I shared some thoughts on citizenship yesterday. I mentioned that I view this as an extremely important topic, even as some of my fellow Christians see it as a novelty issue, a footnote to be pondered and forgotten. Others, however, see it as a vital topic, even as they take a view opposite my own. The discussion on Facebook centered around a new book and video series, done by a Church of Christ group, focusing on returning America to the principles of the Founding Fathers. In fact, it’s common to find Christian groups teaching on what America needs, how to keep America great, and how to promote the ideals of America around the world.
So is the topic of our citizenship important? I’m convinced more and more that it is. One reason why is the response I get to things like what I wrote yesterday. I’ve seen Christians literally shake with anger after hearing the suggestion that nationalism and patriotism are not Christian values. Loving believers turn hateful when I talk about churches of Christ returning to their pacifistic roots. Refusing to say the pledge or sing the national anthem are reason enough to question one’s spirituality. [As a side note, did you notice that you don’t even have to explain which pledge? “The pledge” is a sacred ritual among us.]
The reactions show me that this is no side issue. This is a heart issue. It touches us deeply. It touches our churches deeply.
That’s why I’m becoming more radical in my stances. There is a very real danger of serving two masters. There is a real danger of syncretism. There is a real danger of idolatry.
And I will flee from such.
Tim,
i was sad to hear that, last time i checked, my former preaching school director had jumped on the pro-America bandwagon. He was quite the proponent of pacifism when i studied under him.
i certainly appreciate your radical stance. It’s a hard line to tow though. i’m still a radical, but i find myself having to face sometimes that God clearly does use nations and leaders to accomplish His will. Even though i have to be quite firm about where my loyalties are (with Christ’s church, not with America’s empire), i have to resist the temptation to speak evil of those in power. That’s a temptation precisely because of how polarizing the discussion of this heart-issue can become. i still have to pray for all rulers and authorities that i and my fellow Christians can live a quiet and peaceful life in all tranquility. Sometimes my radical side doesn’t even want to do that much.
–guy
Thanks Guy. For me, part of my challenge has been trying to understand my role as a member of the society I was born in, the society I was reborn “into” over 50 years ago and to understand my relationship to both and each other. As you point out, “it’s a hard line to tow.” I’m sure we have all the answers beyond talking points that open up new “thought avenues.” I don know that we miss the point when we view the Bible as an encyclopedia of “how to” rather than a book of principles that ultimately prepare us for our final destination. I have concluded, and stand to be corrected, that if we can’t reside in our earthly home respecting each other, we certainly won’t be able to do so in our heavenly abode. Who we really are starts here.
Thanks again for your post. I don’t think many Christians have come to grips with the reconciliation aim of the gospel. We readily accept that the gospel social and ethnic barriers, calling people of distinct social and ethnic groups into one new life as the church…the body of Christ. What we fail to see is how that also impacts the issue of nationality. Just as we are part of a new life that is not defined by the social and ethnic boundaries of this world, neither is it defined by the national boundaries of this world. That is why Peter can adopt the language of *chosen people, royal priesthood, and holy nation* used to identify Israel under the Old Covenant and use it to speak of the church (cf. 1 Pet 2:9) – because the only nation God is redemptively creating is the church. That is to say that though God may use nations of this world for his purposes, the only nation that God is building is the church. So it seems that for us, who are Christians, to keep defining ourselves by national identities (or social, ethnic, etc…) is to keep championing what is coming to an end rather than what is being redeemed for eternity.
I say all that not to be anti-American or anti any other nation. But rather than being “proud to be an American” I want to be known as being “proud to be of Christ and his church.” Unfortunately though, from where I sit, the later gets pushed back into a private religious setting while the former gets publicly paraded day in and day out. There’s something wrong with that and I suggest it is that we Christians have mistakenly confused what we are living our lives for and to whom we are witnesses of.
Rex,
You wrote:
“What we fail to see is how that also impacts the issue of nationality. ”
Unfortunately, i think some people have clearly made up their minds about how this affect nationality. People of other nations becoming Christians and part of the church is fine, just as long as they learn to worship America as much as we do and adopt general white-middle-class customs. Nationality problem solved.
–guy
Guy,
Unfortunately, I think your right about the mindset of some Christians.
Grace and Peace,
Rex