When Christianity Gets Relabeled: The “Christian Nationalism” Smokescreen

Christianity or Christian Nationalism

In our cultural moment, two of the loudest labels being slapped on Christians are “Christian Nationalist” and “Right Wing Extremist.” These phrases are not neutral—they are products of language framing. Framing is the deliberate use of language to control the narrative, to make certain ideas sound dangerous, fringe, or illegitimate before the conversation even begins. And here’s the problem: in most cases, what’s being condemned isn’t extremism at all—it’s simply historic, orthodox Christianity.

The Weaponization of Terms

“Christian Nationalism” and “Right Wing Extremism” have been framed by media, politicians, and even some church leaders as synonymous with authoritarianism, bigotry, and violence. Yes, there are real movements in history that wrongly merged faith with nationalism or advocated political violence, and we should rightly reject those distortions. But today, the labels are used so broadly that they no longer distinguish between genuine extremism and ordinary Christian belief.

This is the power of language framing: by choosing words that carry negative emotional weight, opponents can brand biblical convictions as threats without ever engaging their truth claims.

If you affirm that God created male and female, that marriage is between a man and a woman, or that human life is sacred from conception—prepare to be framed as a “Christian Nationalist” or a “Right Wing Extremist.” If you believe Jesus Christ is Lord not just of the church building on Sunday but of every sphere of life—politics, education, family, law, culture—you might as well brace for the same accusation.

A Convenient Smokescreen

Why are these labels so effective? Because once you frame something as extremist, you no longer have to deal with it seriously. By equating biblical conviction with “nationalist extremism” or “radical right-wing ideology,” our culture sidesteps the harder task of engaging Scripture or considering the claims of Christ.

This tactic isn’t new. In Acts 17, when Paul and Silas preached Christ in Thessalonica, jealous opponents accused them of “turning the world upside down” and proclaiming “another king—Jesus.” That was language framing at work—the easiest way to shut down the message was to paint it as political rebellion. Two thousand years later, the same playbook is being used.

Christianity Is Not Extremism

We need clarity here: Christianity is not about exalting any one nation, nor is it about violent revolution. It is about exalting Jesus Christ as King of kings. It is not about merging the cross with a flag, but about proclaiming the cross of Christ to all nations.

Yes, Christians should care about the public square. Yes, our faith should shape our politics, our ethics, and our communities. But that’s not extremism—that’s discipleship. Jesus didn’t call His followers to privatize their faith; He called them to be salt and light in the world. To remove faith from public life is to reject Jesus’ own command.

The Real Danger

The real danger isn’t that Christians will take their faith “too seriously.” The danger is that Christians will retreat, compromise, and accept the lie—framed by cultural language—that following Jesus must be hidden, quiet, and culturally acceptable. That’s not biblical faith—that’s cowardice.

Labeling Christians as “Christian Nationalists” or “Right Wing Extremists” is meant to intimidate us into silence. But the Church throughout history has faced the same tactic under different names: “troublemakers,” “heretics,” “fanatics,” “enemies of the state.” The names change, the framing shifts, but the intent is the same—to mute the gospel.

Staying Faithful

So what should we do?

• Refuse to be intimidated. Don’t let language framing define your faith.

• Be discerning. Recognize when labels like “Christian Nationalist” or “Right Wing Extremist” are being used as smokescreens.

• Stay biblical. Ground yourself in God’s Word, not in cultural approval.

• Keep proclaiming Jesus. He is Lord of all, whether the world likes it or not.

At the end of the day, the question isn’t what the culture calls us. The question is whether we are faithful to what Christ has called us.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11)