Sunday, February 20, 2011

IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION----PART TWO

It seems to me that it is a simple biblical fact that God does not hold America in any higher esteem than He does the other nations on the earth. It is true that God sends His rain upon the just and the unjust, [Common Grace referred to in the last post]] but America is no more "just" than is England, Germany, or China. We may have a better system of government. [We do IMHO] We may have more fairness in our laws. [Ditto] We may have more religion in our national life. [Hmmm maybe] But none of these things are the basis of being “Justified" before a Holy God.

In fact, I tend to think all the righteousnesses [Good deeds] of ANY nation are viewed before a holy God the same as the righteous deeds of all the human race which are scripturally said to be as "filthy rags." To be justified biblically [Declared Just] takes a faith relationship with Christ. So it is true that Americans can be Christian by the biblical definition of Christian. But a Nation, even America, cannot. [This because "Christian" speaks of relationship NOT Institutions or beliefs or even deeds.]

May I say parenthetically...This same reasoning is why I believe it would be fair to ALSO say there is no such thing as Christian music or Christian literature and the like. There are Christians who sing or write literature just as there are Christians who are citizens of America. But I repeat, being a Christian has to do with a personal relationship with Christ, NOT a system of beliefs held or a system of laws based on a belief in God or even good deeds done. The fact that we don't seem to know this may indicate that we are perhaps more engaged in our day in "Christian Institution building" than we are "Kingdom building."

It is also true that we Christians are to be light and salt to any national community [Even America] in which we may live. But, and here is an important but, that is NOT to be in a politically confrontational way. Our calling AS CHRISTIANS is clearly to NOT have our faith placed in better laws, the correction of injustices through the courts or even through the election process. Fair and just laws are good for ANY nation and as a citizen we should vote for them and OBEY THEM. But as Christ's ambassadors, our hope is in the One who is above all governments and we have NOT been called to heal the moral wounds of a society that has been fatally wounded from it's beginnings as all societies are. But we ARE called to proclaim the gospel which speaks of every person's need to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

There is only one hope that we as believers have that can possibly bring about a correction in any moral collapse of any society in which we may live, including America, and that is to trust that God will work through our witness by saving those with whom we share the gospel. Changing an unbeliever's political views or bringing about a moral revolution in a community does not improve anyone's standing before God. It is certainly not a means to His special favor or blessing on a nation as a whole. It is the heart that needs regeneration and changed, not one's political or moral views, even if those views embrace the Preamble and Constitution of the U. S. of A.

I said earlier that fair and just laws are good for ANY nation and as a citizen we should vote for them and OBEY THEM. The passage of the civil rights act of 1964 [Enacted July 2, 1964] was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against blacks and women, including racial segregation. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and of the facilities that serve the general public. Our history up to that point evidenced the need of such legislation. But our history since then shows the failure of even that just and needed legislation. Things may be a bit better but as a nation we still have and will always have much work to do in battling evil because it is a losing battle actually.

The battle is truly won in those who DO respond to the gospel as they discover themselves to be united with another nation of people which is of a heavenly order. They then can live as such REGARDLESS of the failures or successes of ANY laws of ANY present culture or society. True citizens of the true "Holy nation" [The true Church] will actually be what scripture calls "salt and light" which are both needed in any nation on earth.

As citizens of this new "Holy Nation," [The Church] I believe that we certainly will do battle against all kinds of evil. But our ways and weapons are different. To show how we might wage warfare as we live in our own American culture I'm going to make three statements about present day issues we face nationally that I think indicate a presence of evil and how we might face them as salt and light. [It will ALWAYS be important to remember our weapons of warfare as Christians are not carnal but spiritual]

To do battle against racism...we would lead the way with concrete acts of kindness, inclusion, and love. All the time building relationships with every kind of person regardless of their race or color. I am speaking of things such as a refusal to recognize any limitations on marriage or church membership locally BECAUSE of skin color. This way of living was forgotten by many Christians as I was growing up as evidenced by local churches taking African-Americans into their fellowship, not as members, [Even if membership roles were to be biblical which I doubt] but under a dubious term called "Watchcare." Real Salt and light living would not have permitted that. All the time being mindful of the gospel being shared effectively with life and words. [We won't at present deal with the failure of light and salt people prior to and even since the Civil war.]

This would be regardless of the civil laws for or against racism.

To do battle on behalf of the poor... The Church would support the GENUINE needs of widows, orphans, and others who CANNOT provide for themselves, such as women being abused, and we would take seriously such things by making certain they are not permitted to exist unchallenged legally, morally, AND spiritually. We would open our hearts, wallets, and even homes to care for the poor and needy, [James 1:27] spending time with those who are unable to provide for themselves. All the time being mindful of the gospel being share effectively with life and words.

This would be regardless of the civil laws for or against the poor and needy and the abused.

To do battle against abortion... we would open our hearts and homes to pregnant women who don't need a "pro-life lecture, but a roof, a meal, and prenatal care, as well as become homes where adoption is a reality. The Church's concern would address the protection of our children even AFTER their womb experience is over by making certain that ANY child abuse is taken seriously by the people that make up the Church. All the time being mindful of the gospel being shared effectively with life and words.

This would be regardless of the civil laws for or against such abortion.

These are but a few of the practical ways believers are to demonstrate the love of Christ instead of our becoming objects of ridicule by constantly engaging in negative rhetoric about how bad our society is and thinking our government is the answer to any and all human needs. This is recognizing our weapons of warfare that go beyond the making of laws and confronting a culture. We are to "be" something different regardless of the cultures or laws that exist.

What has just been described would truly be light and salt to ANY nation. THEN trying to decide if America IS Christian would be a moot issue. Are there any Christians in America would be the question!! If the answer is "yes" they would be what salt is, a preservative which can keep decay from spreading and they would also be light which can show the way to go in the midst of darkness. That's always the result of being REALLY Christian.

Paul B.

23 comments:

Aussie John said...

Paul,

What a joy to read! Your examples of actively living out the love of Christ are so pertinent to the whole matter of Christians living in a very racially diverse community.

Seems like you believe Jesus meant what He said in Mark 12:30-31.

traveller said...

Well said, Paul. As Jesus followers we must continually look at our own lives on these, and similar, points to determine if we are truly following Jesus. I readily admit that in some areas I struggle to be the person God is re-creating me to be but I appreciate how the Holy Spirit constantly reminds me I need to be/do better.

While I agree with your thought these items are not really the responsibility of the government but our responsibility as Jesus followers, I struggle often with the fact that we Christians do not do as we should in these situations. What places does the government have in this? Many would say none but when we fail to live as we should it is not surprising that the government takes our place, no matter how poorly it is done. It should also bring great shame to us that the government does step in to do what we should do.

One other thought: Realistically, are their enough Jesus followers in any country to actually provide the resources to achieve these results?

Paul Burleson said...

I'm not sure it is an either/or situation Traveller. I believe we should be involved in the areas I've used as illustrations, but the government that is "for the people" will have some responsibility too. At least in the American society and in my way of thinking.

I'm not sure but what I think our gospel message will make us, generally, unpopular [A charge of exclusion] in any society and our work will need to be because it's Kingdom work and not because it is something supported or recognized or even appreciated by the government.

But as a citicizen of A. I would want laws passed and enforced that rendered assistance also.

I'm afraid my answer to your last question is "no." I don't thing it is realistic. But were those who name the name of "Christian" to be salt and light as described, "yes." But the results, for me, is not the final issue. Being faithful to our calling is the real issue.

As always..you guys are getting it started off to a great discussion. I promise I will write on some other subject now. I don't want to beat a dead horse. ;)

traveller said...

Thanks, Paul, for the clarification on your thinking. From the original post it was not clear to me, not that it was not clear just my perception was dim, exactly your thinking.

I agree with your answer to both my questions. However, as the saying goes, the devil is always in the details and I think in the US this is where significant disagreement arises. A perfect example is health care. (I truly am not wanting to get into a discussion on health care just using it as an example of a wide divergence of opinion on how that should be provided to people.)

Rex Ray said...

Paul,
Good deeds = “filthy rags”? I can argue both sides. Giving a cup of water is filthy rags. But giving a cup of water “in My name” is giving to Jesus.

I found myself disagreeing with the first half of your article and agreeing with the last half. Why? To me, it seems the last half is contradictory to the first half. For example:

First half: “We have NOT been called to heal the moral wounds of a society that has been fatally wounded from the beginning as all societies are.”

Last half: “I believe that we certainly will do battle against all kinds of evil.
1. To do battle against racism.
2. To do battle on behalf of the poor.
3. To do battle against abortion.”


First half: “There is no such thing as Christian music.”

Huh? I agree some songs are like the lady in front of me talking to herself many years ago; “Here we go with another little ditty.” But songs like Jesus Loves Me, Tell me the story of Jesus, or Jesus is calling is more ‘Christian’ than many sermons I’ve heard. Or do you believe ‘preaching’ is not Christian also? Some of our songs can be sung whole hearted by Jews and Muslims. (Those that don’t mention Jesus.)


BTW, while I’m ‘barking’, the dictionary says “parenthetically” means “interjected as qualifying information or explanation.”
Thesaurus says: “incidentally; by the way.”

Paul Burleson said...

Traveller,

The fact is, sometimes I write and I have to say "What did I say?" :)

I know what you mean about discussing healthcare. Talk about differences of opinion!! Our comment section would reflect just that I'm sure.

Speaking as a citizen and not wanting to start a troublesome discussion, I personally think two things are true of our government.

One is we as a nation NEED to provide healthcare for the poor.

Two is we as a nation have to be careful of creating an entitlement mentality and an unwillingness to work.

How a government, State or Federal, can do this is far beyond me. Someone better than I am in the political realm will have to lead a discussion on such things.

Traveller..Aussie J..I cannot ell you what a delight it is to read what you guys say. I could add many names to that list, but you two have commented today and illustrate why I love doing this insignificant blog.

Paul Burleson said...

Rex,

I now add your name to my list mentioned in my comment above.

to not quibble over language at all, I believe words are neutral vehicles for the conveying of thoughts and ideas that present a message. Christian for me speaks of a personal relationship.

I admit my parenthetical thought may be insufficient and even incorrect. I hope you don't take it as the whole of the post.

Paul Burleson said...

Rex,

Sorry I didn't respond to this..."To me, it seems the last half is contradictory to the first half."

It is not, in my view, a contradiction but an antinomy.

My best attempt at a reason for us to do battle is...

We give a cup of water never to settle someone never-ending thirst but out of compassion. We battle racism never to heal societies wounds but to show the love of Christ. We do battle always out of obedience to our Lord in expressing the very nature of our King and Kingdom.

Rodney Sprayberry said...

The church is not called to govern and the government is not called to fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission.

ALL Governments function under the Sovereignty of God. TRUE Churches function through the Spirit of God.

Yet both are non-entities without people that make them up, relating to each other.

I do not know if it is completely accurate to define any government, institution, and ideology as compassionate or cruel, moral or immoral, sinful or righteous, racist or color-blind etc) because these are relational issues! (IMHO good and evil are primarily relational at their core). Though I would not quibble too much, understanding that foundation principles can be based in such things.

Many people fight against the effects of sin in a fallen world (be it injustice, right to life, poverty, disease etc). /But, believers do so with a different purpose. We are commanded to do so, as hands and feet, salt and light etc.

But IMHO it for strategic purposes. The goal is to get to the real battlefield...the heart.

"The Evil one works through the basic building blocks of all ideologies, social structures, institutions,and events...namely people. In other words, he works PRIMARILY through the dynamics of one person relating to another to accomplish his destructive goals." (Dan Allender)

Then again...so does God(Granted, he works through everything including evil!)

Just as good and evil are relational so is the battle plan...one heart...life...relationship at a time!

Changed hearts govern better, are filled with more compassion, are more concerned about justice, and are willing to fight against evil if necessary.

But even these things are insignificant in comparison to heart that has been raised from the dead, conquered by the Grace of God, and given a opportunity to have a eternal relationship with the God of the universe.

Anonymous said...

I recently watched that movie 'The Hiding Place' on youtube (fifteen parts), the story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family in Holland and how they humbly lived for Our Lord in a Way that saved innocent lives.

What we are called to do in our own Christian lives in any culture might need to be similar:
to help those in need of it who are innocent among us, in the Name of the Lord.
Battle? For goodness to prevail, 'no hate', loving-kindness overflowing, and not to fear evil because Our Lord is with us.
It is a strange battle, where love for Christ's sake can lead his followers to abandon selfishness and fear, in order to help others, and yes even 'those who are different', in times of trouble.

There is no part of the Gospel that is not an answer to the evil in our world.

Our Christianity, if lived out in any country, in any culture, is a force far stronger than evil, if we have the courage to love as He loved. His Kingdom is not bound by earthly borders.

That very Christian film 'The Hiding Place? It has a lot to do with the topic of this post, I think.
So here's the site, if anyone wishes to see it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhVC9q_ZlDs

Christiane

Paul Burleson said...

Rodney & Christiane,

Two of the more insightful comments to date. You guys are taking it over the top Each comment quoted below is PACKED with insight and worthy of a study on their own..

"Many people fight against the effects of sin in a fallen world (be it injustice, right to life, poverty, disease etc). /But, believers do so with a different purpose."

"I do not know if it is completely accurate to define any government, institution, and ideology as compassionate or cruel, moral or immoral, sinful or righteous, racist or color-blind etc) because these are relational issues!"

"Changed hearts govern better, are filled with more compassion, are more concerned about justice, and are willing to fight against evil if necessary. But even these things are insignificant in comparison to [the] heart that has been raised from the dead, conquered by the Grace of God, and given a opportunity to have a eternal relationship with the God of the universe."

"It is a strange battle, where love for Christ's sake can lead his followers to abandon selfishness and fear, in order to help others, and yes even 'those who are different', in times of trouble."

"There is no part of the Gospel that is not an answer to the evil in our world".

"Our Christianity, if lived out in any country, in any culture, is a force far stronger than evil, if we have the courage to love as He loved. "

Aussie John said...

Paul,

I hope this doesn't bring a too negative aspect to what you have written:

Experience is valuable,as you have shown in your words in this careful series of articles. Solomon valued experience as a teacher.

As age has crept on I have tried to understand many of the realities we face in seeing Biblical ideals become a practical part of the normal life of Christians.

The first is an ugly arrogance displayed by those who "serve" others.

The second is an understanding of humility (sometimes genuine, sometimes not) which robs that person of spiritual strength.

Both of these, and others, have, over the years, been quite noticeable.

My prayer is that Christians realize that a large part of the problem of relating to unbelievers is NOT that unbelievers DON'T know a Christian.

The problem is that many unbelievers DO know a Christian, and are either offended,not because of the Gospel, but with good cause, or simply don't know how to handle uber-humility.

I came across this:

From where they sit, what do they see?
Can they catch a glimpse of Him in me?
Does my talk say one thing, but my walk another?
Do they long for Him, or ask "Why bother?"

Is my faith in Christ doing ought for them?
Does my light shine bright, or is it only dim?
Am I salt at all to those searching souls?
Or is the flavor lost, which once was bold?

From where they sit, do they care to hear
Of the One who longs to draw them near?
Is watching me their gain, or loss?
Do they see real faith, or only gloss?

©1990 J M McIntosh

Let your light so shine before men,that they
may see your good works and glorify your
Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Paul Burleson said...

Aussie J,

You said...

"My prayer is that Christians realize that a large part of the problem of relating to unbelievers is NOT that unbelievers DON'T know a Christian.

The problem is that many unbelievers DO know a Christian, and are either offended,not because of the Gospel, but with good cause,"

You said in a straightforward and clear manner what I attempted to answer in a veiled sort of way when Traveller asked this very pertinent question....

"Realistically, are their enough Jesus followers in any country to actually provide the resources to achieve these results?"

My answer was......

"I'm afraid my answer to your last question is "no." I don't thing it is realistic. But were those who name the name of "Christian" to be salt and light as described, "yes."

Steve Miller said...

Brother Paul,

Great two blogs on the subject of a Christian nation or not. I honestly believe sound research on the history of the founding of our nation sets the record straight in regards to what motivated our founding fathers. I honestly believe it would be naive to think God's hand of grace was absent as well. With that said, the focus on being a Christian is a matter of a personal relationship with the living Lord Jesus Christ and I thank you for keeping the focus clear. As one who loves his Lord and his country and serves them both with a sacrificial joy, I am reminded of my purpose to be salt and light. I just try very resolutely to be salt first then light. That way what I reflect is in the proper order and to His glory.

I do so appreciate you for taking the difficult issues head on. It continues to challenge me and stretch me as well.

Steve in San Antonio

Paul Burleson said...

Steve,

You are gracious in your words about me.

But you have been exemplary in your service to our nation through our Armed Forces and in your dedication to our Lord and His rule in your life. You are the poster boy for me of how it OUGHT to be as a Christian and as a citizen.

Anonymous said...

Aussie John,
What you said how Christians act is where the rubber meets the road. I started thinking of a lot of negative acts to comment on, but then I thought what I wrote on the Baptist Standard might be the ‘higher road’. It could have a title of a Christian in action.

When bullets started whizzing, my father (Dave) and my twin brother (Hez) dove behind a 3 ft. high concrete wall. Hez had talked Dave into being night-watchman to prevent Indians from stealing. Hez (a teacher – coach) had talked the city of Fairbanks, Alaska into paying one dollar to the government for one of the largest aircraft hangers that had been abandoned. They had the pieces loaded on volunteer trucks to haul 150 miles to Fairbanks to be used for a kid’s recreation building.

That’s when they saw smoke. For revenge of taking ‘their’ building, Indians had set fire to about 20 bedrolls. Dave and Hez ran to put the fire out, but Indians had covered the large pile with bullets. They were trapped until the fire went out. Dave started laughing. Hez said, “What are you laughing about?”
“This is just like World War II.”

There are enough stories to fill a book about this project, but I’ll tell the first day of ‘work’ to get snow off the roof. About six kids at a time would get their school work done a week ahead, and work on the project a week. Looking up at the 50 foot ceiling they saw a lot of holes that had rotted, so the rule was never step on snow but only where it had been shoveled off.

After a while, Hez felt they were not working safe, so he got them together for a warning. In a short time one senior said, “Awe Coach, let’s get to work.”
He stepped back into snow and disappeared.
The group went into shock until they heard him screaming. He was caught in a brace by his shoe hanging 10 feet below. The boy was screaming, “My shoe’s coming off!”
Hez said, “Somebody grab my ankles!”
“Coach, I won’t let go!”
The other’s lowered the two down and rescued the boy.
They went back and the story spread like wildfire. Several volunteer contractors cleared the roof with snow blowers.

Many years later, the ‘powers that be’ remembered their coach, flew him from Texas, and literally rolled out a red carpet for him and his wife. The 20 million dollar project had on its entry a $5,000 plaque telling the history of “Hez Ray Sport Complex.”

A man said, “I bet you don’t recognize me.”
“You’re right about that.”
“You grabbed my leg.”
Hez yelled the boy’s name.

Rex

Aussie John said...

Paul,

I suspect you would remember the cartoon strip "Pogo".

Pogo's wisest words, which have stuck with me for years were, "I've seen the enemy and it is us!"

Anonymous said...

REX RAY, dear friend

Your stories are such a joy to read.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Your family is as colorful as my Pop's family.
You know, those old family stories are the BEST!

Christiane (L's)

Anonymous said...

Christiane,
Thank you. My computer is sicker than a dead horse.

Rex

Rodney Sprayberry said...

Here is another thought from some reading that I was doing this morning.

"The birth of righteousness and love in this stern world is always a virgin birth. It is never men nor the nations of men nor all the power and wisdom of men that bring it forth but always God."

Frederick Buechner

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Paul, for both these posts. As a pastor with a Ph.D. in church-state studies I sound off with a hearty "AMEN!" regarding our status as a so-called Christian nation. In that light, as you have demonstrated, "Christian" is a much better noun than adjective. BTW, how's your shoulder?

Marshall Johnston

Paul Burleson said...

Marshall,

Thanks for stopping by. Your words are appreciated and your background gives me some encouragement in the validity of what I hold as my personal thoughts about it all. I get that from all the commenters here and I'm glad you've added your thoughts to theirs.

My shoulder is much better. I'm still in therapy but really coming along fine. Thanks for asking.

MyrtleHernandez said...

Nice blog..thank you for sharing..:)

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