In this episode, we tackle the contested and often misunderstood question of Christian Nationalism. With two guests offering opposing perspectives—David Ramirez arguing in favor and Peter Burfeind raising concerns—we explore what the term actually means, where it comes from, and whether it can be squared with Lutheran theology. The conversation probes the relationship between Church and state, the limits of political authority, the nature of Christ’s kingdom, and the risks of confusing the Gospel with national identity. Our aim is not heat, but clarity—testing claims carefully, naming real points of disagreement, and helping listeners think more precisely about faith, nation, and Christian witness in the public square.
Links:
Books/Articles:
"The Challenge of History: Luther's Two Kingdoms Theology as a Test Case" by Prof. Cameron MacKenzie
http://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/mackenziechallengeofhistory.pdf
Gnostic America by Pr. Peter Burfiend
https://www.amazon.com/Gnostic-America-Contemporary-according-Christianitys/dp/0692260498
Martin Luther and Religious Liberty by Pr. David P. Ramirez
https://www.academia.edu/89633865/Martin_Luther_and_Religious_Liberty
"Are Rulers to Uphold both Tables of the Law" by Pr. David Ramirez
https://cc.lutherclassical.org/summer-2025/are-rulers-to-uphold-both-tables-of-the-law/
Interviews (in chronological order):
Christian Nationalism-The Gottesdienst Crowd
https://www.gottesdienst.org/podcast/2022/11/2/tgc-232-christian-nationalism
Biermann-Ramirez Debate on Christian Nationalism-On The Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIru3RAff28
A Christian Response to Christian Nationalism-Issues, Etc.
https://issuesetc.org/2025/10/09/a-christian-response-to-christian-nationalism-pr-peter-burfeind-10-9-25-2822/
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Host: Fr. Jason Braaten
Regular Guest: Fr. David Ramirez
Special Guest: Fr. Peter Burfeind
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