Only in the convoluted realm of elite evangelicalism could a genuine call to repentance be mistaken for rebellion.
David French recently expressed his unease about a phenomenon he perceives as brewing in Christian America. Contrary to the upbeat reports of a Christian revival underway, French warns us that we are witnessing not revival, but a “religious revolution.”
Revival, he contends, naturally prompts a turning inward, encouraging individuals to declare, “I have sinned.” But the so-called MAGA Christianity, which he criticizes, boldly shifts the focus outward—demanding instead, “You have sinned.” This perspective does not merely seek to reform but aims to overturn the current political framework, advocating for a religious order reminiscent of historical theocracies.
Let’s be clear: when these figures label themselves as “conservative,” they often have radical agendas. Many conservative Christians ardently wish to dismantle the foundational principles of pluralism and individual liberty in America, striving to position their interpretation of Christianity at the forefront of our political landscape.
French acknowledges a resurgence of Christian involvement in politics, education, and culture. Yet instead of viewing this as a positive development, he perceives it as a risk. He argues that ordinary Christians championing communities based on biblical values are perilously close to authoritarianism.
What he fails to recognize is that this awakening is a hallmark of genuine renewal—a movement of Christians refusing to shy away from public convictions. Revival, after all, will appear revolutionary to those content with societal decay.
### A Faith Fully Engaged
French’s trepidation reveals a deeper issue: a domesticated theology that relegates faith to a private sphere, separating it from public allegiance to Christ. For him, repentance is only valid within the confines of individual conscience. But true Christian faith cannot be so reduced; repentance involves returning to God collectively, transforming not just individuals but families, communities, and ultimately, culture itself.
Every authentic revival—from the reforms of King Josiah to the Great Awakenings—has provoked unease among those entrenched in the status quo. Genuine repentance has public ramifications, challenging the very idols upheld by society. The Gospel doesn’t merely save souls; it heralds the establishment of a new Kingdom, reordering reality around the lordship of Jesus.
When French frets about a radical Christian agenda, he misinterprets the pursuit of Kingdom principles as an insatiable quest for power. This critique is not just misguided; it’s slanderous.
These Christians are not power-hunters; they are defenders of ultimate truth, refusing to bow to the false idols of our society.
### Confronting the Current Order
The “existing order” French champions is far from neutral. It advances an anti-God agenda that labels confusion as compassion, and sin as a legitimate lifestyle choice while vilifying moral clarity as a threat to democracy. This order promotes cultural absurdities, such as drag queens entertaining children and euphemistic terminology for abortion.
Yet, French seems far more concerned with the Christians daring to speak out against this moral decline than with the social chaos itself. This so-called “respectable” form of Christianity demands silence in the face of an increasingly godless culture. It reflects a fear of conviction being mistaken for cruelty, but a faith that never offends the world will never transform it.
Jesus did not die to make the world comfortable; He died to make individuals new—new lives fervently aligned with His Kingdom inevitably reshape society.
Call it “Christian nationalism” or whatever term you prefer, the truth remains: the Kingdom of Heaven means that faithful Christians are actively pursuing obedience in their communities. And a world aligned with Christian principles requires a concerted effort to confront and dismantle the idols of our time.
There’s indeed a revolution taking place—not in Washington, but in homes and churches across America. Christians are repenting, rebuilding, and reorienting their lives around God’s Kingdom.
### Revolution for the Kingdom
This brings us back to the start: only in elite evangelical circles does true repentance appear as rebellion.
However, what if this portrayal is exactly what we should expect in a culture entranced by self-worship—one that not only rejects God but aspires to usurp His authority?
French perceives danger where there is deliverance—a generation of Christians awakening to their responsibilities, tiring of compromise. They refuse to bow to the pressures of a secular culture, demonstrating courage where he sees cruelty. The reality is straightforward: one cannot experience revival without resistance, and in an age that worships false idols, repentance is always branded as subversion.
If repentance signifies a true return to God, then this revolution unfolds as more individuals commit to it.
