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Al Mohler Embraces Christian Nationalism, Drawing Criticism
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In Short: The participants in a recent roundtable on Christian nationalism included four contributors to a book published by Canon Press, a publisher associated with Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson.
The participants in a recent roundtable on Christian nationalism included four contributors to a book published by Canon Press, a publisher associated with Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson. The discussion highlighted the growing divide within conservative Christian circles over the role of religion in public life.
To the surprise of some conservative Southern Baptists, Al Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has embraced Christian nationalism, a view that advocates for a close relationship between the Christian faith and the state. This shift has garnered significant attention, particularly following a talk Mohler gave at a roundtable on Christian nationalism held at the University of Idaho last month.
In his talk, Mohler defended the idea of a new constitution that would allow non-Christians to enjoy full citizenship and participate in the political order, provided they acknowledge the Christian foundations of the republic. This stance has been met with criticism, especially from Richard Land, the former president of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, who questions how such an acknowledgment requirement does not constitute a religious test.
The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work.
The shift in Mohler’s position has sparked a broader debate within the Southern Baptist community about the appropriate relationship between religion and government. While some see his embrace of Christian nationalism as a natural evolution of conservative Christian thought, others view it as a departure from traditional Baptist values that emphasize the separation of church and state.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- Religionnews link