Christian Nationalism Through the Eyes of Former CIA Analyst Paul D. Miller

In this episode of Faithful Politics, hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Professor Paul D. Miller, a Georgetown scholar and former CIA analyst, to explore Christian nationalism and its impact on faith, politics, and national identity. Miller critiques the belief that America is a Christian nation whose government should enforce that identity, arguing it contradicts the principles of both Christianity and democracy.

The conversation examines Donald Trump’s influence on modern theology and how his rhetoric has reshaped the way many Christians perceive the relationship between their faith and the state. Drawing on his global expertise, Miller also discusses how Christian nationalism in nations like Russia impacts American foreign policy and national security, offering insights into just war theory and the ethical responsibilities of governments in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Israel.

Miller closes with a message of hope, reminding listeners of the enduring strength of democracy and the higher citizenship Christians hold in the Kingdom of Heaven. This episode invites reflection on living out faith in a politically charged world.

The Religion of American Greatness What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism

Guest Bio:

Paul D. Miller (PhD, Georgetown University) is Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and co-chair of the Global Politics and Security concentration. He spent a decade in public service as director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff, an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, and a military intelligence officer in the US Army. Miller's writing has appeared in Foreign Affairs, The Dispatch, The Washington Post, Providence Magazine, Mere Orthodoxy, The Gospel Coalition, Foreign Policy, and elsewhere. He is the author of Just War and Ordered Liberty.