John MacArthur, a prominent pastor and author, has publicly rejected the concept of Christian nationalism, emphasizing that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. In his discussions, MacArthur clarifies that the responsibility of the church is not to advance the kingdoms of this world, a viewpoint he describes as faulty.
He elaborates on the separateness of the Kingdom of God from worldly nations and political systems, asserting that nothing happening politically or socially in any nation affects the advancement of God’s kingdom because it operates independently of worldly systems.
MacArthur’s comments highlight the complexity of engaging with political processes as Christians, urging a focus on righteousness and moral standards when voting, while recognizing the increasing difficulty of finding candidates who align with these values.
This stance challenges the association some may make between his theological and political conservatism with Christian nationalism. Instead, MacArthur distances himself from the belief that Christians can establish God’s kingdom on Earth through political means.
His views reflect a premillennial and dispensationalist theology, emphasizing the eventual worsening of worldly conditions before Christ’s return, contrary to postmillennialist views that might align more closely with Christian nationalist thought. MacArthur’s rejection of Christian nationalism and his emphasis on the kingdom of God being separate from earthly realms resonates with his broader theological perspective, which anticipates persecution and challenges for believers rather than dominion or triumph on Earth before Christ’s second coming.