Christian Nationalism Books
An abundance of ideas on God and good government.
The Constantine Doctrine: Christian Leadership In Western Civilization was published by Frieling Publishing on May 24, 2022. I would suggest that this is the first book in a modern wave of Christian Nationalism topics that addresses the historical need for Biblical and godly leaders in every area, including government, specifically. Christians who love their nation should find many areas of agreement and support for many key ideas that guide our country.
My book asserts that religion and governance are, and should be, interwoven because morality is necessary for good policy. It makes the case that Christians should be prominent in shaping a nation's culture and laws. Good Christian leaders are essential for wise decision-making and diligent moral vision. This is an aspect of the Kingdom of God coming to earth. It was part of the United States of America’s founding story. When Christians step up in public leadership, the result is a government that provides justice, freedom, and morality.
We know that Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). This blog is dedicated to explaining this link in more detail. It should help people understand their role in God’s plan in our current time and place. To that end, it is important
Secular atheists reject God, and many deny the true, powerful impact that Christians have had in history in the process. Recently, it has become popular to accuse any Christians who believe that the Bible is the basis of all morality and of this nation’s laws of being Christian Nationalists, as if that is a bad thing. Being Christian is a broad category that must include certain orthodox beliefs and doctrines. We need better Christians in every walk of life. If someone loves their nation, they are a patriot. If they support policies that benefit their nation, they are a nationalist in the broadest sense. This does not mean that one nation must harm another, simply that for the leaders of a nation, looking out for the interests of their nation and its people is the number one priority.
Rejecting the centrality of faith damages our society. It is sad and pitiful when people oppose God to his face. We should pray for their repentance and redemption. In the meantime, we must fight against the spiritual forces of darkness that bind them in an effort to release them from slavery to the flesh and servitude to the Devil.
This term Christian Nationalism has become part of a hotly debated argument about America’s founding and purpose, and the role of the church across the world more broadly. The recent surge of interest in Christian Nationalism has produced a wave of books seeking to define, defend, or strategize for a Christian presence in public life. They each offer distinct yet overlapping perspectives on the subject. This article compares these works by examining their authorship, publication context, theological foundations, approaches, and reception.
Comparing Books on Christian Nationalism
I'll compare these four books on Christian nationalism based on their authors and key perspectives. Authors have published books on this topic. Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker have written Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations, published September 5, 2022. Andrew Isker later published The Boniface Option: A Strategy For Christian Counteroffensive in a Post-Christian Nation on August 23, 2023. Also, Stephen Wolfe wrote The Case for Christian Nationalism on November 1, 2022. And, Mere Christendom, written by Douglas Wilson, was published May 30, 2023.
These books are in general agreement, although some differences are found. Christian Nationalism in the United States asserts that this nation was founded on Christian principles that should be governed by Christian moral values and duties enacted by Christian leaders. This is a positive force for good that God uses to save souls in America and around the world. Misleading misinterpretations by secularists who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ view this as a theocratic regime. A rehash of these accusations was outlined in previous posts on Dominion and Theocracy.
Overview of Books
Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion And Discipling Nations
Authors: Andrew Torba and Andrew Isker
Published: September 5, 2022
Torba is the founder of Gab, a social media platform
The Case for Christian Nationalism
Author: Stephen Wolfe
Published: November 1, 2022
Wolfe is a political theorist with a background in Reformed theology
Mere Christendom
Author: Douglas Wilson
Published: May 30, 2023
Wilson is a pastor, theologian, and prolific author associated with the Reformed tradition
The Boniface Option: A Strategy For Christian Counteroffensive in a Post-Christian Nation
Author: Andrew Isker
Published: August 23, 2023
Isker is a pastor who previously co-authored with Torba
Theological Foundations
All four books operate within a Protestant, specifically Reformed, theological framework, but with different emphases:
Wolfe: Leans heavily on historical Reformed scholasticism and political theology, emphasizing cultural and ethnic affinity as part of his vision for Christian Nationalism.
Wilson: Stresses covenant theology and postmillennial eschatology, though in Mere Christendom, he focuses more on practical faithfulness and public confession of Christ 4,7.
Torba & Isker: Advocate for postmillennialism, the belief that Christ’s kingdom is presently advancing and will ultimately triumph. They critique dispensationalist eschatology as defeatist and call for a victorious, dominion-oriented outlook 5.
Isker (Boniface Option): Builds on his previous work with Torba but emphasizes a more militant, urgent call to action, influenced by the missionary example of St. Boniface8. By emphasizing Biblical principles applied directly to contemporary cultural issues, Isker seeks practical solutions to pressing social ills.
Key Bible Verses
"Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide For Taking Dominion" (Torba & Isker)
Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
This passage is central to their "discipling nations" framing
Genesis 1:28 - The Dominion Mandate: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion..."
Core to their concept of "taking dominion"
Psalm 2:10-12 - "Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way..."
Often cited regarding Christian governance
Romans 13:1-7 - On governing authorities being instituted by God
Frequently referenced in discussions of Christian political engagement
"The Case for Christian Nationalism" (Wolfe)
Acts 17:26 - "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place"
Used to argue for the divine ordination of nations
Deuteronomy 4:5-8 - Regarding Israel as a model nation whose laws would show wisdom to other nations
Referenced for the pattern of national Christian witness
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for rulers "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way"
Used to frame Christian political engagement
Isaiah 49:23 - "Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers"
Often cited regarding the ideal relationship between political leaders and the church
"Mere Christendom" (Wilson)
Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For to us a child is born... and the government shall be upon his shoulder... Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end..."
Central to Wilson's postmillennial vision
Matthew 13:31-33 - The parables of the mustard seed and leaven
Often used by Wilson to show how Christianity gradually transforms culture
Psalm 22:27-28 - "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations."
Supports Wilson's views on Christ's lordship over nations
Revelation 11:15 - "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."
A key verse in Wilson's eschatological framework
"The Boniface Option" (Isker)
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God..."
Likely central to his "counteroffensive" framework
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Relevant to Isker's call for boldness in Christian cultural engagement
Ephesians 6:10-20 - The Armor of God passage
Relevant to spiritual warfare themes
Psalm 110:1-2 - "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!"
Often cited in discussions of Christ's present reign
Views on Christianity and Politics
All advocate for explicitly Christian influence in public life, though with different emphases. Wolfe's approach is more comprehensive in developing a theoretical foundation for Christian Nationalism. Torba and Isker focus more on contemporary cultural engagement and digital sovereignty. Wilson typically argues for a long-term vision of cultural transformation rooted in covenant theology. Isker's solo work appears to build on his previous collaboration with Torba while developing a distinct strategic vision.
Theoretical vs. Practical Approaches
Wolfe’s Theoretical Rigor: The Case for Christian Nationalism is noted for its academic depth. Wolfe constructs a philosophical and theological case for Christian Nationalism, drawing on Reformed Protestant thought and natural law. He advocates for a form of “measured theocratic Caesarism,” where the civil magistrate upholds Christian order while not coercing inward belief.
Torba & Isker’s Practical Guide: Christian Nationalism is concise and action-oriented, offering strategies for Christians to build parallel societal structures and engage in cultural renewal. The book’s tone is more direct and less academic, aiming to galvanize readers toward activism 5,11.
Wilson’s Bridge: Mere Christendom blends theological reflection with practical application. Wilson calls for a public, civic acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship, rejecting both secularism and sectarianism. His style is accessible, focusing on personal and societal transformation through worship and repentance 7,4.
Isker’s Strategic Focus: The Boniface Option is characterized by its combative tone and strategic urgency. Isker urges Christians to expose the “powerlessness of would-be gods” in modern culture and to build up the church as a counteroffensive in a post-Christian society 8,4.
Views on Christianity and Politics
While all four works call for explicit Christian influence in public life, their methods and emphases differ:
Wolfe: Develops a comprehensive theoretical foundation, arguing for a Christian nation ordered toward the public good and compatible with the American founding.
Torba & Isker: Focus on contemporary cultural engagement, digital sovereignty, and building alternative Christian institutions 5,11.
Wilson: Offers a long-term vision for cultural transformation rooted in personal and national repentance and worship 4,7.
Isker (Boniface Option): Advocates for direct confrontation with cultural idols and a robust, sometimes polemical, defense of Christian truth in the public square 4,8.
Reception and Influence
These books have generated significant discussion among Christians interested in political theology, particularly in Reformed circles. Wolfe's book particularly sparked debate due to its more academic attempt to rehabilitate and defend the concept of Christian Nationalism from a Reformed perspective.
While all four books share the common theme of advocating for Christian principles in public life, they represent different emphases within the broader conversation about Christianity's relationship to culture and politics.
Wolfe: His book has sparked significant debate, especially for its academic attempt to rehabilitate Christian Nationalism within Reformed circles and its controversial arguments about cultural homogeneity.
Torba & Isker: Their work has been polarizing, embraced by some for its boldness but criticized for its tone and lack of nuance. The book is short, direct, and intended for a lay audience already sympathetic to Christian Nationalist ideas.
Wilson: Mere Christendom is seen as more irenic and practical, appealing to a broader spectrum of conservative Christians. Wilson’s focus on worship and repentance as solutions to political crises is a recurring theme 4,7.
Isker (Boniface Option): The book’s intense, aggressive tone has been noted by reviewers as both a strength and a weakness, potentially alienating some readers while energizing others.
Key Similarities and Differences
All four books reject secularism and call for a return to a publicly Christian society.
Wolfe and Wilson provide more theoretical and theological depth, while Torba, Isker, and Isker’s solo work are more practical and strategic.
Wilson’s work is the most pastoral and conciliatory, emphasizing worship and repentance for all, regardless of political or theological background.
Isker’s solo work is the most polemical, marked by combative rhetoric and a sense of urgency.
Conclusion
These four books represent the evolving conversation about Christian Nationalism within American Protestantism, especially among Reformed thinkers. While unified in their desire to see Christianity shape public life, they differ significantly in tone, strategy, and theological emphasis. Wolfe and Wilson provide the intellectual and theological scaffolding, while Torba and Isker supply the practical and activist blueprint, contributing to the ongoing debate about the future of Christian engagement in the public square.