Reforming Students

This is the third year in a row for me to post this article on my blog. I believe it to be an important issue in the Church in America, and an issue that is never given much thought.

I am reminded once again this week why I wrote a post 2 years ago entitled “God’s Chosen Land?” The prevailing evangelical conservative opinion of patriotism equals devotion to Christ, or non-patriotism equals non-Christian, is troubling to say the least. As a combat veteran and voting citizen of this country, I have many opinions about the nation’s direction, objectives, actions, and governance, yet at the end of the day I am happy that God chose to give me life in America. Nevertheless, I am deeply troubled by the opinion of those who equate citizenship in this country with citizenship in God’s Kingdom. The Church has made great advances that have stemmed from the United States in our nation’s short history, but the Church is not, nor was it ever uniquely American. One does not have to be an American patriot to be a Christian. Likewise, just because a person is not a patriot and doesn’t support every action of their country, doesn’t mean they don’t love their country.

As I think about this week in celebration of American Independence, I am grateful for several things. I am grateful for my freedom: not to do what I want, but to do as I ought. I am grateful for all those who have given so much for the preservation of our country’s freedom, to include blood, sweat, tears, and life. I am grateful that I was healthy enough to serve my country in 6 combat tours over a 4 year period of time with Special Operations forces. But with all that said, I am troubled by a typical American notion that we are somehow God’s chosen nation.

In the Baptist Hymnal used in most Southern Baptist Churches, both “America the Beautiful” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” are subtitled with Psalm 33:12 (KJV): “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” I question: is America’s God the Lord?

At his inaugural address, the first in our nation’s history, George Washington was compelled to acknowledge God’s role in the founding of America:

It would be peculiarly improper to omit in the first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being… No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some…providential agency…We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

In the context of 1700’s culture, George Washington’s words, I believe, were particularly true. I cannot doubt that America is a country founded on Christian principles (although it has been compellingly argued otherwise). Nor could I ever infer that God was absent in the fight for independence – our American forefathers were successful, against all odds. Too often, though, we equate military and economic power with blessings from God. In today’s context, do we see the “invisible hand” in the “Affairs of men… Every step by which [we are] advanced” as a nation?

There have been some nations that consider themselves to be chosen to lead the world. Jewish believers consider themselves to be God’s chosen people — with reasonable support — and nationalism forces Zionists to consider Israel as an expression of this status. There are very few, however, who would consider Israel the apparent leader for the world in its entirety.

The French had a revolution leading many of them to a feeling of obligation to civilize and liberate various nations — not drastically different from the ideals of many Americans. Ancient civilizations often felt compelled to consider themselves chosen and forced their ideology on nations of lesser strength. It seems that every nation has seen itself with “special” eyes, perhaps making it better or more suitable for the purposes of God… but has it ever been to the extent of the American mentality?

Many of the early colonists and political leaders of America had a lot to say about God’s providence in the founding of our country. America has, for the entirety of its existence, been regarded by most (Americans) as the new Israel. America has done many wonderful things. Twice we have freed Europe from tyranny. We have brought peace and eliminated genocide in foreign lands. We have provided countless opportunities for individuals to live successful lives with less suffering. We’ve offered liberty to millions of immigrants. These and other accomplishments should not be under-valued, even though many of them were done in direct contradiction to the role of government as laid out in the United States Constitution. But does all this make us God’s chosen nation?

I say no.

There is an undeniable danger in assuming God’s election resides solely in the heart of our nation. America is an incredible place to live. I have traveled the world, mostly to third world countries, and can say from experience that we are truly blessed to have the freedoms and opportunities that are available. Sadly though, I believe many of the freedoms and opportunities we have make America a fertile soil for the seeds of Satan. If America was God’s chosen nation, would we then be the third largest recipient of foreign missionaries? Our lawmakers consistently manipulate our founding documents and legal precedent to deny anything that may have once been formed with Christian roots. Various organizations have successfully convoluted the American mindset to believe in absolute tolerance and conditional truth. 45 Million + unborn children have been killed to the tune of American freedom to choose, at the hands of American doctors (4 times more deaths than Adolf Hitler was responsible for). Our values consist of more money, bigger houses, faster cars, and better, more promiscuous sex. Our “heroes” play sports, make movies, and sing songs while living lives comparable to Jezebel and Judas. The American dream is bigger and better.

The American dream is a lie.

A chosen nation that openly invites sin and consistently acts against the will of one true God? Reprehensible.

I love and have fought for America. I thank God for the blessings of this wonderful place. But I will never make the mistake that America is God’s chosen land. His Kingdom is much greater than our country — it pains me to see that so many have lost sight of that and have made America their heaven on earth.

Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Some of the greatest words that Derek Webb has offered express my point very well — from his song “A King and a Kingdom”:

So my first allegience is not to a flag, a country or a man;
No, my first allegience is not to democracy or blood;
It’s to a King and a Kingdom.

There are two great lies that I’ve heard;
The day you eat a fruit of that tree you will not surely die;
And that Jesus Christ was a white middle-class republican;
And if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like Him.

So my first allegience is not to a flag, a country or a man;
No, my first allegience is not to democracy or blood;
It’s to a King and a Kingdom.

Read this brilliant article: Three Hymns for Red, White, and Blue: Thinking About Patriotic Worship Services