Navigating Patriotism, Populism, Nationalism and Faith: The Great Commission

Welcome to a new Beyond Global Waves podcast, describing how modern-day nationalisms challenge the universal Christian mission to spread Jesus Christ’s message across and beyond all national boundaries.

The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20, is a direct command from Jesus Christ to his followers to ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you‘. This foundational instruction for Christian missionary work emphasises a universal scope, calling for believers to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to share the Gospel. The commission involves spreading the message and making disciples through baptism and ongoing teaching. Jesus’ early ministry laid the groundwork for this global mission by ministering to Jews and Gentiles. The ascension of Jesus followed this commissioning, solidifying its importance as a central tenet of Christian practice.

Nationalism, on the other hand, is a political ideology that prioritises the interests of a particular nation over global cooperation. When applied to religion, nationalism can lead to the belief that Christian preaching should primarily focus on preserving a specific nation’s religious heritage, potentially restricting the reach of the Gospel. This localised approach, driven by nationalist sentiments, contradicts the inherently globalist nature of the Great Commission, which calls for reaching ‘all nations’. The early Church’s expansion beyond a single nation, with Apostles travelling extensively across the Roman Empire, demonstrates that Christianity was never intended to be confined by national borders. Therefore, a nationalist focus can limit the fulfilment of Jesus’ command for worldwide evangelism.

Global evangelism embodies the spirit of the Great Commission by aiming to spread the message of Jesus Christ across all national boundaries, recognising its universal applicability. Modern methods, such as international shortwave radio exemplified by European Gospel Radio (EGR), play a vital role in this effort by reaching remote and politically restricted areas where traditional missionary work might be challenging. EGR’s broadcasts across Europe, Africa, and Asia/Pacific demonstrate a commitment to fulfilling the command to preach to all nations, directly contrasting with more localised preaching approaches potentially influenced by nationalist ideologies. Ultimately, the Christian mission, rooted in the Great Commission, is about a kingdom that transcends earthly nations, calling people from every background to unity under God. This message contrasts the exclusionary tendencies of nationalism.

For more information on Global Evangelism, check our Pastor Guide to Broadcasting or What Christians Believe About Jesus, and How You Can Hear It Anywhere on the NEXUS-IBA blog.