This is an excellent summary from Joseph Spurgeon of how cultural change happens. There is a top down “elite theory” component and a bottom up “grass roots” component, and the church is central to it all since the church is both elite and grass roots, and will always be the source of spiritual renewal through her ministry of Word and sacrament. Spurgeon writes:
“In debates about Christian nationalism, people often draw a hard line. Either reformation comes from the top—leaders, laws, civil authority—or it comes from the bottom—revival, preaching, cultural repentance. Pick one, they say. But that’s not how God works.
Some argue for political strategy and legislation, aiming to bring civil government under the lordship of Christ. Others dismiss that as shallow and say we must focus only on gospel preaching and church reform. They warn that top-down reformation produces nothing but dead religion and nominal converts. They insist real change must come from the grassroots.
But Scripture and history don’t support such a narrow view.
When Jonah preached to Nineveh, the king led the charge in repentance. He called for a fast and humbled the people. But the people also turned. It was total. Top-down and bottom-up. And God relented. Some might say, “But they later fell.” Yes. And so did Israel. So did Judah. So have revivals throughout church history. The question is not whether the repentance lasted forever. The question is whether it was obedience in the moment. And it was.
Christian nationalism isn’t chasing utopia. It’s not trying to usher in heaven on earth. It’s about obedience. Real good in real time. For our children. For our people. For God’s glory.
The early church grew through bottom-up proclamation. The gospel spread through homes and synagogues, ordinary people bearing witness. But when Constantine bowed the knee, top-down change followed. Then laws changed. Then public morality shifted. Then idol temples shut down.
When King Alfred defeated the Vikings, he demanded the conversion of their leaders. And they complied. Not just in word, but in genuine fruit. Christianity took root and reshaped their people. God used Alfred’s authority to bear real, lasting fruit.
Don’t despise how God works. Sometimes He stirs the masses. Sometimes He raises up a king. Sometimes He does both. He turns the heart of the king. He pours out His Spirit on the people. This is true in nations, in churches, and in homes. When a father says, “We serve Christ now,” God honors that leadership. When a president says, “We will obey God,” that is not coercion—it is submission. And it is good.
Rulers are not above Christ. They are His servants. Their duty is to kiss the Son and govern righteously. They cannot save souls, but they can uphold justice, restrain evil, and create peace in which the gospel flourishes. That matters.
We need pastors preaching truth. We need men discipling their families. We need mothers raising children in the faith. We also need governors, presidents, and lawmakers who fear God and obey His Word. This is not either-or. It is all-in.
Those who insist it must only be bottom-up ignore the Bible and deny history. And those who have given up on the possibility of civil reformation aren’t arguing strategy—they’ve already surrendered.”
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