In the peculiar realm of elite evangelicalism, it seems that repentance can be perceived as rebellion.
David French recently expressed concerns about something stirring in Christian America. He argues that, contrary to popular belief, the supposed Christian revival is actually a “religious revolution.”
For those accustomed to decline, revival often appears as revolution.
What’s the evidence for this claim? Well, events like January 6th certainly play a role, along with discussions on empathy among Christians and a memorial service for Charlie Kirk.
French suggests that genuine revival is rooted in personal acknowledgment of sin—people saying “I have sinned.” But he posits that MAGA Christianity sends an opposing message, focusing on blame and aggression, essentially saying, “You’ve committed a crime.” And it doesn’t stop there. This faction goes further, proclaiming, “We will defeat you,” and in more radical portions, they assert their dominance, aiming to replace the current political framework with a new order reflective of historical religious kingdoms.
It’s important to note that many Christians who identify as conservative may not actually adhere to conventional definitions of conservatism. Many express a strong desire to upend the existing structure and de-emphasize America’s commitment to pluralism and personal freedoms, placing their version of Christianity at the forefront of political life.
While French acknowledges the zeal of Christians across America, their increased engagement in various societal realms doesn’t inspire him; instead, he perceives it as a potential threat. He suggests that everyday Christians seeking to foster communities centered around Biblical values may unwittingly be endorsing authoritarianism.
What he seems unable to consider is that maybe this is a sign of authentic rebirth—Christians are growing weary of sidelining their beliefs and are starting to engage with the broader social landscape.
Ultimately, for those who have come to terms with decline, revival will invariably look like revolution.
Underlying Theological Tensions
The tensions in French’s arguments reveal deeper issues beyond mere politics. It unearths a domesticated theology that compartmentalizes faith, relegating it to a private pursuit instead of a public embodiment of allegiance to Jesus Christ.
French maintains that repentance can only be deemed safe if it remains a personal endeavor. However, Christianity inherently isn’t individualistic. The very notion of repentance—returning to God—transcends personal boundaries. The Bible doesn’t recognize the separations that French suggests.
When individuals genuinely repent and turn toward God, their transformations impact not just themselves, but also their families. This change can ripple out to communities, leading to broader cultural shifts.
Every significant revival—from King Josiah’s reforms to the Great Awakening—was perceived as political by those entrenched in the old order. This occurs because true repentance naturally has public ramifications. We cannot cast off our sins and embrace what the Apostle Paul refers to as the “new self” without ultimately challenging the idols of our cities.
The gospel does more than save souls; it establishes a new kingdom that reconfigures all reality according to King Jesus’s lordship.
Fearing Christians who are “proud to be radical” misses the actual point. French’s concerns suggest he believes these Christians are primarily striving for power and control, viewing their attempts to dismantle the “existing order” as misguided. This interpretation is not only lazy; it’s also a mischaracterization.
The truth is, these believers are not pursuing authority or control; they merely refuse to bow before the false deities prevalent in contemporary society.
The Reality of Repentance
The “existing order” that French clings to isn’t a morally neutral construct benefitting everyone. Instead, it embodies an anti-God mentality that masks chaos as “mercy,” glorifies sin, and perceives moral clarity as a threat to democratic values. It’s a place where, for instance, abortion is labeled “medical care” and Christians are pushed to society’s fringes.
For French, the dilemma isn’t the existence of godliness but rather the Christians who dare to name it, challenge it, and seek reform. This “respectable” version of faith demands silence in the face of societal decay. It turns a blind eye to sin, fearing that to speak out would equate to cruelty or—astonishingly—an attempt at power.
However, a Christianity that stands by quietly will never transform the world. Jesus didn’t sacrifice Himself to simply improve the world; He did so to create new lives. And new lives, those whose commitments align with the Kingdom of God, will inevitably influence their surroundings.
Label it “Christian nationalism” or however you wish—what matters is this: the kingdom established by Jesus requires that Christians live obediently to Him, building their own communities and, yes, their nations in a more Christian vein.
In such a world, the call isn’t to negotiate politely but to confront and dismantle the idols of the present.
Perhaps French is somewhat right: a revolution is indeed happening. However, it’s not the drama unfolding in Washington. It’s quietly evolving in homes and churches across the country as Christians seek repentance, renewal, and realignment with God’s Kingdom.
A Return to Foundations
In this regard, perhaps only within elite evangelicalism can genuine repentance appear as rebellion.
This could actually be what authentic repentance looks like in a society so entrenched in self-worship that it has outright rejected God and attempted to replace Him. French perceives peril where there’s actually salvation. A generation of Christians, disillusioned with compromise and determined not to bow to contemporary idols, is awakening. His confusion between courage and cruelty—and between faith and control—underscores a critical reality: revival cannot occur without resistance. In every age that succumbs to godless idols, repentance is seen as an act of rebellion.
If repentance and revival signify a return to God, then a revolution can emerge when enough people finally turn back to Him.
