Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations
L**I
What is Christian Nationalism? I'm still not sure.
1. There is much that could be written about this book. I think you could write an entire new book, triple in length and single spaced, in response to and in correction of the many errors propagated by Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker. I think it’s a shame because they don’t wholly misidentify problems in the United States, they get some of that right, which is why I give them two of five stars. Most of their recommendations to fix the problems in America are either common sense or total nonsense. Further, the book is very disappointing in quality. It’s not very well written, it’s very vague, not well cited, and not well argued. There are only two chapters, Chapter Eight and the epilogue that have any substantial citations to support what is being said. If you want to know what Christian Nationalism is according to the authors, read those two chapters. Their epilogue was probably the best part of the book, I’m not sure why they didn’t open with that as Chapter One. It was a real struggle to get through the rest of it. The Chapters read like run-of-the-mill angry internet rants. That is my general review for all audiences and probably what you need to know if you’re thinking about buying the book.2. If you’re a professing Christian, be aware this book is very ecumenical. The author’s position generally is “Christians are all the same, please ignore Church history, and any theological differences,” this is of course naïve and objectively false. There is irony too, when you combine their pro-ecumenical ideas with their desire for Americans to understand history.3. Another issue to be aware of - there is a whole chapter (Chapter Four) about the Jewish people, it’s based on a disputed doctrine called Amillennialism. The authors dedicate this chapter to Jonathan Greenblatt and Ben Shapiro as a mocking gesture.4. What is Christian Nationalism? I’m still not sure. This book falls short of answering its own question. I read the book and was still left wondering “what is Christian Nationalism?” The authors describe it with many vague round-about opinions, with little to no citations or clear definitive definitions. No structure or outline of principles, methodologies, or creeds, confessions, organization, etc. are mentioned, there is no systematic structure presented, the idea isn’t well fleshed out. We’re just supposed to get it. Andrew Torba repeats the word “dominion” a few times and assumes we know what that means. In the absence of clarity, we’re left with ambiguity, we have to speculate about their true meaning.5. Chapter Two, titled: ‘If You’re A Christian, You’re A Christian Nationalist,’ makes this vague illusion: “The Great Commission means that if you are a Christian you are axiomatically a Christian Nationalist. If you say you are a Christian and you reject: “Christian Nationalism,” you are just a disobedient Christian. To be part of Christ’s Kingdom is to bring the kingdoms of this world into submission to Christ’s Kingship.” This statement is a ‘No True Scotsman,’ it excludes anything that may contradict the Author’s position from other sources claiming to be Christian.6. In the book’s forward the author claims Christian Nationalism isn’t a State Church movement, yet a State Church is the practical effect of their opaque position, and is alluded too throughout the book. Christian Nationalism is either a lie or cognitive dissonance. This idea is further typified by the author’s recognition of John 18:36, were Jesus Christ plainly says, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight… but now is my kingdom not from hence.” The author’s admit this verse is in the Bible (Page 8-9), and that is as far as they go with it. They cherry pick what they want from scripture and ignore much that may contradict their position. This is the general approach they use with all their argumentation, this criticism could be replicated several dozen times over concerning other subjects.7. There are many odd or wrong statements made throughout the book. In Chapter One for example, which I believe Andrew Torba is the author of, on page 32 he says, “Tolerance is not a Christian virtue. God has zero tolerance when it comes to sin, which corrupts our bodies, hearts, and minds.” If God had no tolerance of sin, why didn’t He just delete Adam and Eve after their original sin in the Garden of Eden? Something to think about. Another example, in their Chapter Eight, “The Eschatology Of Victory,” the author who I presume is Andrew Isker, on page 88 he says, “Before 1830, when John Nelson Darby invented the concept in a small sect in Great Britain, no Christian had ever heard of the “rapture.”” This is untrue, both the word rapture and the teaching behind it have been around since the first century. The word rapture is the Latin for the Greek verb “harpazo,” which means “catch away” and can be found in the Latin Vulgate Bible. More importantly, the teaching of the Rapture is plainly taught in scripture. Consider Matthew Henry’s very well-known, well-loved, and exhaustive Bible commentary entry on 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Matthew Henry’s works were published a full one hundred years before that of John Darby. Much more could be said about many more errors like these.8. Final thoughts. In my assessment, this book is damaging to Christianity. I personally do not recommend the book. There are too many errors, false teachings, and maybe something else; a reimagining of the United States, one that would give up its hard fought religious liberty in favor of the European old world. No thanks. The separation of Church and State and religious liberty is not misunderstood by everyone. Many of us rightly understand it and why it’s so important. If we were to go back to the old world of religious theocracy both the freedom of speech and the freedom to peacefully assemble would be over. An ironic reality that seems to be lost on the authors. This modern incarnation of Christian Nationalism, in my opinion, is an attempt to high jack general Christian resentment of the current woke political culture in America. Hijacked movements are easier to control (think big name shock jocks…) than organic grass root ones. I personally think that is what this is all about. I look forward to their part two. Luke 8:17.
C**K
Christ is King
Revelation 21:8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”When the drafters of the Declaration of Independence wrote, "We hold these truths to be self-evident," they were writing of the kind of phaneros en autois ("evident in themselves") truths the apostle Paul was writing of in Romans 1:19. As a matter of fact, in Romans 1:20, the words tois poiemasin nooumena kathoratai ("by means of things that are made, are understood, being clearly seen") are the exact equivalent to "self-evident." Paul uses both of these phrases in the context of what men know naturally by natural revelation, apart from the special revelation revealed in God's Word. According to Paul, what can be known about God apart from the Bible is known by all men, because He causes them to know it. Therefore, all men are without excuse. But, although men know the truth, the Bible tells us they are bent on suppressing it in unrighteousness (cf. Romans 1:18). In other words, we can't expect our opponents to be honest. If they have to lie about this nation being founded upon the principle that there is a "law above the law" (i.e., God's law above man's law), then they will lie. For example, during the bicentennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution in 1987, I was appalled when, watching the proceedings on television, I heard the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance with "under God" left out.This is made even more appalling when one considers that Thomas Jefferson, who a secularist would proudly call his own, is reported to have said: "The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?" Doesn't this sound like Jefferson thought the nation he was instrumental in founding ought to be a nation under God?Furthermore, as recently as 1952, in Zorach v. Clauson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas wrote, "We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being." If an extremely liberal Supreme Court justice can understand this, then why is it becoming so difficult for people to understand that ours is a nation that was founded by our forefathers to be under God? In truth, it would not be difficult at all if it were not for those who "suppress the truth in unrighteousness."In Psalm 11:3, the question is asked, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Of course, when the foundations are destroyed, the righteous are made a prey of the wicked. Consequently, the very purpose of government is the protection of the righteous or law abiding. In other words, Government is ordained by God as a mechanical remedy against evil (cf. Romans 13:1-7). Thomas Jefferson clearly understood this principle, and so must we if we are to keep the "unalienable rights" endowed us by "our Creator." Jesus Christ is sovereign of the universe. Consequently, His law is above all laws and all men everywhere are subject to His authority. Many earthly authorities have not understood this. Consequently, they have not heeded the wise counsel of the psalmist, who said: "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way" (Psalm 2:11,12).Currently, the political walls of atheistic communism seem to be crumbling. Perhaps we are privileged to be observing His divine providence at work in these matters. But, even if we are not, let the men and women of all nations soberly reflect upon the eminent advice of Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."The reproach (i.e., disgrace and shame) openly being manifested in America today is indicative of the fact that we are quickly becoming a nation without God. Frankly, what this means is that the continued existence of this country is at stake. It may be that God usually judges individuals at the end of time, but the Bible clearly teaches that He judges nations in time. In Romans 1, the apostle Paul gives the four step decline in the history of the nation that forgets God:A nation rejects God,it turns to false religion,it becomes bogged down in immorality and violence,and then God judges it.Consequently, a nation without God is a nation in serious trouble.As a people (I'm speaking now of God's people), let us be actively engaged in doing justice and righteousness, and let us be praying that there is still enough salt left to preserve the blessings of God upon this nation.
J**S
Simple, true, and to the point.
I have read a few bad reviews for this book, and I have noticed most of them have two things in common. They either complain about how short it is and the double spaced lines, or they simply do not understand Christianity (and the ones calling it fascist, don’t understand what fascism is). This book talks about what it is to be a Christian nationalist in a simple way because it is not a nuanced and complicated subject like some want it to be.Others complain about this or that not talking into account different denominations or types of Christians. That is because this book refers to Christians as the Bible dictates, not religion, or man made doctrines, since Christ did not come to form a new religion, but to defeat sin and give all who follow him a new life, an eternal one.I have also noticed many who complain about this book simply see the Bible as a complicated manual, and do not know God’s nature, which is really what the Bible is for, so that we know Him and have a relationship with Him.This book doesn’t need to be long or complicated, it doesn’t need rules, steps, historical references and clarifications or special considerations, because if you are a true Christian, know God’s nature, and truly read the Bible (not just the parts you like), then you’ll easily understand what a Christian nationalist is.
C**.
Great cause, buy this book
Would recommend buying this publication. GAB and Mr Torba are a beacon of light in free speach and this is a worthy cause to spend your money on.
S**S
We need more bold Christians
Reading is easy, it is right in front of us. Pacifism and meekness is the surest way of allowing bad actors to win. The lifestyle of self-indulgence, self-righteousness is repugnant.We need our spiritual milk, we should be married to Christ first and foremost. Some who call themselves Christians feed their ego and follow the commandment of man. This 'live and let live' culture is precisely the problem. When schools and activists want to pervert the minds of children, will we just say, of course it's harmless! Let the kids be just like the perverts, full of hedonism, violence, who needs morals!Maybe your children can wear what they want, and fornicate with who they want, and if anything happens it is only the parents to blame.Remember Matthew 10:34"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."As it is written in 1 Peter 4'Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased in sin,that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.'There is only hope, joy, love, peace in Christ.
G**R
Born Leader of Christ preaches mandatory change
Brilliant read from a man with Christ in his heart. The author doesn't shy away from the opposing religion which given the chance would burn this book. However, he gave them a good ending which is that they should instead of fight us, join us under Christ. That is the proper way of speaking about things but I do wish he into more detail about the tribe and their wrongdoings to Christendom but if he's going with how short the book is already, he's nailed it on that front.Cheap book, quick read but mandatory attendance.
K**R
Hope
The bible definitely brings real freedom and encourages love and care though there are some bumps in the road before we will experience them without restraint.
E**N
Underwhelming, essentially a pamphlet.
The book is about 135 pages with appendices. The font is much larger than you average book. Incredible basic. Jews aren't Christian, America is a Christian nation because the 13 founding states has state religions. We're defiantly not racist, or anti Semitic, and we dont want a theocracy. Boring.
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