The debate surrounding Christian Nationalism has many of John MacArthur’s followers against Christian Nationalism. This comes at a time when John MacArthur’s views on the civil government are not as clear, as he famously changed his position on Romans 13 and Hebrews 10:24-25 in late July 2020. However, the inconsistent teaching of John MacArthur on public theology has not trickled down to his devoted followers who have used John MacArthur’s teachings and legacy as a cudgel to oppose Christian Nationalism.
Enter Nathaniel Jolly, a MacArthur Bro who is vehemently opposed to Christian Nationalism, and has genuinely acted in bad faith in this discussion. He tweeted out this video.
"We don't win down here." pic.twitter.com/rzG247O2wd
— Nathaniel Jolly (@NathanielJolly) May 15, 2023
Although Jolly likely did not compile the clip, the clip is selectively, perhaps deceptively, cut to advance a point that the broader context does not support. The clip was used to frame Christian Nationalism as Postmillennial, a theology John MacArthur famously opposes. Yet Postmillennialist used this clip to claim that MacArthur teaches a loser theology, which is not an unfair characterization of a clip devoid of the nuance point that MacArthur makes.
For Jolly to frame Christian Nationalism as a postmillennial movement is untrue and arguably dishonest. While some postmillennialists would like to think that it is, majority of Christian Nationalist are likely dispensational premillennialists, as this is the most dominant eschatology in America. But does more context further Nathanial Jolly’s point or that of the Christian Nationalists?
John MacArthur makes multiple arguments in the broader context we were able to find. The first major argument is that megachurch Christianity that was financially successful is going to fail and is in the process of failing. MacArthur made this argument in 2021 and while there are multiple Ghost Megachurches that would serve his point, I would argue we have yet to see megachurches shuttering because fake Christianity is no longer profitable.
John MacArthur also argues against religious freedom, arguing that Christians should not endeavor to support the right to commit idolatry. Now this is an argument that many Christian Nationalists make: that the government should enforce the first table of the Law. Logically, MacArthur’s would allow or promote the first table being governed by the civil magistrate. This is the argument that MacArthur makes immediately before the clip that Jolly posts appears.
MacArthur makes an argument against postmillennialism, ultimately claiming that “we don’t win down here.” And these arguments are rather poor. John MacArthur is wear a nice suit, in a nice pulpit, in a large church. He has a nice house, and he’s definitely rich as Julie Roys erroneously reported on.
Put simply: John MacArthur is a winner. He’s winning down here. He even defeated the state of California in court.
John MacArthur ultimately equates being loved by the world as winning and being hated by the world as losing. However, this is not an accurate paradigm for assessing temporal victory. The church is ever expanding, as Jesus said that it would. Some of us might be martyred to that end. Others, like John MacArthur will prosper to that end.
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7 Responses
Sin is the problem. Jesus is the solution.
Outcome is the Lord’s domain. It is not our concern.
We are to concern ourselves with the means, with the tasks the Lord has set before us. The ends are up to Him, according to His will, and for His glory.
It appears to me that both sides of the debate are getting too caught up in it, are getting too carried away with worrying about ends and outcomes, and are losing sight of these truths.
We all must watch ourselves that we do not sin. And that includes not advocating for sin, not supporting the imposition of sin, and respecting God’s instructions to “from such turn away”.
God is going to allow what He allows for reasons that we cannot know or comprehend.
So MacArthur is not wrong here.
We should remember that even when we “lose” we win. That’s how we’ve always won. That’s how Jesus won. That’s how the Apostles won. And they’re an excellent and very applicable example. They didn’t set out to Christianize Rome. But as the Lord changed hearts and minds, that’s eventually what happened.
As I’ve posted before, I believe the work on Christian Nationalism is a worthy exercise and worthy goal, and the debate around it is constructive as well. But what makes the exercise the most worthy is the fact that it makes us focus on the “how”. Whatever it is, whichever side, for or against, the “how” cannot be sinful.
How do we go about living in a manner that honors the Lord, that turns away from sin.
That’s the reason the debate exists in the first place. Government imposition of sin, forced acceptance of sin, forced affirmation of sin, indoctrination of children into sin, the extortion of Christians, targeting, suing, and even arresting and imprisoning Christians, and other unacceptable intrusions into God’s domain.
If it weren’t for such hostile actions of our government, and of governments across the western world, we wouldn’t be having any debates about Christian Nationalism.
Resorting to or supporting sin is obviously counterproductive, and will do nothing but undermine every good effort. And that applies to both “sides” of the debate.
Stand and fight, absolutely. Earnestly contend with everything the Lord put in you. But let God worry about the results.
We could be rounded up and put to death tomorrow. Or this could actually become a Christian nation. Or the Lord could return in the next split second. That result is up to the Lord. No man knows the day or hour.
I view all this upheaval about Christian Nationalism as merely an intellectual exercise because it will NEVER happen, at least not in America. People are losing their minds and friendships are being destroyed over this issue. And for what? Theological musings that will never, ever come to fruition.
I’m NOT saying Christians should stay out of politics.
I’m NOT saying Christians should stay out of the public square.
Now more than ever the world needs us to be salt and light.
But can we please stop pretending that it’s something America will ever adopt?
This issue has splintered into so many toothpicks that all it even can be now is a point of division not unity.
It’s the redevelopment of Protestant political theology. It will have a lasting impact even if not implemented here. There’s a long game at works.
I agree W C. If we are nearing the end, and I believe we are, we know the Bible says things are going to continue to get worse. I believe that’s what MacArther is talking about, and he’s correct. We will continue to lose, but we also shouldn’t quit. And he’s not saying that we should quit.
It was highly inappropriate to use the phrase p***s swinging contest. Your readers are here for Christian analysis, not crass, worldly phrases. Your entire tone in this article is one of pride, arrogance and judgment. I’m not a MacArthur apologist, but he is deserving of more respect as an elder church leader who was one of the only Christian voices standing against the totalitarian lockdown. Your defense of this issue is far more politically motivated than based on scripture. You seem to be more interested in garnering attention and approval from Jon Harris & AD Robles than introspectively praying through this issue. Get off your soapbox and get back into the Bible.
This CN issue was floated last Fall stating that it would be the mechanism used to throw a grenade into Christian circles and control their voices in the next election cycle. It’s certainly accomplished the former, causing internal fighting amongst strong, reliable Christian voices. Step back and look at the consequences then look again at the intention.
The fact that you take criticism of MacArthur bros as criticism of MacArthur shows that my criticism was correct and necessary.