Some important, contentious issues that divide Christians today.

In order to cut to the chase and just focus on these key afore-mentioned five issues that I see dividing Christians today, including normally sound in doctrine and sincerely practising types, I will add an appendix, showing the answers Meta AI has given me to five questions I posed that are relevant to what it is I want to discuss. I do so because defining terms is important to help allay possible misunderstanding. The responses I was given, whilst not saying everything one might want/need to know, are good starting points for me to share my own thoughts on five contentious subjects I find among today’s Christians, while presenting my own position …

1. What is Christian Nationalism?
2. What is Gnosticism?
3. What is Idolatry?
4. Plans for introducing Digital IDs in the UK
5. Britain recognising the state of Palestine

What I will share is work in progress and it does not represent my final, definitive position, as there is much I don’t know and I am ever learning. I recognise too that good people offer different perspectives, many of which are valid. Due to the axioms people hold onto, their life experiences and influencers, and what information they have had to help shape their opinions, they often see things differently. I hope as ever that there is room for respectfully agreeing to disagree and maintaining dialogue. I do so, however, with a degree of righteous indignation, having been watching on my wall on what is going on for many a year and seeing things others, including good Christians, often don’t see, as set out in my recent “Responding to people, especially Christians, who don’t get “It”, and what is “It”?” (see here) blog, being mindful of how easy (and this applies to all sides of any debate on world events) it is to demonise and dismiss those who do see things differently, and just as easily (and again this applies to all sides) it is to succumb to some form of deception, which Jesus warned would happen in these End Times, and which happens to be evident among many/most and is made manifest in many different ways.

Thoughts on Christian Nationalism

I am reminded of and agree with the words of the late David Pawson that the only “isms” he could fully support are Baptism and Evangelism. As for any other “ism”, these need to be approached, at best, with cautious scepticism. One of my reasons for writing my “don’t get “It”” post was that people like me, who viewed the likes of the late Charlie Kirk, Tommy Robinson and Donald Trump in such a positive light, are often accused of being Christian Nationalists, with that term being afforded negative connotations. This is my response.

When I considered Meta AI’s take on Christian Nationalism, I found that I was much in agreement with a lot of what what I found, albeit dissenting on certain points, and much of what “Christian Nationalists” are supposed to believe. I have also long been of the view that Nationalism is preferable to Globalism, the antithetical, dominant ideology in recent years. It is the one that has been largely adopted by the populist backlash to globalism that we are seeing throughout the world. While not necessarily in wholesale agreement, e.g. when hopes are placed in individuals and systems that leave God out, many of the concerns expressed by those who are accused of being Christian Nationalists are ones that I share. Yet coupled to that is my belief that the Gospel is for all nations and the true Church Christ is building is from all nations.

Of course, “Nationalism” can be a form of idolatry (which I will get to) and can be and is used as a stick to oppress foreigners and ignore other factors contributing to our national demise, besides that of a lack of patriotic fervour and national pride. My reading of the Bible is that God has instituted nationhood and has, is and will deal with nations. The two examples found in the Bible of nations coming together in a global alliance: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) and the Beast System (Revelation 13) also brought God’s condemnation. A major reason my country (England) hast lost its way is that it has ditched its Christian heritage and traditions and has allowed ideologies, typically based on a toxic mix of Islam, Marxism and political correctness, seen in part as a result of allowing immigration of the wrong kind, along with globalist ideas to take hold and people who have little love for Christian belief to push their falsehoods.  

Thoughts on modern day Gnosticism

I was recently struck as a result of reading an article, titled “To My Friends Who Can See” (see here), where the presenter, I believe to be a real Christian, argued all sorts of “way out” things were happening in the world, many deemed by (quite possibly) many/most Christians who have given such matters thought as false claims and unfounded conspiracy theory. I was rebuked by a respected Christian minister friend for sharing the video on my Facebook page (as always doing so with my test and weigh caveat) because it was supposedly pushing a modern form of Gnosticism. I am open to correction and, while some of the claims could be disputed, most of which I believe are factual with maybe a few coming under the “I can’t be sure” and “wait and see” categories.  

It did get me thinking again about the Gnostic heresy that emerged in the early years of the Christian church, along with the words of “the Preacher” in the Book of Ecclesiastes, who argued there is “nothing new under the sun”, including, I daresay, today’s Gnosticism. But regarding the video, whilst she expressed knowledge many don’t possess (the often tell-tale sign someone is a Gnostic), unlike first/second century CE Gnostics, I did not see anything contradicting Bible teaching, and the Gospel message shared at the end was better than that coming out of many modern-day pulpits. Without wanting to be too controversial, I have found, and such is the subtle nature of deception, signs of Gnostic thinking both among Charismatics and Calvinists.

This video presenter saw what many Christian leaders fail to see and, if true, should be welcomed rather than dismissed. I wish, for example, more Christian leaders had seen the Covid “pandemic” and the “vaccine” that went with it to be an unhealthy scam rather than condemning those folk who questioned the official narrative, pointing to a dastardly plot, as Gnostics, or can see through some of the scams to do with controlling money. Even so, among the many deceptions being seen today, is that which claims knowledge that is hidden to others, such that claimants put down others who see things differently. I have little doubt that Gnosticism has frequently reared its ugly head throughout history and am pretty sure there are many false teachers around today who promote Gnosticism, but we must be careful when accusing others of this heresy who see things differently and often in my experience correctly.

Thoughts on Christians succumbing to Idolatry

The more I study the Bible, the more I am coming to a view that the number one sin, e.g. regarding the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, and which incurred God’s judgement, was idolatry. Idolatry comes in many shapes and forms and none of us are immune. This applies just as much to the New Testament, e.g. John ends his first epistle with the words: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” 1 John 5: 21. Pertinent to what we have been discussing in the last two sections, this could include putting one’s own nation before caring for those from other nations and seeking knowledge ahead the life God wants us to live. The first example of idolatry in the Bible occurred in the Garden of Eden where, instead of eating fruit from the Tree of Life, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

I include idolatry in my list of subjects which divide Christians today as I often see someone on one side of an argument accusing someone on the other of idolatry. I was once touched reading the story of a famous preacher (I think it was John Newton) who forgot his words when preaching from the pulpit, but in humility he came to recognise that the sin of idolatry in his case could have been the need to feel wanted / needed / useful. My point is: wherever one stands on some the issues I have locked horns on with other Christians, that none of us are immune from the sin of idolatry and God requires us all to seek Him first and foremost.

Thoughts on plans for introducing Digital IDs in the UK

I am no fan of the current Kier Starmer led UK government and neither am I keen on any of the main opposition parties: Conservative, LibDem, Greens and Reform. I have given my reasons in previous blogs, including the view that this is the worst UK government that I have come across in my lifetime, with one bad decision shortly coming after the previous one (with most of the decisions being bad). I am the view that our succession of bad governments is part of God’s judgment on the nation and take comfort He both raises up and deposes rulers. The recently announced plans to introduce/mandate digital IDs, something attempted but failed under the Tony Blair government, is the latest in a long line of bad policies announced by this government.

I am in no two minds that the move to introduce digital IDs is not just another bad decision and an unnecessary one but is yet another example of the Hegelian Dialectic playing out before us (by creating a problem, eliciting a reaction, and providing the solution that was intended all along) and having the nefarious intent of controlling the population and punishing dissent. As I write, the number signing the petition, including me, opposing the plan exceeds 2 million. Yet I sense this is one more indicator we are moving toward the Beast system and, while I hope those who oppose this measure will win, we must also prepare for the worst. Of course, we could have a populist uprising in the light of wide scale opposition to this and much else happening in the UK and as ever I pray for righteous and peaceful outcomes, an awakened church and a turning to God.

Thoughts on Britain recognising the state of Palestine

I have thought long and hard on the subject of Israel and Palestine and while my views have evolved over a long period, I have not shied away from my belief that the nation of Israel was specially chosen by God following the covenants He made with Abraham and Moses, which includes promises of the land, some of which is part of modern-day Israel, and those covenants have NOT been rescinded despite historically most Israelis having rejected the Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Nor has Israel has been replaced by the Church, for the Bible teaches that Israel has a glorious future.

Where I may differ from some of my pro-Israel Christian friends is I am not convinced that the leadership of the current nation of Israel has acted entirely justly towards those who identify as Palestinian, living in the land of Israel. I do not believe there has ever been a Palestinian nation and most “Palestinians” living in Israel originate from surrounding Arab nations. Even so, some can trace back their own family ties living in the land going back several generations and before most Israeli settlers. Tragically, many they have been used as political pawns and have been treated badly – both by Israelis and other Palestinians. I have gone on record saying that, while I have a love for Israel based on my understanding of the Bible, including the Hebrew scriptures, arguing that all criticism of Israel is NOT tantamount to antisemitism and that there are bad “Jewish” actors.

Logic defies recognising a state when there has never been one and in that the Palestinian leadership has been hostile toward Israel, evidenced from the attacks made from Gaza and the words coming from the mouths of that leadership that demonstrate its intent in the destruction of Israel. I also believe in the notion that God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel (my recent reading of Ezekiel 35 confirms this). I fear for my own country and believe that this recent act of folly and rebellion against a righteous God in wanting to divide up the land and recognising the State of Palestine, that we will further incur His wrath and judgment.

In concluding, much as I would want to convince people, especially real Christians, of my position concerning the five matters discussed, I recognised some, maybe many, will see things differently. My main concern is not so much people are right on these matters but rather they are right with God and are earnestly contending for the faith. In recent days, I have seen the words heresy and apostacy banded around and have even been called a heretic or apostate for my beliefs. It is sad when real Christians fall out – for one thing strength comes from unity. Speaking personally, I can live with that in the light of what I said about idolatry which also involves death to one’s ego. Undoubtedly, we are living in momentous days, where Satan attacks from without and from within. Our task is a straight forward one – to fear God and live accordingly – for the honour and glory of God, and Him alone.

APPENDIX

What is Christian Nationalism?

Christian nationalism is an ideology that combines Christian faith with national identity, advocating for a political system that reflects specific Christian doctrines. It prioritizes promoting Christian values and laws in governance and societal structures. This movement often emphasizes preserving a nation’s Christian heritage and identity.

Key Elements of Christian Nationalism:

– Desire for Traditional Social Hierarchy: Christian nationalists prefer a society with defined social roles, often based on gender, sexuality and family structure, with men leading and women supporting.

– Commitment to Strong Ethno-Racial Boundaries: This involves prioritizing certain groups, often white, natural-born citizens, over others, potentially limiting access to citizenship benefits and democracy for marginalized groups.

– Emphasis on Populism and Perceived Victimhood: Christian nationalists often demand obedience to authority and may endorse violence to achieve their goals, framing themselves as defenders of their nation’s values and identity.

– Promoting Certain Economic Systems: They tend to support free-market capitalism and are wary of government intervention in the economy, particularly regarding racially coded government spending like welfare.

– Infusing Biblical Principles into Governance: Christian nationalists aim to align national policies and laws with their interpretation of biblical values, potentially impacting issues like LGBTQ+ rights, family structure and education.

Manifestations and Implications:

Christian nationalism can manifest in various ways, including:

– Politics: Politicians may use religious rhetoric to appeal to Christian nationalist voters, framing policy debates in moral terms.

– Cultural Expressions: Promoting cultural products, such as music, literature and films, that emphasize conservative Christian values and narratives.

– Social and Public Policy: Advocating for laws and policies that reflect Christian values, potentially impacting issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and education.

Critics argue that Christian nationalism can lead to exclusion, division and oversimplification of complex moral issues, potentially marginalizing diverse perspectives within society.

What is Gnosticism?

Gnosticism is an ancient spiritual movement that emphasizes personal knowledge and direct experience of the divine. At its core, Gnosticism is about seeking gnosis, or spiritual insight, to transcend material limitations and attain spiritual freedom.

Key Principles:

– Dualism: Gnostics believe in a fundamental distinction between the material and spiritual worlds, with the material world being flawed or corrupt.

– Divine Spark: Humans possess a divine spark within themselves, which can be awakened through spiritual practices and gnosis.

– Gnosis: Gnostics seek direct, personal knowledge of the divine, which is considered essential for salvation.

– Rejection of Material World: Gnostics often view the material world as inferior or evil, created by a lesser deity known as the Demiurge.

Gnostic Cosmology:

– Pleroma: The realm of divine fullness, home to the true God and other spiritual beings.

– Aeons: Divine emanations or beings that exist within the Pleroma.

– Sophia: A key figure in Gnostic mythology, often associated with wisdom and the divine feminine.

Influence and Legacy:

– Early Christianity: Gnosticism emerged in the early centuries of Christianity, influencing Christian thought and mysticism.

– Western Thought: Gnosticism has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy, mysticism, and literature.

– Modern Spirituality: Gnostic ideas continue to inspire modern spiritual movements and alternative spirituality.

What is Idolatry?

Idolatry typically involves the worship or reverence of idols, images, or objects as if they were divine or held spiritual significance. This can manifest in various forms, including:

– Religious Idolatry: Worshiping statues, images, or objects as representations of deities or spiritual entities.

– Cultural Idolatry: Excessive admiration or devotion to celebrities, wealth, power, or other earthly pursuits, often at the expense of more meaningful values.

– Psychological Idolatry: Obsessive attachment to certain ideas, emotions, or experiences that become all-consuming.

Idolatry can be seen as a form of misplaced priorities, where the focus shifts from the divine or true values to something more tangible or fleeting. Different cultures and belief systems have varying perspectives on what constitutes idolatry and how to address it.

Plans for introducing Digital IDs in the UK

The UK government plans to introduce a digital ID scheme to combat illegal working and make it easier for citizens to access vital government services. Here’s what you need to know:

– Mandatory for Right to Work checks: Digital IDs will be required for Right to Work checks by the end of the current Parliament, expected to be around 2029.

– Digital ID details: The ID will include name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo for biometric security.

– Storage and accessibility: Digital IDs will be stored on people’s phones, similar to the NHS App or contactless payment cards. Citizens won’t need to carry their IDs or produce them daily, but they’ll need to have a digital ID to prove their identity when required.

– Security measures: The system will use state-of-the-art encryption and user authentication to ensure data security. If a phone is lost or stolen, digital credentials can be immediately revoked and reissued.

– Inclusion and accessibility: The government aims to ensure the scheme works for those who aren’t able to use a smartphone, with a public consultation engaging with digitally excluded groups like the homeless and older people.

– Benefits: Digital IDs will simplify identity checks, reduce identity theft, and preserve privacy by only sharing relevant information for specific scenarios.

Potential Uses:

– Accessing government services: Digital IDs will streamline access to services like driving licenses, childcare, and welfare.

– Private services: Citizens may be able to use digital IDs to access private services, such as banking or buying age-restricted products.

Concerns and Debates:

– Civil liberties: Some campaigners have expressed concerns about mass surveillance and the potential for digital IDs to enable a “checkpoint society”.

– Effectiveness: Others question whether digital IDs will effectively tackle unauthorized immigration and illegal working.

Britain recognising the state of Palestine

Britain formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, 2025, alongside close allies Canada and Australia. This historic decision aims to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path toward lasting peace for both Israeli and Palestinian people.

Key Points:

– Two-State Solution: The UK’s recognition of Palestine is grounded in its commitment to a two-state solution, allowing Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully with recognized borders.

– Palestinian Self-Determination: The decision affirms the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and supports their aspirations for statehood.

– International Efforts: The UK’s recognition is part of coordinated international efforts to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, addressing governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza.

– Conditions for Peace: The UK government emphasizes that recognition alone won’t change the situation on the ground and demands the Palestinian Authority conduct extensive reforms, including organizing new elections within a year of a ceasefire.

– Stance on Hamas: The UK views Hamas as a terrorist organization that opposes the two-state solution and demands its disarmament and release of hostages.

This move is seen as a crucial step toward preserving the prospect of a two-state solution, which is considered the only path to lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.