Should America Be Referred To As A "Christian Nation"?
I reposted the poll
below, because I wanted to discuss the question: "From the
perspective of perception, should American be called a “Christian
Nation”?" You can see by the results that most readers still
feel this way. But I’m going to rile a few people up when I say that
thinking is going to change in the future. I believe with the changes
happening out there on the faith and culture fronts, this question should
cause us to re-think this premise in the church. A good resource for this
is the controversial book by Greg Boyd: “The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political
Power is Destroying the Church.” Whichever direction you go on the
issue, I think this may be one of the most critical points right now for
reaching this culture – especially through media.
Barna Group
researcher David Kinnaman and I spoke together at a Campus Crusade event
in Canada just a week ago. In his new book “UnChristian” – he puts it this way: “It is
clear that Christians are primarily perceived for what they stand against.
We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than what we are
for.” Clearly, that’s about power. In fact, in David’s survey of
the non-Christian population, he found that 75% answered “A lot or
some” when asked if Christians were too involved in politics. 46%
answered “A lot.” That doesn’t mean Christians shouldn’t be
involved in politics, and that we shouldn’t have a voice in the public
square. It means that the majority of non-Christians have come to believe
that Christianity is about a political agenda, and they believe we are
allied primarily with conservative causes and issues. Today, conservative
Christians are often considered right-wingers. And that has become a huge
stumbling block keeping people from seriously considering the Christian
faith.
The point is, does video of fighter planes and battle scenes during the
Sunday service on July 4th make a positive impression or negative
impression of our faith for non-believers? After all, shouldn’t
Christianity transcend earthly government? Doesn’t our father’s
business rise above any country, governmental system, or allegiance?
Let me make a few statements and get your reaction:
First of all, as Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist
Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission said in Christianity
Today magazine, “We’re not going to convince anyone in America to give
Christianity a privileged position.” Those days are past. We
need to give up the “Take American back” stuff. Too many churches and
ministries long for the picket fences of the 40’s and 50’s and
they’re wasting time dreaming. America isn’t going back. We need
answers for the America that exists today.
Second, being founded predominantly by Christians, doesn’t
make us a Christian nation. I’m the first to agree that you’d
have to be a bit loony to miss that the founders had a Christian worldview.
Some weren’t exactly orthodox Christians, and some were Deists, but few
didn’t have a belief that at least included a Creator. The founding
documents are full of religious language. I believe we were founded on the
principles taught in the Bible. But to extend that to make us a
“Christian Nation” is a stretch.
Third, (and this is my biggest issue) what does it do for us? So
what? How does it help? What happens to the perception of
Christianity in other countries when we tie it to America? They simply
assume that Christianity means the same thing as rabid consumerism, wealth,
pornography, and all the other negative things they see coming out of this
country. How does that help our missions efforts? Better that we give the
impression that America may be a great country, but Christianity is
something far superior. That it’s something that transcends anything
government has to offer. That way, whatever mistake this country may make
in the global arena, doesn’t hurt our efforts to share the gospel with
the nations.
Last – are we guilty of as Boyd suggests, nationalistic
idolatry? Do we try way too hard to equate the church and the
state? Does raising millions of dollars to promote legislation to allow
prayers before high school football games help change the culture for the
Kingdom of God? Are our priorities straight here?
One of the great political eras was what was called “Christian
Europe” or “Christendom.” Christianity was the civil religion for a
very long time throughout Europe. But look where they are today. Just
because Christianity became the legal power broker throughout Europe, it
certainly didn’t seem to win the hearts of the people over the long term.
Today, thousands of great cathedrals throughout the continent sit virtually
empty.
This isn’t meant to be a discussion about political parties or
activism. I vote, and I encourage others to do so. I love this country. If
you follow my writing, then you’ve seen my columns on how we should raise
our voice as people of faith in the public square. But when it comes to
reaching this culture – especially through media – I really think the
power politics of the Christian community have come to an end. When people
look back on the lives of the last generation of church and ministry
leaders who were involved in massive legislative issues, I worry that
it’s created a perception that’s hurt us more than helped us.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, because I believe this is a snowball
that’s building. Let’s see where the conversation goes…
I agree Phil. Particularly with the "prayer before the football game" statement. Sure, they could legislate it, but a spiritually dead teenager isn't gonna care either way. However, give those same jocks a real taste of Jesus... They'll be praying in the locker-room, on the buses, walking to the game, sitting on the bench, before school, after school... indeed, revival should not be legislated. It's like "Prohibition", look what that did to our nation (all good intentions noted), compare that to when the Great Awakening hit our nation in the 1800's. The heavy-drinkers turned to Christ, and the bars began to close. The writers of Prohibition would have been more successful had they prayed for and sought revival.
Phil,
This is a very interesting entry to me, as I am one of the higher ranked reviewers at Amazon.com and participate in a Discussion Board with other reviewers in which some of these themes are often discussed, often in the light of the current atheist "resurgance" represented by authors such as Dawkins, Dennet and Harris. I think much of their rise in popularity can in part be attributed as a reaction to the Christian political activism you note.
As one who was raised as an evangelical Christian in Christian Schools and Universities, I came out as a young man very much in line with the "evangelical party line" the views the US as a Christian Nation and by which much of the predominant political activism of the past few decades has been raised.
It is a very controversial field of study to be sure but after being beat about the head and shoulders for years by those who challenged my learned platitudes and arsenal of quotes to prove the point I was trained to accept, I finally got frustrated enough to do something radical. I put aside the secondary sources and started reading the original writings of the founders including their correspondence and I came to learn that while as much clouding amd distortion goes on in the other direction, much of what I learned and taught was not wholly accurate.
There's no question that the heritage of this nation is primarily Christian, although that definition of "Chritian" is much broader then simple trinitarian evangelicalism.
That said, I believe today's Christian Political activism is not particularly well examined. As I look at it, a great deal of it ties into Post-Millenialism where the idea is that the Church will create a golden age that will usher in the return of Christ. What is ironic to me is that most of the Evangelical Christians who have been drawn into the current activism are pre-millenial and doctrinally are of a mind that the world and its systems are going to decline and it is Christ who by his return will establish his Kingdom on Earth, not the Church. Yet, there is more emphasis put into obtaining political power rather than evangelism and reaching people's hearts.
I think this is a very important issue and that the Church is entering a time of examination as to the fruits of primary allegience with one political party.
With Earl Paulk, Paula and Randy here and center stage...no, I think we are no longer a Christian nation. The church here is a laughing stock.
My opinion lines up with the "founded by primarily Christian views, but not currently a Christian nation."
I might not be able to wax eloquently on this subject (ok, so I ain't all the eloquent ever) but I think that it is a different issue in my mind than what is being tossed around here. I feel like a broken record, but again, let's talk about balance. If we are called into the world then we are just that. We should affect every part of the world that we are part of.
I believe that NOT being a part of government is wrong. There are very important issues that are being determined every day (well maybe it happens a lot slower than every day) that increasingly are showing that the heart of this country is losing touch with the heart of God. Simple "moral" issues that the Bible is quite clear on, are being turned from black and white to grey before our eyes. We as a church are sitting by and watching it happen. They are removing Biblical establishments from our government buildings even though it is history... just because these items are found to be "church".
God does judge nations. He always has. If the heart of this nation continues in the way it is going, and it will without active participation of the church, then judgement is going to be here sooner than later - especially with the exposure that this nation has had of late.
Certainly I can agree that the heart of the nation will follow the heart of the individuals in the nation, so the Truth must be known to the individuals.
However, in this day and age of media - through internet, electronic communications, and transportation - it is also very easy for a minority to APPEAR to be a majority. With such power, influence is made in our government. Extreme liberal adgendas are being pushed, and pushed hard by minority interests. Without opposing voice and lobbying, our nations leaders are going to grease the squeeky wheels.
There is definitely a balance between whether to be politically active or to be spiritually active, I think it is our duty as Christians in this nation to be both.
Is America a Christian nation? I would say overall the majority of our country held to Christian principles until the last 40 years or so. Of course there have been some dark spots in our history that have not reflected Christian attributes. All in all however in our history the government took a outward stance that was based in Christian principles. This last generation however we have lost much in our government upholding moral ideals.
Good morality does not mean Christian of course however in our past, our government supported, made and enforced laws, was compassionate to others, based on Christian principles. Now our government and many government agencies our basing our society on relativism. This is of course completely opposite to Christianity. In relativism there is no God, only you and others who make decisions based on your own reflections.....there is no truth......it is relative to you and your situation.
What has brought us here? There are many things that have created this problem.
1. The church left the public arena. In an attempt to get along with others the church was reluctant to confront what was happening to our culture and basically allowed a secular media to have control of mass communication in our country. There were laws at one time that protected the public from offensive language and obscene violence/sexuality etc. in films and television. There is still a small influence that the FCC has in public broadcasting but it has become less over the years. The power of this negative media has basically changed the morality of our nation in a generation.
2. Christians thought that the laws based on Biblical principles would always be there to protect them. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Therefore they would not need to be involved in the political process beyond voting for candidates.
3.Society's influence is strong. Christians are human and are taking on many of the aspects of our country's culture. This is not just in America it has happened throughout history. Jesus spoke to this on many occasions, an example is the parable of the farmer sowing the seed.
So what is God calling us to do?
1. Prayer is the most important thing that can be done! This nation was founded on incredible principles! Go back and read the Constitution. My daughter was recently studying the founding of America. She had to memorize the preamble. Revisiting the Constitution was a great thing for me. These founding fathers were dreaming a big dream that had never been done before. Their guidance (they referred to Providence(God's direction) lead them to create a nation that gave people freedom.
2. Take care of business. If you have a home don't let it fall apart......where is the stewardship in that? Stand up for what is right. That doesn't mean be obnoxious but don't be afraid to stand up on the issues and share what you believe. Be bold.... actually stand up for what you believe. Tolerance for immorality is taught as a basis for freedom.....yet it is really destruction of our society and captivity for the individual.
3. Revival begins around you. Share the Gospel with someone......don't expect your preacher to be the only one to share Jesus with others....do it yourself as God leads you. Can you imagine what would happen if Christians in America begin to share daily with others?
4. Media is an amazing way to communicate. It is powerful. Prayerfully consider using it to reach your community and the world. What about the south Georgia church that has made two movies and soon a third will be complete. Their second move "Facing the Giants" opened in over a 1000 theaters across the nation. They really did something prayerfully and God honored it!
Is America a Christian nation now? I would have to say no but I do believe that God has called us as Christians to go out and share who He is with others. Does God want America to be Christian? I would say definitely yes but that would be the very small picture. God is calling on us to share to the world not just to America but to all people everywhere. How can that happen? I do believe that God lead some men to create a country where freedom of religion would be a basic tenet. This country in turn would share the Gospel with the world. We need our freedom to do that task. Many are doing it now.
There are some that would silence Christians in America....they don't like our Father or us for that matter. We are at a turning point in many ways in our country. Are we going to share the truth with passion and creativity or are we going to sink in comfortable lifestyles and not rock the boat even though the boat is headed for the waterfall?
The future is our choice!
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (we lack humilty, prayer and a seeking of God's Face in this country. we would rather seek prosperity and comfort than the face of God...therefore we will lose Prosperity and God's Face will be hidden lest we repent)
Psalm 11 (King James Version)3If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Answer: Fall. until the foundations of this nation are returned and rebuilt no political revolution - either by Republicans or Democrats will prevail)
Proverbs 14 (King James Version)34Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (we have a Government, and even many in the Church that are calling Sin "Right" and right "Sin"...but God has never changed his opinion about Sin or Righteousness)
1 Timothy 2 (King James Version)1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Truth cannot prevail when Lies permeate the land...and the Church therefore - though many have learned about the blessing of God, they know nothing about his character and the truth of his Word!
I love my Country, and I love my people...but unless there is a returning to God and his word we will surely Fall!
Pray for America!
-Minister Mason
Go to every city and town of every state in this nation and count the number of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches, then count the remaining "churches." It does not take a rocket scientist to come to a concluding answer about a, "Christian nation." You could do the same for say, Iraq, and you would have the same answer but of course, Muslim.
Now, if we want to get literal about it, then definitely II Chronicles 7.14 applies and a revival of national proportion is needed. Has anyone heard of the "last days" and what that entails? Jesus said the world would not love us (Christians) and certain things would escalate in the time prior to Jesus' return. "Where sin abounds, grace doth much more abound." On the one hand we see the world waxing worse and worse and even those falling away from the church but we have seen a growth in the local church, also, of unprecedented numbers in the past century.
Christians, political?....One only has to look at history for the answer. Look what happened to Russia, as the church sat by and did nothing....the result, communism. Fast forward to Lebanon, once Christian...their open arms and idle, noncommittal position brought total destruction and collapse to this once Christian nation.
Quote: "What happens to the perception of Christianity in other countries when we tie it to America? They simply assume that Christianity means the same thing as rabid consumerism, wealth, pornography, and all the other negative things they see coming out of this country. How does that help our missions efforts?"
That's an interesting question. And it points out a strange paradox.
On one hand, since I live in America, I am ipso facto despised. Understandably though, for America is associated with Hegemonism, gun-happy military adventurism, global corporationist greed and exploitation, environmental destruction, and a host of other nasty things too many to enumerate here (not to mention Geo. Dubya Bush).
On the other hand, I write the checks that help fund through my church things like a missionary doctor and his family who live on a hospital ship that travels up and down the coast of Africa providing medical care. And then there is an orphanage and school in South Africa, we help to support. And this is just a partial list.
So, on one hand, people overseas hate me but on the other they love the money I send overseas. It's kind of like being a devil and an angel both at the same time.
I don't want to complain too much, but sometimes I feel very ambivalent, being in this predicament. But I guess it's a tad better for me if people overseas would disassociated Xnty from America.