Series on Christian Nationalism
“Faithful, Courageous, and Practical Conversations”
Christian nationalism is an ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities. It suggests that to be a “true” American, one must be Christian in a particular way—often white, conservative, and politically aligned with nationalist values. It confuses loyalty to God with loyalty to country, and uses religious language to justify systems of power, racial exclusion, and cultural dominance. This is not the same as patriotism, nor is it about expressions of personal faith in public life. Rather, Christian nationalism insists on a narrow, state-supported expression of religion that marginalizes others and undermines core Christian values such as compassion, justice, and humility.
As part of our commitment to dismantling systemic injustice and affirming the image of God in every person, the Committee on Representation and Diversity (CORD) of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley is hosting a series of events that will engage pastors, congregations, and local leaders in faithful, courageous, and practical conversations around this critical issue.
Next Steps in the Series
The Committee on Representation and Diversity will be launching a presbytery-wide invitation to engage in congregational (and inter-congregational) study groups to explore Christian Nationalism.
Group study will center on Dr. Miranda Zapor Cruz’s material, supported by a study guide and additional theological resources. The details and materials, including guidance for congregations on how to organize and participate in these study groups, are in progress and will be shared when available.
In the meantime, congregations are encouraged to make use of the recordings from the first two events, including hosting their own watch gatherings as an entry point.
Past Events in the Series
Teach the Teachers
Sunday, February 22, 2026
This event for Teaching and Ruling Elders was led by Dr. Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters.
This session helps equip our church leaders with definitions of Christian Nationalism, the theological streams and heresies often intertwined with it, and strategies for preaching and leading Bible studies or other conversations on this topic.
Unmasking Christian Nationalism:
Faithful Witness in the Face of Exclusion and Harm
Saturday, March 21, 2026
This event was for anyone involved in our community of congregations in the PMV and was led by Dr. Miranda Zapor Cruz, author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters.
Bring your own questions and concerns as we explore and reflect on what Christian Nationalism is, what it isn’t, how it operates and harms, and how any and all disciples can learn and respond faithfully.
