The question of whether the United States is a “Christian nation” often resurfaces, especially around election time. For Christians, an illuminating perspective can be found in the New Testament. In Luke 4, when Jesus is tempted in the wilderness, Satan offers him “all the kingdoms of the world” if he would bow down and worship him. Jesus, resolute in his mission, says no. This rejection reveals Jesus’ approach to earthly power—a model of leadership and spiritual commitment that speaks to Christians today. By turning down the allure of temporal rule, Jesus made clear that his kingdom was spiritual and transcendent, not bound by political borders or earthly structures.
America’s Founding and the Christian Identity
In the United States, a debate has long existed over whether the nation’s founding principles are inherently Christian. Some argue that America was intended by its founders to embody Christian morals, laws, and culture. However, America’s founding documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, emphasize freedom and individual rights without establishing a specific religion. The First Amendment protects religious freedom and sets a precedent for a pluralistic society. Not to mention that the institution of slavery was endorsed and defended by many of the Founding Fathers, making the idea of a “Christian Nation” suspect.
Despite these problematic foundations, many still advocate for blending national identity with Christian values. This fusion, while perhaps well-intentioned, can lead to a version of Christianity that emphasizes political power over humility, compassion, and service—the core values Christ himself exemplified. Jesus’ rejection of worldly power shows that his mission was never about ruling nations. His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), and his followers are called to a different kind of influence.
The 2024 Election: Faith Beyond Political Allegiances
As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, Christians should remember that faith transcends political allegiances. Political outcomes have real consequences, but they are not the ultimate concern for followers of Christ. Jesus’ refusal to take up earthly power suggests that his kingdom doesn’t rely on political institutions but instead on the hearts and actions of his followers. This kingdom is built not through dominance but through sacrificial love, justice, and service.
This perspective doesn’t mean that Christians should disengage from politics; quite the opposite. The Bible calls believers to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), acting as agents of justice and mercy. Voting and advocating for policies that protect the vulnerable and promote peace are consistent with the call to live out Christ’s teachings. Yet, these actions must be driven by the teachings of Jesus rather than a desire to establish a Christian state.
The Pitfall of Pursuing Power
When political power becomes the primary objective, Christians risk compromising the essence of their faith. History provides numerous examples of the church aligning with political power, often resulting in abuses and contradictions to Christ’s teachings. The Crusades, the Inquisition, and recent examples of American Christian nationalism highlight how political ambitions can distort the gospel.
Aligning faith too closely with any political party or candidate risks alienating people who don’t share those views. The gospel is meant to be good news for all, not just those supporting a particular ideology. When Christianity is equated with a political platform, it can create the impression that salvation is conditional on holding specific political views. This perception undermines the inclusive and transformative nature of the gospel, which transcends all cultural, national, and political boundaries.
Following the Kingdom-First Model
Jesus’ refusal to bow to Satan’s offer reminds Christians that their ultimate allegiance is to a kingdom “that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). This kingdom is grounded not in the powers of this world but in love, humility, and service. Jesus prioritized the well-being of the meek, the poor in spirit, and those who hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:3-6). His path was one of humility and self-giving rather than domination or influence over others.
The outcome of the 2024 election, like all political events, matters, but it is not the ultimate concern. Christians are called to promote justice, care for the oppressed, and seek the well-being of their communities (Jeremiah 29:7). No politician or political system can bring about the kingdom of God—that work belongs to God alone. God’s work often unfolds in subtle, humble ways that defy human expectations and political trends.
A Faith Beyond Political Power
This election season, Christians would do well to look to Jesus’ example and resist the temptation to tie their faith to any political party or leader. Christ’s path shows that real power lies in serving others, not dominating them; in generosity, not accumulation; in self-sacrificial love, not coercion. Working for justice and supporting policies that align with Christian values are important, but our true hope lies beyond human systems.
By adhering to these principles, Christians can demonstrate a timeless and relevant faith, a faith that points not to the fleeting powers of this world but to the eternal kingdom of God. In doing so, they affirm that Jesus’ message transcends all political boundaries and remains a beacon of love, justice, and peace for all people.
Photo by Isabella Fischer on Unsplash
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