What I’m Celebrating This July 4th
A reflection on how Christians think of America in modern times
Tim asks great questions. I suspect I don’t always answer them the way he does but I appreciate the mental pathways they lead me down.
His question above got me thinking about how Christians have been primed to think of America in modern times. Many have come to view America through the lens of Christian Nationalism. This is “the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way.” 1
In response it’s become fashionable for progressive Christians to denounce America as a place of unique evil and injustice. (Just read the replies to the Tweet above.)
But progressive Christians who decry America are making the same mistake as the Christian Nationalists. They’re simply approaching the error from the opposite direction. Both sides are hoping and expecting more from government, politics and culture than they rightfully should.
Christian Nationalists who idolize America as uniquely blessed and progressive Christians who denounce America as uniquely evil have both elevated culture and politics above God.
There’s much to be grateful for this July 4th. We should be grateful for political conditions that allow people of faith to flourish. “Pray for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 2
The problem starts when we demand politics achieve what only believers living their faith can accomplish.
There’s never been a better time and place to follow Jesus than today in America. You have unprecedented freedom to live your faith by your convictions. You have unprecedented opportunity to share it openly with others.
That’s what I am celebrating this 4th of July.
Source: CT article, What Is Christian Nationalism?