In Conversation With... Caleb Campbell: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor

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Leviathan often recruits good people to accomplish its evil mission by presenting itself as a godly ally. In America this can be seen when influential leaders co-opt Christian rhetoric and icons, claiming to be advocates for Christian values to gain money and power. Our mission field is caught in a deceptive trap laid by an enemy at work since the beginning of time. - Disarming Leviathan p.43

In this conversation, Ideos VP Greg Arthur and Pastor Caleb Campbell explore the complexities of Christian nationalism, its impact on the church, and approaches to peacebuilding and unity. They discuss the origins of Christian nationalism, its ideological, tribal, and spiritual dimensions, and its influence on the behavior of Christians. The conversation also addresses the narrative of persecution within American evangelicalism and the need for a more nuanced understanding of suffering and community engagement. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of embodying love and humility in interactions with those caught up in nationalist movements, advocating for a missional approach to reach and transform hearts.

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J29 Coalition

Disarming Leviathan

Episode Takeaways

• Christian nationalism is a political ideology, tribal identity, and spiritual idolatry.

• The church must engage with Christian nationalists as missionaries, not adversaries.

• Persecution narratives in American evangelicalism often misinterpret discomfort as persecution.

• A healthy understanding of lament and grief is lacking in American evangelical culture.

• Patriotism should not supersede the call to love and serve others.

• The Leviathan metaphor illustrates the predatory nature of evil and its seductive power.

• Communities should act as embassies of reconciliation, embodying the way of Jesus.

• Disarming Leviathan involves creating spaces of safety, belonging, and purpose.

• The church's role is to represent those who suffer under unjust power.

• Engagement with those who hold different views should be rooted in love and humility.