The Case Against Theocracy
Why a Christian Nation Isn’t the Way of Jesus
Something is happening in American Christianity.
There is an increase in the use of theocratic language, i.e., talking about America as if it were a covenant nation chosen by God, meant to be governed by biblical law.
Some are openly calling for Christianity to shape public policy, saying things like, “If we want a godly nation, we need godly leaders who enforce godly laws.”
Although I am not surprised, I am deeply concerned.
At first glance, it sounds compelling. Who doesn't want a just, moral society?
But history and Jesus tell a different story.
In this month's article, I will lay out that story as I make the case against theocracy.
“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
There was a time when God ruled a nation. Ancient Israel was a theocracy; God was its king. The laws, leadership, and economy were built around God's covenant with His people.
And how did that go?
Not well.
The people constantly rebelled. They rejected God’s leadership. They wanted a human king like the nations around them. They believed political power would solve their problems. And when they finally got a king, it only led to more corruption, injustice, and, eventually, national collapse, just as God had warned them it would.
Fast forward to the New Testament.
The Jewish people were living under Roman rule, waiting for a Messiah to restore their theocracy, overthrow their oppressors, and re-establish God’s kingdom on earth.
Jesus showed up and failed to meet their expectations.
Instead, He said things like:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
It was a stunning rejection of theocratic power and a reminder that Jesus isn’t interested in establishing a kingdom according to human standards.
Fast forward to modern America.
One of the biggest lies often perpetuated in American Christianity is the idea that America is God's chosen nation.
It is not.
Don’t get me wrong; yes, Christianity has profoundly shaped Western culture to include America's history and values.
But America is a democracy, not a kingdom.
The Constitution was explicitly written to separate church and state to promote religious freedom and reject religious rule.
And while this may ruffle a few conservative feathers, it is for good reason.
When Christians begin to believe that America should be governed as a Christian nation, we run into serious problems.
I'll conclude this article by outlining three of them.
1. It Confuses the Gospel with Political Power
One of the most dangerous traps in Christian history has been the pursuit of power in the name of God. When the church aligns too closely with the state, it often loses its mission.
Jesus never called His followers to take over governments. He never instructed His disciples to seize political control or enforce morality through the law.
When Christians seek political dominance over cultural influence, they shift the focus from the transformation of the heart to the legislation of behavior, which Jesus never modeled.
When visions of power tempted His disciples, He corrected them:
“Jesus called them together and said, ’You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
Christianity is at its best when it remains distinct from political power, serves the poor, advocates for justice, and proclaims the good news.
2. It Weaponizes Faith
Faith is an invitation, not a mandate.
Throughout the Bible, God never forces people to follow Him. From the Garden of Eden to the teachings of Jesus, faith has always been about love, not coercion.
When Christianity is enforced through law, it stops being a personal commitment and becomes a system of control.
Look at church history. Any time the state has attempted to mandate faith, it has led to religious oppression and political corruption.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, one of the offers put before Him was political control:
“The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’”
Jesus said no.
So why would we accept it now?
3. It Sets a Dangerous Precedent
One of the most significant blind spots in Christian nationalism is that it assumes Christianity will always be the ruling faith.
But what happens when another group takes power?
When some Christians argue that we should use the government to enforce religious values, we have to ask: whose values?
If Christianity can legislate morality today, what happens if another religion gains power tomorrow?
If religious laws are used to govern, what happens when those laws no longer align with biblical teaching?
If we say the government should privilege our faith, what happens when it privileges someone else’s?
History gives us plenty of examples of theocracy gone wrong.
The same system that benefits Christians today could just as quickly be turned against us in the future.
The only way to protect religious freedom is to ensure that the government remains neutral in matters of faith, protecting all beliefs, not just ours.
Work These Words
So what’s the alternative? How do we remain faithful witnesses?
1. Engage in politics, but don’t make it an idol.
Vote. Speak up. Advocate for justice. But never put your hope in a politician or a party to do what only God can do.
2. Champion religious freedom.
A government that protects religious liberty for everyone ensures Christianity can flourish on its own merit, not through force.
3. Follow Jesus’ example.
He changed the world without a seat in government, not by taking power, but by giving it up.
Because in the end, America will pass away like every other nation.
But the Kingdom of God will remain.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”