This question prompts an overflow of emotion for all Americans. However, there is a major problem with this loaded question.
Before determining the answer, we must construct the criteria for determining what makes a country “Christian”.
77% of our country call themselves Christian while only 35% attend church regularly. Some would answer that America must establish Christianity as a state religion to be a Christian nation. So you see, answering this question is very difficult based on the definition you provide to the question “Is America a Christian Nation?” Based on your definition, I would answer it differently.
We could discuss at great length the faith of our forefathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, which is the foundational fabric of our government. Andrew Jackson said “The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests” We didn’t merely separate from Great Britain because of economic reasons, but rather, 26 fundamentally Christian reasons provided in the Declaration of Independence. A three-hour prayer session opened the first session of congress in 1774 and many were weeping to God on behalf of our great nation. They studied four chapters of Psalms and called the people of our nation to fast. The first American Bible was printed by the congress to use in school. John Adams said, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity” After all, 29 0f the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence had seminary degrees from Christian Universities.
Am I constructing a case for Christian Exceptionalism? Not if your interpretation of exceptionalism connotes superiority and pride. No one will deny that any document and democracy that stands for 235 years is not exceptional.
However, the mission of the church is not to return to 18th century American colonialism; I don't know anyone who takes the Bible seriously would argue for this return. If we return to our historical roots, women wouldn’t have a vote and certain types of discrimination would be legal. The mission of the church is to advance the gospel not a political agenda.
A Christian nation is a nation by which all other religions are allowed to practice. As a Christian, I want other religions to be my neighbor, because I am called to minister to them, befriend them, for the sake of the gospel
I question the faith of the Christian who is scared of other religions.
The unfortunate reality is that people use this question “Is America A Christian Nation?” to make a point rather than make a difference. It’s much easier to make a point than to make a difference. Making points causes dissention and polarization. Making a difference causes unity. The time is now to stop arguing red vs. blue, left vs. right, and neighbor vs. neighbor.
Unfortunately, Southern Baptists “my denomination” can be known more for what they are against than what they are for. If we are not careful, we can portray a pharisaic principle to “become like us then you can join our club.” However, the church is NOT a club.
It’s interesting to see those is scripture that made the most difference actually befriended those they disagreed the most. Paul became all things to all people. They were constantly at odds with the religious right of the day and not concerned about guilt by association. Jesus was the friend of tax collectors and sinners. These were people he disagreed with the most. Those we deem as biblical heroes refused to be dragged into debates that distracted them from primary issues. More importantly, they didn’t judge non-Christians for behaving like non-Christians.
The church shines the brightest when Christians live like Christians not when they force others into subscribing with her morality. Scripture says to be a light on a hill so they will see your good deeds. It doesn’t say place a billboard on a hill to force non-Christians into your religious morality.
Remember Rome? Rome became Christian nation not because people made points, but because people made differences. They took care of the poor, orphans, and widows. The government saw this.
Christians aren’t called to police the behavior of people who don’t believe like us. However, when political and cultural issues conflicts with scripture, Christians should not shy away with the issues, but talk about them in an open dialogue.
Living out the gospel daily may be more effective than plastering on billboards telling Non Christians how they ought to live.
Today is a day of Freedom. Abraham Lincoln said “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves”
What would happen to our country if you became a difference maker instead of a point maker?
Happy 4th! God bless America and America bless God
