In a move that has captured the attention of both supporters and critics alike, North Dakota lawmakers are advancing a bold initiative to officially recognize the "Kingship of Jesus Christ." This proposed House Concurrent Resolution 3020, spearheaded by Republican Representative Nico Rios, asserts that Jesus Christ’s authority extends beyond the spiritual realm and into the civil governance of the state.
The resolution draws from several biblical passages, notably Matthew 28:18, where Jesus declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." It also references Daniel 7:14, which foretells Christ’s dominion over all nations. The lawmakers behind HCR 3020 argue that acknowledging Christ’s kingship is essential for guiding the state’s approach to governance, justice, and liberty.
The proposed resolution articulates that the Father has granted Christ dominion over all nations, and thus, it is imperative for people and their leaders to seek His guidance. It emphasizes that Christ is "the ruler of Kings on earth and the King of Kings," drawing from the imagery in the book of Revelation. This declaration is not just a religious statement; it aims to influence how North Dakota—and potentially the nation—addresses various societal issues.
Interestingly, the resolution also invokes the preamble of North Dakota’s state Constitution, which expresses gratitude to Almighty God. This connection to the state’s founding documents emphasizes the historical roots of faith in governance.
In a bid to further this initiative, HCR 3020 requests that the Secretary of State send copies of the resolution to President Trump, Governor Kelly Armstrong, and the state’s congressional delegation. The lawmakers hope that by acknowledging the Kingship of Jesus Christ, North Dakota will experience greater blessings in terms of liberty, order, peace, and harmony.
A committee hearing for the resolution is set for February 13, and Rep. Rios has expressed his eagerness to advocate for it, sharing his personal journey of faith along the way. However, this initiative has not been without controversy. Some North Dakota Democrats have criticized Rios for past social media comments, which they deemed inappropriate.
A recent study from the Public Religion Research Institute revealed that North Dakota and Mississippi have the highest levels of support for Christian nationalism in the United States, with 50% of respondents in those states indicating they either adhere to or sympathize with the movement. This statistic underscores the cultural backdrop against which HCR 3020 is being introduced.
This resolution comes on the heels of President Trump’s remarks about Americans being "a people ordained by God," suggesting a renewed focus on the intersection of faith and national identity. As the discussion continues, it will be fascinating to see how this bill progresses and what it means for the future of faith-based governance in North Dakota and beyond.
For more information on the implications of faith in governance, you can explore resources from the American Enterprise Institute and the Pew Research Center. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and consider how faith shapes not just individual lives, but also the very fabric of our communities and governance.