or descendants of African slaves. What are the values that America embraces, or should embrace? Liberty, equality, and service. These three values define what is good about America. Now, we've never quite lived up to these values, but they define what we aspire to. Christian nationalism, in its desire to gain power over others, tends to undermine these values.
But, Austin also believes that Christian nationalism poses a threat to Christian values. So, he offers us in Chapter 3 a look at "Christian Values and Christian nationalism." He points us to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose resistance to Hitler's schemes has been celebrated. Bonhoeffer was clear that loving Jesus is not the same thing as loving one's nation. What are the Christian values at stake? For one thing, there is the question of idolatry. He suggests that too often Christian nationalism veers into idolatry (see the fawning over Donald Trump). He writes that Christian nationalism distorts Christian faith by undermining the message of Jesus. Since taking dominion over the nation is often part of the premise of Christian nationalism, Austine reminds us of our calling to imitate Jesus, who didn't seek dominion over nations. He reminds us of our calling to make disciples, which is undermined by the political dimensions of Christian nationalism.
If Chapter Three focuses on Christian values, Chapter 4 focuses on Christian virtues. That is, he writes, character counts. Unfortunately, the embrace of Christian nationalism has undermined and contradicted Christian virtues, such as humility, Thus, the virtues he emphasizes here include faith, humility, and love. When you seek dominion over others, seeking to control their lives, these virtues get tossed aside. He writes that Christian nationalism violates both the Great Commandment (love God) and the great virtue (love your neighbor).
Finally, Austin draws on Martin Luther King's vision of the Beloved Community to conclude this brief look at Christian nationalism and its implications for church and state. What he does here is remind us of our calling as Christians. It's not to build a Christian nation where Christians control and dominate all aspects of society, but rather to live in the Beloved Community. He's arguing against Christians participating in politics and government, but he does remind us of our destiny. It is a vision that is inclusive, something that Christian nationalism denies. He is convinced, rightly so in my mind, that we'll never truly inhabit this beloved community in this life, but we can move toward it. He writes: "Let's try to create a world, or at least try to move closer to a world, where it is simply us, not us versus them or even us and them." Only us, as the song says." (p. 78). I agree.
As I said at the beginning, this brief look at American Christian Nationalism is the kind of book that can be given to someone with questions about what it means to be Christian and American. Other books dive deeper, but this is the kind of primer I think we've been waiting for.
November 10, 2024
Short, accessible, and thoughtful. Austin allows Christian Nationalists to speak for themselves, then argues that Christian Nationalism doesn’t match up with the American values of liberty, equality, and service, nor the Christian values of fleeing idolatry, imitating Christ, and making disciples. He uses Dietrich Bonhoeffer and MLK to make the point that our allegiance to worldwide Christians and service to whoever happens to cross my path radically trumps an idolatrous preference for America. As Bonhoeffer said, “it is the great mistake of a false Protestant ethic to assume that loving Christ can be the same as loving one’s native country…Jesus does not talk that way.”
October 23, 2024
Michael Austin's new book "American Christian Nationalism" is a well-researched and accessible examination of a critical issue that threatens the integrity of American democracy and the witness of Church.
Austin's clear and concise exploration of Christian nationalism shows how it conflicts with both American values—like liberty and equality—and core Christian virtues, such as humility, unity, and love. His heart for the church and love for Jesus are evident throughout as he calls for a return to a more Christ-centered and compassionate form of civic engagement. For readers seeking to understand Christian nationalism as it is expressed today, this book is for you!
Austin's clear and concise exploration of Christian nationalism shows how it conflicts with both American values—like liberty and equality—and core Christian virtues, such as humility, unity, and love. His heart for the church and love for Jesus are evident throughout as he calls for a return to a more Christ-centered and compassionate form of civic engagement. For readers seeking to understand Christian nationalism as it is expressed today, this book is for you!
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August 3, 2024thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook!
this one is out October 15, 2024.
--
i'd like to preamble this review by saying i'm not a christian or religious in any capacity. when i saw this book on netgalley, i assumed it was an unbiased, non-religious critical take down of the prevalence of christian nationalists infiltrating the american political system. it is not. this book is written by a christian author who, as such, speaks and generalizes from that point of view. with that in mind, i do think that this book is best for christians, less so for the rest of us.
this is a very cogent, succinct breakdown on what white nationalism is and isn't and all the nuances in between.
there was a very strange comment early on that i disagreed with - that people tend to deify political leaders that lead the party that they belong to. instant disagreement - i don't see people putting joe biden's face on flags, i don't see people blindly hero worshipping biden without criticism. i think deifying political leaders is a very weird and exclusive trait of the right-wing political sphere, helmed by the beginning of trumpism.
i will give the author credit - the author rightfully credits christian nationalism as the justification of the genocide of indigenous people, the justification for slave trade, the ideas being that "if we make them suffer it doesn't matter they will be rewarded in heaven".
there was also an absolutely amazing segment which summoned a conversation between a pastor and a parishioner. the parishioner hates the "liberal talking points" from the pastor, who informs the parishioner that the words are jesus himself. the parishioner says that doesn't work anymore, that jesus is too liberal... for christianity. it reminded me of a segment of shameless by nadia bolz-weber in which she talked about prohibition being the product of preachers, how jesus himself, a wine drinker, would not be allowed in the construct of what christianity was becoming.
here's my issue with this one:
this book accurately depicts the ways christian nationalism has found its way into our political systems, touched on ways that people will be punished if christian nationalism were to take over this country, but the only advice the author offers is "trust god", which, imo is a little silly. i'm not disparaging his/anyone's right to pray, but i think there also needs to be a conversation had about why christian nationalism has been allowed to flourish, where the anger comes from. prayer is not enough, systemic issues need to be addressed to eradicate christian nationalism. prayer doesn't pay rent, prayer doesn't unkill elementary school kids. if anything, i think there needs to be a conversation here about how prayer is also weaponized by white nationalists as a tool to not accept criticism for any of the issues that they perpetuate.
the author also suggested shortly after that people worldwide regardless of faith are human beings made in the image of a christian god. it's really bizarre to me to hear a bunch of criticism about christian nationalists are people who want to force their ideologies on everyone for the author to... not realize by perceiving all people/things as a product of his own god is the same thing he's making an argument against.
you cannot dismantle christian nationalism without also addressing the fact that all christian ideas are imperialist and colonialist. it read all very hypocritical for me.
this one is out October 15, 2024.
--
i'd like to preamble this review by saying i'm not a christian or religious in any capacity. when i saw this book on netgalley, i assumed it was an unbiased, non-religious critical take down of the prevalence of christian nationalists infiltrating the american political system. it is not. this book is written by a christian author who, as such, speaks and generalizes from that point of view. with that in mind, i do think that this book is best for christians, less so for the rest of us.
this is a very cogent, succinct breakdown on what white nationalism is and isn't and all the nuances in between.
there was a very strange comment early on that i disagreed with - that people tend to deify political leaders that lead the party that they belong to. instant disagreement - i don't see people putting joe biden's face on flags, i don't see people blindly hero worshipping biden without criticism. i think deifying political leaders is a very weird and exclusive trait of the right-wing political sphere, helmed by the beginning of trumpism.
i will give the author credit - the author rightfully credits christian nationalism as the justification of the genocide of indigenous people, the justification for slave trade, the ideas being that "if we make them suffer it doesn't matter they will be rewarded in heaven".
there was also an absolutely amazing segment which summoned a conversation between a pastor and a parishioner. the parishioner hates the "liberal talking points" from the pastor, who informs the parishioner that the words are jesus himself. the parishioner says that doesn't work anymore, that jesus is too liberal... for christianity. it reminded me of a segment of shameless by nadia bolz-weber in which she talked about prohibition being the product of preachers, how jesus himself, a wine drinker, would not be allowed in the construct of what christianity was becoming.
here's my issue with this one:
this book accurately depicts the ways christian nationalism has found its way into our political systems, touched on ways that people will be punished if christian nationalism were to take over this country, but the only advice the author offers is "trust god", which, imo is a little silly. i'm not disparaging his/anyone's right to pray, but i think there also needs to be a conversation had about why christian nationalism has been allowed to flourish, where the anger comes from. prayer is not enough, systemic issues need to be addressed to eradicate christian nationalism. prayer doesn't pay rent, prayer doesn't unkill elementary school kids. if anything, i think there needs to be a conversation here about how prayer is also weaponized by white nationalists as a tool to not accept criticism for any of the issues that they perpetuate.
the author also suggested shortly after that people worldwide regardless of faith are human beings made in the image of a christian god. it's really bizarre to me to hear a bunch of criticism about christian nationalists are people who want to force their ideologies on everyone for the author to... not realize by perceiving all people/things as a product of his own god is the same thing he's making an argument against.
you cannot dismantle christian nationalism without also addressing the fact that all christian ideas are imperialist and colonialist. it read all very hypocritical for me.
December 10, 2024
"Rather than reaching for a towel to wash the feet of others, Christian nationalism grasps for a sword to force others into line. Rather than a way of leadership and life characterized by sacrifice and service, it seeks power in order to lord it over others." --Michael W. Austin, American Christian Nationalism, pg 53-54.
If you need an introduction to Christian Nationalism and are wondering where to start, may I suggest American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. As you can probably guess from the title, Austin is not a fan of Christian Nationalism. He goes to lengths to define how harmful Christian Nationalism can be to the country and to the church.
However, Austin does want to correctly define what is and what is not Christian nationalism. For instance, he makes the point that if you are pro-life, this does not automatically put you in the nationalist camp. Austin quotes liberally from pro-nationalist sources to ensure that we (the reader) understand the point they are trying to make.
We should note that Austin is an evangelical. He is the president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society and works at the University of Kentucky where he teaches moral and ethical philosophy. I believe he is also a member of a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation.
The book is short and easy to read. It provides the reader with a basic understanding of the issues. However, its length is also a weakness because he does not have the time or the space to develop his themes, especially once we get to the 'positive' message of the book (i.e. what should we do). I am hoping that in the future, he will have time to further develop these thoughts.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians or to those that are interested in Christian Nationalism.
Grade: B+
If you need an introduction to Christian Nationalism and are wondering where to start, may I suggest American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. As you can probably guess from the title, Austin is not a fan of Christian Nationalism. He goes to lengths to define how harmful Christian Nationalism can be to the country and to the church.
However, Austin does want to correctly define what is and what is not Christian nationalism. For instance, he makes the point that if you are pro-life, this does not automatically put you in the nationalist camp. Austin quotes liberally from pro-nationalist sources to ensure that we (the reader) understand the point they are trying to make.
We should note that Austin is an evangelical. He is the president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society and works at the University of Kentucky where he teaches moral and ethical philosophy. I believe he is also a member of a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation.
The book is short and easy to read. It provides the reader with a basic understanding of the issues. However, its length is also a weakness because he does not have the time or the space to develop his themes, especially once we get to the 'positive' message of the book (i.e. what should we do). I am hoping that in the future, he will have time to further develop these thoughts.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians or to those that are interested in Christian Nationalism.
Grade: B+
August 3, 2024
Michael W Austin's "American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian" is a 130 page book that gives good biblical evidence as to why this version of Christian Nationalism is not something we can align with as Christ followers. This is basically written as a long sermon, and instead of offering solutions, spends the time outlining how idolatrous some culture wars have been. Personally I am significantly bothered by how loud this rhetoric is, and how nearly every agnostic/atheist person I know, when they criticize "Christians," it is only this very specific group that they take issue with. There have been many excellent books written on this subject. My favorite thus far is "American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church" by Andrew L. Whitehead. This includes both history and scriptural argument. Another well done book is "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism" by Tim Alberta. Alberta writes a lot about his personal experience interspersed with the rest. This book, while it doesn't give anything over and above the aforementioned two, is much shorter and could be more digestible than Alberta's 512 page tome. A good alternative if you are looking for a broader overview of an understanding of why American Christian Nationalism is ultimately idolatrous.
My main criticism is the same criticism I have of most non-fiction, which is that most of those that will pick it up are already those that agree with the conclusions.
Thank you to @netgalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the ARC. Book to be published October 15, 2024.
My main criticism is the same criticism I have of most non-fiction, which is that most of those that will pick it up are already those that agree with the conclusions.
Thank you to @netgalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the ARC. Book to be published October 15, 2024.
October 15, 2024
This is a short, concise, explanation of why nationalism is incompatible with Christian discipleship. Large portions of the evangelical community appear to have bought into the idea that Christians should wield political power over non-believers, forcing their values onto an unwilling public. Some of the authors discussed in this book are very clear they want to set up a theocracy. Dr. Austin reminds us of the necessity of love of neighbor, love of enemy, and the willingness to humble ourselves and serve even those profoundly different from us. If you need to give someone a good introduction to the subject that is also accessible to the general public, give them this book.
October 29, 2024
The title is a great summary of the book: American Christian nationalism, neither American nor Christian. This book can be read in an afternoon, but is full of a lot of details. For me, the main point of interest was the way in which Christian nationalism abandons historic Christianity. Austin's work goes well with others (like Kristen Kobes du Mez) who pull back the curtain on the leaders and ideologies dominating evangelicalism.
This book is a valuable resource for those watching their community/family members sliding towards nationalism who wish to engage and dialogue.
This book is a valuable resource for those watching their community/family members sliding towards nationalism who wish to engage and dialogue.
October 14, 2024
This book by Michael Austin invigorated my faith, while providing a sobering look at American Christian Nationalism. It’s an important book - one I feel every Christian should read. The book asks a number of questions about what American Christian Nationalism is, what it believes, and how that compares to scripture and the founding principles of this Nation - to include religious liberty. I found it to be equally encouraging and convicting.
October 28, 2024
Austin's book is a sobering look at the growing Christian Nationalist movement. As the title suggests, he argues this movement cuts against American and Christian values. What struck me was how powerful the latter case was. As a bit of an outsider to contemporary Christianity, Austin's case was a refreshing testament to how powerful an ethical message Christianity could provide to us. Austin's book is a breath of fresh air.
October 20, 2025
Very interesting read. Still processing a lot of the content but appreciate deeply the anti-political/partisan stance on biblical civil engagement in America.
October 16, 2024
I was grateful to get an advance preview copy of this book. A timely read, Michael Austin does a great job addressing the Christian Nationalist movement. He point-by-point uses scripture to expose how the movement has turned what Jesus taught upside down. As a Christian that has found myself increasingly turned-off by the so-called Christians running for far right political positions today, this book helped me feel that my decisions to align with a church that focuses on being Jesus’ hands and feet in this world was the right move. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends
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