What is nominal Christianity?
Nominalism and Nominal Christianity: A Biblical and Baptist Perspective
Nominalism, in its simplest form, refers to possessing a name, title, or description that lacks any substantive reality. The term originates from the Latin nomen, meaning “name.” For instance, a nominal presidency is one in which the president holds the title but exercises no real power. A nominal vacation might be one in which the vacationers still perform their regular work. Nominalism thus refers to empty formalities, meaningless labels, and things that exist only in name but not in essence or practice.
When applied to religion, nominalism takes on a particularly troubling form. A nominal Christian is someone who identifies as a Christian but whose life lacks evidence of true faith in Jesus Christ. These individuals may attend church, participate in religious activities, or even identify with a Christian denomination, yet their "faith" is superficial. They are Christians in name only, as Christ has no real influence on their daily lives, decisions, or priorities. Nominal Christians view religion primarily as a cultural or social construct, taking a minimalist approach to their faith and avoiding the transformation that true Christianity requires.
Nominalism in Christianity is a growing concern for pastors, preachers, and theologians, particularly within the Western world. While many identify as Christians, the overall influence of biblical Christianity in society has diminished. The question arises: what causes nominalism, and why do people gravitate toward a form of Christianity that is in name only? To answer these questions, we must explore the roots of nominalism, the dangers it presents, and the biblical response to this pressing issue.
The Causes of Nominal Christianity
1. Ease and Comfort
One reason for the prevalence of nominal Christianity is its ease. Nominalism requires no true sacrifice or transformation. A nominal Christian can point to outward markers, such as church attendance or membership, as evidence of their faith. However, these external practices often replace the inward realities of salvation—a changed life, a renewed heart, love for God, and obedience to His Word.
True Christianity involves transformation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). Jesus also declared, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23, NKJV). Nominal Christianity bypasses this transformation, settling instead for external participation without inward renewal.
2. Cultural Christianity
Cultural or inherited Christianity is another major contributor to nominalism. In countries with a state church, such as Norway or Denmark, individuals often identify as Christians simply by virtue of being baptized into the church at birth. This cultural identity replaces genuine faith and repentance. Even in countries without an official state religion, such as the United States, cultural Christianity can lead to nominalism.
Someone raised in a Christian family, attending church regularly, and living in a religiously influenced culture may claim allegiance to Christianity without ever experiencing true saving faith. Jesus warned against this type of nominalism when He said: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8–9, NKJV). True faith cannot be inherited or culturally assumed; it must be personally embraced through repentance and trust in Christ.
3. Legalism
Legalism fosters nominalism by focusing on outward behavior rather than inward transformation. Legalists attempt to earn God’s favor or conform others to a standard through rules, good deeds, and external compliance. However, legalism cannot produce the inner transformation that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish.
Paul writes: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” (Galatians 6:15, NKJV). True Christianity is not about following a set of rules but about a heart changed by God’s grace. When outward conformity replaces inward regeneration, the result is often nominal Christianity—people who claim the label “Christian” but lack a genuine relationship with Christ.
The Dangers of Nominal Christianity
Nominal Christianity is dangerous because it gives a false sense of security. Those who are Christians in name only may believe they are saved because of their church affiliation or moral behavior, while in reality, they remain spiritually dead. Jesus addressed nominalism in His letter to the church at Sardis: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1, NKJV).
This rebuke highlights the emptiness of nominal faith. Outward appearances mean nothing to God if there is no genuine spiritual life. God is not interested in labels or superficial displays of religion. He desires true worshipers: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV).
Nominal Christianity also undermines the witness of the church. When believers fail to live out their faith authentically, they weaken the church’s testimony to a watching world. Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV). A nominal faith dims this light, making it harder for unbelievers to see the transformative power of the gospel.
The Biblical Response to Nominalism
The Bible calls for genuine, life-transforming faith in Jesus Christ. This faith involves repentance, submission, and obedience to God’s Word. True faith is evident in a life that bears fruit. Jesus said: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:19–20, NKJV).
Church leaders must address nominalism by faithfully preaching the gospel and calling for genuine repentance. Paul instructed Timothy: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV). The Word of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, has the power to convict and transform hearts.
Believers must also examine themselves to ensure their faith is genuine. Paul exhorted the Corinthians: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV).
Conclusion
Nominalism reduces Christianity to an empty label, void of the life-changing power of the gospel. It arises from ease, cultural Christianity, and legalism and leads to spiritual complacency and a lack of witness. However, God calls for true, living faith—faith that transforms hearts and produces fruit.
As Baptists, we affirm the importance of authentic, Scripture-centered faith. Jesus desires more than outward conformity; He desires hearts fully surrendered to Him. Let us heed His call to forsake nominalism, embrace genuine faith, and live as His true disciples. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV): “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” True Christianity is not merely a name but a life devoted to the glory of God.
