19 Jul
2009
Posted in: Theology
By    4 Comments

I am not anti-America

Contrary to what some have said: no, I am not anti-United States. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a American non-violent Christian who was anti-US.

What folks like myself are, emphatically, is anti-idolatry, anti-nationalism. Speaking for myself here, I believe patriotism is an immense danger for Christians: subtle and powerful, distracting and polluting. At least that’s what happens when one’s patriotism reaches the point where they consider their nation better than others. What invariably occurs is the idea that their nation is in some way blessed by God more than others; or that God favors their country over others. God becomes no different than a tribal deity.

I am not anti-America. I do not believe we are to be pro-any country. To be so would be anti-Christian, would it not? The Kingdom of God is our focus, which is not bound by any human borders.

True; I do not believe the US is a Christian nation. Nor do I believe it ever was. And I certainly hope it never will be. I want the kingdom of man to be separate from the Kingdom of God, and I am not merely talking about the meagre political statement “separation of church and state.” I mean where the Kingdom of God obviously operates within this world, where there are a vast amount of human kingdoms, and is not tainted by them. Where the Kingdom of God lives out and shares the Good News of that Kingdom and her King. Where we, Kingdom women and men, are separate from the ways of the world, presenting a distinct Kingdom way that will be despised by the world.

Our job is not to be loved, but to love.

I don’t want any nation to be Christian. I want the Church to be the Church. I want Christianity to refer to the Kingdom, not to the West.

But who is willing to really dialogue about such an idea? Many times, the pro-patriotism and pro-nationalism folks disregard us separatists without discussion. I’ve been called unChristian, subChristian, a follower of vain philosophies, and so forth. And I am far from alone; I’m not even a figurehead or name. Far more are influential and articulate and of notoriety; yet they receive the same treatment.

Who is willing to stop the name-calling and strike up the conversation?

  • http://mountz.org/jeff/ jeff

    Good stuff! So, in the midst of a conversation among four or five coworkers, how do/would you participate if it seems to be headed in the direction that may leave you labeled as mentioned above?

  • http://mountz.org/jeff/ jeff

    Good stuff! So, in the midst of a conversation among four or five coworkers, how do/would you participate if it seems to be headed in the direction that may leave you labeled as mentioned above?

  • http://jasontcormier.blogspot.com/ Jason

    Great Post, whenever the subject comes up I have shared my views as a Christian Anarchist. They do not get it and kind of blow me off, but hopefully it gets them thinking! Keep plugging away dude!

  • http://jasontcormier.blogspot.com/ Jason

    Great Post, whenever the subject comes up I have shared my views as a Christian Anarchist. They do not get it and kind of blow me off, but hopefully it gets them thinking! Keep plugging away dude!