It’s interesting to consider that since I first wrote about Nehemiah in 2019, the concept of an overtly “Christian nationalism” has become more mainstream (or, at least, “mainstream” in the fringe circles of the Internet I inhabit).  What exactly “Christian nationalism” looks like or entails is unclear, but it’s a concept that sounds pretty sensible:  a predominantly Christian people should have a nation governed by broadly Christian principles.

Of course, the thorniness of the concept crops up as one enters the thickets and weeds of the particulars.  But isn’t that the case for any civic arrangement?  “Republicanism” and “democracy” are pretty broad terms that take on various permutations depending on the culture, peoples, and places that adopt them; America’s constitutionally-limited federal republic and Nigeria’s are pretty similar on paper, but vastly different in implementation.  The labels just give us a broad idea of the kind of government and civil society at play, not the detailed particulars.  As such, one could reasonably expect “Christian nationalism” to look quite different in, say, Italy than it would in the United States

Regardless, it certainly seems as though, in most states, tribes, kingdoms, empires, etc., throughout history, religion and government were inextricably intertwined.  If a nation-state is a collection of a particular people within a particular geographic region, it would make sense that their faith would play a major role in their political, cultural, and national decision-making.

It’s an interesting concept to ponder, and brings to mind a religious revival that resulted in a political revival for the ancient Israelites as they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem under the faithful guidance of Nehemiah, who trust God deeply and fully.

With that, here is 6 March 2025’s “TBT^256: Nehemiah and National Renewal“:

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Ah, yes, another timeless TPP classic—my highly politicized commentary on Nehemiah.  It’s a powerful story of God’s people working together and placing their faith and trust in Him, overcoming formidable odds in the process.  It’s a great “But God” story—rebuilding this wall would have been impossible but for God.

From an historical standpoint, the story is also an important reminder that the life cycle of nations is often cyclical.  Perhaps no people understood that better than the Hebrews, who were often the cause of their own misery, thanks to their tendency to forget about God as soon as things got comfortable.  That sin is not unique to the Hebrews, ancient or modern; it is an affliction all peoples in all times have struggled to resist.

We’re in a moment of national renewal in the United States.  Let us remember, when the times are good again, that it was Divine Providence—God—that allowed us this reprieve, this second chance.

With that, here is 14 March 2024’s “TBT^16: Nehemiah and National Renewal“:

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Ah, yes—Nehemiah.  One of my favorite books of the Bible.  What’s not to like?  A group of scrappy underdogs work together against the machinations of their enemies to build a wall.  They do it by trusting God.

When I first wrote this post way back in 2019, my most religious readers were quick to point out that, while I focused on Nehemiah building the wall, I skimped out on discussing God’s Role.  It was a fair, if slightly self-righteous, criticism.  Without God, there would have been no rebuilding of the wall.

That’s an important point:  without God, any “national renewal” would be fleeting, if it were possible at all.  Thank you to my slightly self-righteous readers for reminding me of that fact.

With that, here is 30 March 2023’s “TBT^4: Nehemiah and National Renewal“:

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