Social Transformation
The recent publication of a book outlining five views on Christian nationalism reveals competing visions for social transformation.
At CFBU, our model for social transformation emphasizes a bottom-up approach. We believe gospel preaching is the foundation, rather than the final step, in social transformation.
Our vision for cultural renewal draws on insights from various public theologians, including Francis Schaeffer, Dr. Andrew T. Walker and Dr. Joe Boot. Boot calls the gospel “a transformational message for the totality of life,” rather than what we often reduce it to: spiritual “fire insurance.” From a holistic biblical worldview, social transformation begins as individuals hear and receive the good news. The gospel’s power extends beyond individual salvation to every area of life. As the gospel spreads, people repent and believe, and lives are transformed.
As the Holy Spirit changes hearts and renews minds, Christians disciple their children and other believers within the local church, continue to preach the gospel, and see more lives impacted. Over time, transformed lives lead to transformed culture as God’s kingdom advances.
The Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approach
Contemporary social justice movements and some forms of Christian nationalism tend to take a top-down approach to social transformation, emphasizing structural and institutional change. They prioritize changing laws and public policy as a primary means of transforming society. This approach starts with institutional takeover and works its way down to the regular people as a culture becomes more Christianized through laws and policies. These versions of Christian nationalism see institutional political changes as a form of pre-evangelism, preparing people to receive the gospel and be discipled.
While we support a Christian presence in the public square and advocating for justice according to biblical standards, we do not see the top-down approach as an effective tool for lasting cultural renewal. We believe the root of all cultural problems and injustice is human sin. Systems and structures can perpetuate evil, but they are ultimately created and sustained by sinful people. Therefore, lasting cultural renewal must address the human heart.
Jesus taught and ministered with the default assumption that because of Genesis 3, we live in a world of widespread corruption and injustice. Rather than presenting political or institutional reform as the means of advancing His kingdom, Christ focuses on forming faithful disciples who know how to live in an unjust world. Through illustrations such as the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31), yeast in bread dough (Matthew 13:33), and salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), Jesus describes the pervasive influence of God’s kingdom as it spreads through individuals, communities, and ultimately the world.
Cultural Renewal Begins at Home
Because we prioritize a bottom-up approach to social transformation, we believe lasting cultural change begins with individual believers and their families. The path to a more just society starts in our homes, with discipling ourselves and our children through reading the Scriptures together, growing in our understanding of what God’s Word says about us, and learning to love our neighbors according to God’s moral law.
From there, believers plant churches, serve in the local Body of Christ, and reach out to communities with the gospel.
Over time, the gospel has a multiplying effect as the Holy Spirit works through individuals, families, churches, and communities, bringing them into alignment with God’s law by the power of His Spirit.
This does not mean Christians should withdraw from public life or refuse to pursue just laws on a local, state or national level. We should do that as well. We still pray and advocate for big moves to end unjust cultural practices, much like the example set by William Wilberforce. We think Christians should advocate for laws that protect the preborn and prosecute human traffickers. But we also believe that lasting institutional reform grows from a people whose loves, convictions, and conduct have been transformed by the gospel first.
Such cultural renewal is a long game, not a quick fix. It requires the patient work of preaching the gospel, making disciples, raising faithful families, strengthening churches, and serving our neighbors. We might not always see immediate results, but we trust that God is at work through ordinary faithfulness. As the gospel takes root and spreads outward into every sphere of life, its effects multiply across generations. This is the path to lasting social transformation.
