The Christian Commonwealth

 The Christian Commonwealth


With all the talk these days (in the United States, in particular), with regard to whether our nation should be capitalist or communist, socialist or Muslim--along with the discussion (especially in theological circles) concerning something called "Christian Nationalism"--I thought I would add to the equation a dimension that could be the practical solution to it all.

 

. . . As we prepare to celebrate our country's 250th birthday (on July 4), it may be good for us to back up another 155 and a half years or so, to 1620.  In December of that year, the Pilgrims arrived on these shores (at Plymouth [now Massachusetts]); and they established their "City On a Hill," their "Christian Commonwealth."

 

Someone might say, "Yes, but that ideal is impossible to replicate today"; but my answer would be, "Not so fast. This may indeed be possible." . . . But, before we pursue that issue, let us consider some of the advantages of "The Chrisian Commonwealth," that clearly outshine all the other competitors (mentioned above, in the first paragraph).  First of all, "The Christian Commonwealth" reigns-in unbridled, avarice-filled godless capitalism.  Secondly, it would establish the supremacy of the Christian ethic in the nation, affirming the Biblical mandate of private property--thus doing away with communism as an option.  Socialism, though having some superficial affinities with "The Christian Commonwealth" would not be necessary--since this better "Commonwealth" of which we speak would have real heart and faith involved in it.  It should go without saying, that Islam, or any other religion would not qualify at all--since they enslave their adherents, (and our desire is for liberty and grace [all in Jesus]).

 

In very brief general outline, here is how I would envision the return of and the glory of "The Christian Commonwealth." . . . Initially, like all other good things in the world, it would need to start in the faithful, Christ-loving churches.  Christians would pray for their leaders (as per 1 Tim. 2:1 ff.); and they would be faithful practitioners of the "Cultural Madate," the privilege of saturating an entire society with the preaching and love of Christ in His gospel.  Next, flowing from this, government (especially in the USA), would be understood and construed as "essentially-Christian" in its inception, purpose, continuance, and goals.  We should highlight and glory in the fabric of the American republic, as being largely framed by and founded on Christian ideals (the Pilgrims and the early Puritans); and Spirit-wrought liberty (via the First Great Awakening).

 

Churched Christians would then lead the way in propounding lifestyles that are focused, not on self, but on others: first, Christ, then, the rest of His church, and finally, everyone else in society.  Generosity, borne out of loving faith would then begin to infiltrate all of culture.  A "commonwealth" is largely that: a "commonality" with regard to "wealth."  This would not imply any "contrivance"--but it would make the happily-accepted-new-norm, a culture of love, caring, and sharing.

 

All systems of government or economics that neglect the existence and power of Christ, His gospel, and His church are doomed to failure.  It seems to me that the renewed conception of "The Christian Commonwealth" is the obvious, fresh, and radical answer that is available to us, if we are wise enough to pursue it.

 

If all of this seems completely unattainable (to our faithless minds), we should ask ourselves: "How did we ever get to the place of glory that our nation ever did attain?"  And the answer is, "The grace, gospel, church, and Spirit of God in Jesus Christ."

 

We may be at a "crossroads" because we need to renew our church covenant with God--especially as it relates to all things civil.


[Addendum on 6/29/26 . . . To be clear, I am not advocating that everyone who comes to this country must be Christian.  I am not even concerned that all its civil leaders must be Christians--so long as they support Christian values.  Instead, I am proposing a culture dominated by Christianity's Christ and gospel--via the true church's prevailing influence of love.  Anti-christianity has no place in any culture--especially one that has been singularity blessed by the true and Triune God.]

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #113

29 June 2026

 

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com

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