America a Christian Nation???
Our small group got into a discussion a few weeks ago that paralleled with a book I’m reading (The Tangible Kingdom- which is REALLY messing with me). We were discussing the school system’s new anti-bullying curriculum that also teaches tolerance of all different religions, sexual orientation, etc… The comment that made me start thinking was, “America was founded on Christian principles and beliefs. Just read the constitution.” I totally, 100% agree with that. But, are we still a Christian nation?
Tangible Kingdom, along with unChristian, provide unbelievable evidence and statistics that show America is definitely not a Christian nation anymore. Of course, you can turn on the TV or look around your community and see that to be true. How does that make you feel? Personally….I’m glad to see us coming to grips that we aren’t a “Christian” nation. For one reason, the label of “Christian” has become so deluded, misrepresented, and tainted over the years that it’s real identity has been lost. Many have done or said things under the “Christian” banner over the years that I think would have really ticked Jesus off!
Tom Clegg and Warren Bird said this:
“The inescapable conclusion is that we must throw out any notion that God is truly at the center of the church’s heart in North America. The shift in society’s view of the church has resulted in the marginalization of the church and the secularization of society. Christians must learn how to live the gospel as a distinct people who no longer occupy the center of society. We must learn to build relational bridges that win a hearing.”
So what’s the answer? What are we supposed to do? I’m not totally sure. But, one thing is for sure: if we keep doing the same things, we are going to keep getting the same results. Maybe we’ve made church something it wasn’t supposed to be? Maybe we are now seeing the byproduct of the unchanging church structure or institution with an ever changing culture? Maybe God is calling us to something different, and maybe that something is actually found through returning. Hugh Halter says, “It’s not about success, size of buildings, budget, or ’salvations.’ It is about being faithful to live Christ’s alternative ways in the world again…It’s about the type of church that Jesus would go to, the type he died to give flight to.”
See what I meant? The Tangible Kingdom is really messing with me!
I think that’s a great question!
It seems like many of the christians in my life are more concerned with ‘reclaiming America as a christian nation’ than they are with people meeting Jesus.
This is a great example of how Mark Driscoll says a good thing that becomes a god thing is then a bad thing.
The Church becomes known for all the things we hate (abortion, homosexuality, our president) instead of being known for Jesus’ love.
I agree that it seems like there’s a stirring of folks waking up to this and seeking to get back and track, and I think that’s great! Jesus never told us to go make a christian nation. He never said to go protest or call your senator.
He said to go make disciples, and He said that we would be known for our love.
I’m excited to see the Church get back to it!
“So what’s the answer? What are we supposed to do? ”
haha
this is funny
this is what you do..STAY IN THAT PLACE
a god i understand is a god i can control
but it’s hard to twist his arm b/c i can’t get my hands around it
mama says the preacher has bigger hands
she says if everybody holds hands then they can twists gods arm
i don’t believe her
don’t we love that intellect?
let me get a step ahead then i can tell him what he is going to do
no no no
accept the fact that his ways are higher than mine
much bigger than me
i got a easy job
i just got to love
hehehehe
pss..you dont’ want a christian nation
you don’t want those peeps in control
rules were meant to be broken
i like sinning too much.. it’s much more fun