You should always be very, very suspicious of any politician who says, “And, with God on our side, we will …” Or else, any attempt to conflate Christianity with a political tribe or to conflate Christianity with a certain ethno-nationalist culture is very, very bad!
As stated, I am patriotic. But patriotism is not equivalent to Christian nationalism. When we place anyone or anything at a level to being equal to or above God, we now bow before an idol. The best thing I can do for my country (U.S.) as a conservative is to place Christ above all else and the proclaiming of the Gospel as paramount, preeminent in my thinking and actions. It is only when we bow before Christ as King that we can better our nation. In the coming age something quite different will be true as it also is prefigured today in the church. People of all ethnicities, languages and nations will be in absolute unity, absolute equality in the global rule of Christ the King of Kings. Then as now it will be Jesus only!
Stanton, well put, patriotism is one thing, I'm cheering for Australia in the Commonwealth games now. But Christianity married to the State and tied to ethno-nationalist identity is not good, I mean, look at the Russian Orthodox Church and the Putin regieme.
In my heart I want the first century church that existed under the Roman Empire. No participation in governance, abiding by laws where they did not conflict with Christ’s “laws”. Being totally non-aligned.
In my mind I know that I live in a community (USA) where that doesn’t seem possible. The church is composed of Christians who do participate in all arenas of government. Just as, in my family, I am compelled to involve my self in my church family and in doing so the politics of the church family.
Just because I was born American doesn’t mean my allegiance is to America. My allegiance is to God. That to me means no flags in my church, no pledges of allegiance to the flag, no nationalistic songs, no recognition of national holidays, no recognition of veterans. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be possible today.
Michael, thank you for sharing this perspective to ponder.
As a Christian, my ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom. As Philippians 3:20 states: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
As an American, I’m patriotic to the extent that I support my country, it’s constitution and laws and seek to, “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”. We recently moved states due to the deteriorating political and economic climate in my home of 60 years.
While I consider myself a conservative “evangelical”, I’m not buying into the Far Right ideology hook, line and sinker. Our country has many problems and issues that we face. I’ve never seen the division we have since perhaps the 60’s Civil Rights/Vietnam protests.
Our pastor just recently came out strongly against Christian Nationalism, even naming our ex-President and those who support him. As we are rather new to the church, I’m not entirely sure of the motivation or background behind his comments. Many were upset. I agree that conflating Christianity and politics is not on solid Biblical ground.
The tension remains for those of us ‘In Christ’, who live in this world and yet know this is not our ultimate destination.
Hi Brad, yes, it's a difficult time in the USA, and many don't see the danger of Christian nationalism. Keep yourself close to Christ is the best one can do.
Seven times Amen! I have come to the conclusion that here in the US, many Christian people, groups, and denominations have lost their biblical eschatological vision (including their commission to make disciples) and replaced it with nationalism (very sad 😞). Our hope is in Christ and the power of his resurrection—what God has done, is doing, and will do through Christ (1 Co. 15:21-28).
As stated, I am patriotic. But patriotism is not equivalent to Christian nationalism. When we place anyone or anything at a level to being equal to or above God, we now bow before an idol. The best thing I can do for my country (U.S.) as a conservative is to place Christ above all else and the proclaiming of the Gospel as paramount, preeminent in my thinking and actions. It is only when we bow before Christ as King that we can better our nation. In the coming age something quite different will be true as it also is prefigured today in the church. People of all ethnicities, languages and nations will be in absolute unity, absolute equality in the global rule of Christ the King of Kings. Then as now it will be Jesus only!
Stanton, well put, patriotism is one thing, I'm cheering for Australia in the Commonwealth games now. But Christianity married to the State and tied to ethno-nationalist identity is not good, I mean, look at the Russian Orthodox Church and the Putin regieme.
In my heart I want the first century church that existed under the Roman Empire. No participation in governance, abiding by laws where they did not conflict with Christ’s “laws”. Being totally non-aligned.
In my mind I know that I live in a community (USA) where that doesn’t seem possible. The church is composed of Christians who do participate in all arenas of government. Just as, in my family, I am compelled to involve my self in my church family and in doing so the politics of the church family.
Just because I was born American doesn’t mean my allegiance is to America. My allegiance is to God. That to me means no flags in my church, no pledges of allegiance to the flag, no nationalistic songs, no recognition of national holidays, no recognition of veterans. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be possible today.
But that is how I feel.
Hoyt Tuggle
Atlanta, GA.
Michael, thank you for sharing this perspective to ponder.
As a Christian, my ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom. As Philippians 3:20 states: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
As an American, I’m patriotic to the extent that I support my country, it’s constitution and laws and seek to, “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”. We recently moved states due to the deteriorating political and economic climate in my home of 60 years.
While I consider myself a conservative “evangelical”, I’m not buying into the Far Right ideology hook, line and sinker. Our country has many problems and issues that we face. I’ve never seen the division we have since perhaps the 60’s Civil Rights/Vietnam protests.
Our pastor just recently came out strongly against Christian Nationalism, even naming our ex-President and those who support him. As we are rather new to the church, I’m not entirely sure of the motivation or background behind his comments. Many were upset. I agree that conflating Christianity and politics is not on solid Biblical ground.
The tension remains for those of us ‘In Christ’, who live in this world and yet know this is not our ultimate destination.
Hi Brad, yes, it's a difficult time in the USA, and many don't see the danger of Christian nationalism. Keep yourself close to Christ is the best one can do.
Seven times Amen! I have come to the conclusion that here in the US, many Christian people, groups, and denominations have lost their biblical eschatological vision (including their commission to make disciples) and replaced it with nationalism (very sad 😞). Our hope is in Christ and the power of his resurrection—what God has done, is doing, and will do through Christ (1 Co. 15:21-28).
Well put, Jose.