White Christian Nationalism, Salvation, and the Kingdom of God

Janel Kragt Bakker

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Chapter 7 White Christian Nationalism, Salvation, and the Kingdom of God

In: Visions of the Good Life

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Janel Kragt Bakker

Janel Kragt Bakker
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 108–126

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004727526_008

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Abstract

The basileia tou Theo—often translated into English as “kingdom of God”—is the central metaphor in the gospels’ account of Jesus’ message. Jesus invited his followers to enter the basileia tou Theou with a childlike spirit and receive it as a gift. However, many Christians have defied Jesus’ teachings and sought to expand their social and political power under the banner of advancing the kingdom of God. Historically, western Christian mission efforts have often been intertwined with empire building. In the contemporary United States, white Christian nationalists frequently reference the kingdom of God in their bid for dominance. This chapter will explore how soteriological and eschatological visions linked to this metaphor have animated many white Christians in the United States, providing them with an imperialistic cultural mandate and a sense of having a favored status as God’s ambassadors. The chapter also proposes an alternative vision for social and political engagement among white Christians by re-engaging the metaphor of the basileia tou Theou as the ever-present domain or path of God’s love and justice.

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Visions of the Good Life

Salvation, Church, and Mission in the Secular West

Series: Theology and Mission in World Christianity, Volume: 36

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004727526

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 22 Oct 2025

Subjects
- Theology and World Christianity

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Chapter 7 White Christian Nationalism, Salvation, and the Kingdom of God

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Visions of the Good Life

Salvation, Church, and Mission in the Secular West

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