The simple answer is NO! I am not sure how you are reacting to this assertion of mine or even if you will continue reading but one thing I am sure of is that if you go beyond the basic idea and actually attempt to conceptualize what a Christian country would look like you will most likely arrive at a similar conclusion. If you are still along for the ride, let’s work through this together.

What are some examples of nations that have religion as their defining culture?

Most often countries governed solely by values based in religion are the ones that have the least freedom. The marriage of church and state or maybe a better way of putting it is religion and state has created some of the most oppressive regimes throughout history. The Catholic church, and the church of England both had great influence on governments in the past and both were involved in oppression of people who were Christian but not their brand of Christianity. Relying on the government of the day, often an unelected government (King) meant opinions that differ could make you an enemy of the church (Luther – Catholicism, Wesley – Church of England) and therefore the state, meaning you could land in jail and even be executed. This was not freedom; this was not democracy.

Those were state churches prone to corruption?

That is true of the past and is presently true in other religion defined countries around the world. Countries with Islamic regimes also jail and execute those who do not share the official views of the government. Where elections are held, they are usually not free or truly democratic elections. Even fellow Muslims with differing interpretations of their religion are persecuted and officially or unofficially banned from positions of power.

But Christianity is different, isn’t it?

Is it? I know answering a question with a question can be annoying but, in this case, it is an important question to ask. I believe that Roman Catholics and Anglicans (Church of England) would call themselves Christians and yet their churches have had direct influence on governing bodies. But I’m an evangelical, that’s different, isn’t it? Here comes a statement that will be probably the most controversial thing I will ever say. Evangelicals, more traditional churches, and wait for it, here it comes, Muslims, Hindus, and any other religion including atheists are all the same.

Did you just say all religions are the same?

Yes, I did! And before you say Christianity is not a religion it’s a relationship let me clarify; all systems of faith are the same. You may not agree but “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23 (NIV). Not only have all sinned but we are all still sinning. The ways of the world, the desire for personal power or at least someone in power to conform others to our belief system is the insecurity that plays out in the life all humans. We try to address our fears by implementing systems and relationships that make us feel that we are in the right. From totalitarian regimes to democratic systems of government, the one thing that remains the same is the desire to make the country in the image of those who are in power. Democracy simply takes the power and once every election presents it to the people in such a way that they feel they have some say. Still, we are still left with the original question…

Is Democracy Compatible With being a truly Christian Country?

I still say NO! Both historically and currently, governments that attempt to enforce a religious point of view cannot survive unless people are no longer given the right to vote. To force people to live out the values of any religion for an extended period of time, requires that the right to change the government, to vote, be removed. Democracy must die. We have seen this and we continue to see this in the Middle East, China, parts of Africa and South America.

Some Christians might say that it’s okay as long as it is Christian values that are enshrined into law. I guess I am alright with that, I mean, life would be a lot easier if all the non-Christians had to live according to my values. This would make me feel better about me, but it leads to another question, what set of values are truly the values of Christianity? If you’re a conservative Baptist type and the laws of the land not only allowed women to preach but required each church to have some woman pastors, is that the Christian country you want? If you are a Pentecostal and your right to speak in tongues was legislated away or your ability to preach that divine healing is a direct result of faith was outlawed, is that the Christian country you want. In your Christian version of a country, should woman be allowed to vote and work, I ask this because there is a part of the MAGA movement that has its eyes on demoting woman to second class citizens. What if more progressive people who consider themselves Christians take control? Are you willing to give up your right to present your biblical understanding of LGBTQ issues if it differs from theirs?

To make a country “Christian” democracy must die and…

…all dissenting forms of Christianity must also die but the biggest death is the death of the presentation of the gospel. That’s right, evangelism becomes the responsibility of the state through its legislative powers. Maybe you like this idea. Maybe you believe that it means more people will become Christians. Could be, but more likely the truth of the Bible will place a distant second to the truth that those in power insist is of God. We create a world that does not hate us because it cannot legally do so, but Jesus said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19 (NIV)

I could be wrong but my right to say any of this will be gone if the state, under the guise of being Christian, decides I am wrong.