A few thoughts as we begin on some current hot topics.
1. I believe separation of church and state is necessary and good for the country
2. The United States has never been a Christian nation
3. I think Christian nationalism is a dangerous road to go down
4. Donald Trump was not selected by God to run this country
Let's look at these topics individually. As always, these are my opinions, I believe they are well-formed, but if you happen to disagree with them, I have no problem with that. It would be a difficult world if we all agreed on everything.
There were a number of reasons individuals were fleeing Great Britain to come to the new world. Certainly, religious freedom was one of the reasons. Many believed, and had I lived back then, I would have been one of them, that a "state-sponsored church", (i.e. the Church of England), was a roadblock to religious freedom. They came to America to worship in a way they felt would not infringe on their religious freedom.
This past week, a well-known talk-show host, whom I never really cared for, was on a podcast hosted by a Catholic priest. They were discussing the current state of affairs in America, and the role organized religion is playing in it, and what would happen if the United States ceased to exist, because as was mentioned, all countries come to an end, usually by their own doing. For example, did God have anything to do the fall of Rome, or Babylon, or Persia? No, he didn't. So, we ask ourselves, is God playing a role in what is happening today in the United States.
Consider this, if the United States ceased to exist, would God cease to exist? Of course not. The aforementioned individual, who I am not mentioning on purpose, so as not to skew perceptions ahead of what they said, offered this thought. "What frightens me about the separation of church and state, is not what it does to my country, as much as I don't want that to happen, it is what it does to my faith. It is not (a matter of) getting religion into my politics; it's getting politics into my religion. So, if you are a Christian nationalist, and the nation fails, what does it say about Christ, what does it say about the message of the Gospel?"
The individual, who is Catholic, went on to say this is not a Catholic nation, because the Catholic church is not about nations. That is so spot on. This is not a Church of Christ nation or a Baptist nation, or a Presbyterian nation or a Community Bible church nation. It is the United States of America, whose citizens of varying faiths, are free to worship in a manner they choose without government mandates or interference. I believe that is what James Madison had in mind when he wrote the Bill of Rights to the Constitution guaranteeing Freedom of Religion in Article I.
In the past decade or so, we have coined a new word, a new term if you will. Christian nationalism. Finding a definition that I could share about gave me a headache. So many different thoughts on what it means, but I did come across a definition that is easy to understand. "Christian nationalism is an ideology that seeks to fuse Christian and national identities, advocating a governing system that prioritizes Christian values and seeks to embed them in law and politics." Sounds familiar doesn't it? It also sounds a little like something that could get out of control really quick.
Look, if a Christian wants to run for public office, more power to them. Back in 2002, I ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor of Pocahontas, Arkansas. In 2002, just like now, I was a person of faith, and if my Christianity helped me get more votes, then so be it. You see, I have no problem if John Q. Public, a deacon at the Cornerstone Church of Christ, or Pastor at the State Line Freewill Baptist Church decides to run for office. If they are sincere, I hope they win.
But it seems like too many, campaigning with a Bible in their hand or cross around their neck are pushing a belief that seems to be America and political affiliation first, and God second. I don't feel that is compatible with God wishes. By their own definition, Christian nationalism often challenges the principle of the separation of church and state. The argument is it is not a strict "legal" requirement, or that government should favor Christianity.
But as we have seen in recent months, there is a belief, whether spoken or inferred, that Christians are the only "true" Americans. It creates an "us vs. them" mentality. Think about the country and where it is right now. I challenge you to think of a more divided period in your lifetime. In my thinking, I have to go back to the Civil War.
Seriously, is Christian nationalism trying to promote an "anti-Democratic" society? Is it trying to erode the principles of the separation of church and state, and remake the republic in their image? More importantly, what does God think about this? I love the United States, but I love God more and let there be no doubt who I will follow.
Let's be clear and to the point. God did not appoint Donald Trump to be President of the United States. To believe otherwise, is wrong. What God did do is honor our choice. God would love for all nations to follow him, but that is up to us, because God has given us free will. We are free to choose to obey him or not. We are free to choose whether we will tell others about him or not. We have a free will to make any decision. But here is the thing, whatever decision we make, God will honor that decision, and whatever that decision is, there will be consequences, which may be good or bad.
The people of the United States elected Donald Trump president, just like we elected Joe Biden and Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and Richard Nixon, all the way back to George Washington. We went to the polls, cast a vote based on our conscience, and whoever got the most electoral votes won. Pretty simple. Again, God has always honored our choices.
What is it God says in Isaiah 55. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."
I truly believe America is walking a tight rope with this mentality. Maybe my faith is not where it should be, but I do not see this path we're on ending well at all. I sincerely hope I am wrong. Even though I am a Christian and my faith is solid, and I would love to see all people become Believers, it seems to me history tells us, this is not the way to go about things. Hitting people over the head with a baseball bat, forcing them to accept your way of thinking, your idea of what government should be, will fail. We are called to plant the seed and let God provide the growth.
I have not written this to change anyone's mind. If I have, I take no personal pleasure from that, but I am hopeful that perhaps I have made you think.
I love America. I have loved it for 68 years, one month and 11 days. I sincerely hope it is around for another 250 years. But I am worried about the path we are on, I am concerned about our future.
Thank you for spending some time with me and my thoughts. It is my prayer that I did not offend anyone. That was not my intent at all. Let us move forward, love each other, and see how we can best serve each other and our Creator. I love all of you unconditionally.
No comments:
Post a Comment