Separating God and country is difficult for many US Christians to comprehend because too often we incorporate nationalism and patriotism into much of our religious expression, and even our faith.
It’s not uncommon for churches to celebrate the Fourth of July, adorn their sanctuaries with US flags, and incorporate manifest destiny and nationalism into songs of worship. But for the very first followers of Jesus, these types of ideals and symbols would be alarming and even considered blasphemous.
Unfortunately, Christians have been historically gullible to nationalistic “Christianity,” and often treat our faith as a civic religion where we can establish a voting bloc and create enough influence to legislate laws, gain wealth, and consolidate power rather than sacrificially serve and love others.
A faith hindered by patriotism is highly selective and irrationally loyal according to partisan opinions. But perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of “nationalistic” Christianity is that it narrowly restricts our faith to those within a very small tribe.
When Nationalistic Christianity thinks anyone or anything “attacks” or “disrespects” the US or our “American Ideals,” sadly, it often reverts to patriotism mode.
The full article is available here
Unfortunately, Christians have been historically gullible to nationalistic “Christianity,” and often treat our faith as a civic religion where we can establish a voting bloc and create enough influence to legislate laws, gain wealth, and consolidate power rather than sacrificially serve and love others.
A faith hindered by patriotism is highly selective and irrationally loyal according to partisan opinions. But perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of “nationalistic” Christianity is that it narrowly restricts our faith to those within a very small tribe.
When Nationalistic Christianity thinks anyone or anything “attacks” or “disrespects” the US or our “American Ideals,” sadly, it often reverts to patriotism mode.
The full article is available here
