Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Modern Judas

Judas did not betray Jesus because he was insufficiently religious. He betrayed Jesus because he could not accept the kind of kingdom Jesus announced.

Like many in first-century Israel, Judas likely hoped for a Messiah who would restore national greatness, defeat foreign domination, and secure God’s favour for his people. When Jesus instead spoke of loving enemies, serving the least, refusing violence, and suffering at the hands of empire, Judas chose another vision of salvation. He traded the kingdom of God for a kingdom that looked more familiar, more forceful, more immediately effective.

That is why Christian nationalism is not merely a political mistake. It is a theological one. It confesses a different gospel.

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