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In the time of the ancient Church, there were those who promoted false doctrine and boasted about their “secret knowledge” of the spiritual realm. These heretics were known as Gnostics, a name which comes from the Greek word for knowledge, gnosis (γνῶσις). Most of the information we have about such groups comes from polemic writings of the church fathers as well as some of their own writings which have survived, such as the Gospel of Thomas, which is typically associated with early gnostic manifestations. The point here is not to give a history lesson, but rather to make a contrast and a comparison.

The early Christians disparaged groups that claimed a secret knowledge of God and the spiritual realm. Jesus taught that His disciples were lights in the world. He said that men of evil deeds loved darkness and secrets, but that His light would unveil the hidden things and reveal the secrets of the ungodly. Jesus spoke out loud and in public, declaring that His proclamations were for all to hear, saying that “in secret I have said nothing” (John 18:20). Following this example, the Apostle Paul could say this His Gospel preaching was “not done in a corner” but rather was heralded publicly (Acts 26:26). So much so, that even the opponents of Christ could say that His apostles had “turned the world upside down” with a message that was spread openly throughout the Roman empire (Acts 17:6).

Modern American Christians should take a lesson from their ancient counterparts. How is it that so many American evangelicals hold to a secret knowledge which underpins their faith and practice? When questioned about their unloving behavior in a pandemic, they hold to the secret knowledge of John MacArthur. I am more important than my neighbor. My church service is more important than community safety. My conspiracy theories are more important than my witness for Christ. When questioned about their reverence for January 6 as a holy day of Christian Nationalism, they hold to the secret knowledge of Charlie Kirk. It was a peaceful gathering of love and patriotism. It was a call to action by God’s anointed. It was a travesty of justice that was made right when the rioters were pardoned. When questioned about their fervor for trouncing on human rights, dehumanizing “others,” and cracking down on one’s neighbor as the “enemy within,” they hold to the secret knowledge of Al Mohler who covers over the blatant sins of the church with outright political bias under the wicked guise of a “Christian perspective.”

Why do I call this Christian Nationalist (false) gospel a secret knowledge? Because, when questioned, the replies are never based in reality. The arguments are never factual. The truth is never relevant. It is a secret knowledge that must be held by faith in their Leader. Instead of debating two sides of a coin, the evangelical church now has a secret coin which has no relationship to the coin of reality. They point to the hidden truth they saw on social media, the hidden truth they heard from their most trusted influencers, the hidden truth that only the initiated can see and know, and understand. These Christians no longer believe the fake news of Reuters and the Associated Press; no, they reach for the “real” news provided by their trusted influencers and websites that promote their Leader’s agenda.

Will Al Mohler speak out against his political wing as they encroach ever closer to the precipice of authoritarianism and fascism? Probably not. Will he be appalled at the thought of using the United Stated military against American citizens as the “enemy within?” I hope against all hope. No, but I am sure he will provide the Christian perspective on why this has to be done, or why it is really not unconstitutional, or why it is all just silly exaggerations from the Leader who just speaks his mind. Will Al Mohler call attention to the danger posed by inciting suspicion and hatred against fellow Americans by insisting that if they are not part of the Leader’s party, and if they don’t adhere to a Christian Nationalist, then they are the Enemy Within? Sadly, not only will Al Mohler continue to promote this evil agenda to steal, kill, and destroy, but the majority of evangelical pastors and Christians will join in the same. Indeed, it is true: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. More heartbreaking is the fact that today, the triumph of evil has the full faith and backing of the American evangelical church.