Today is the 4th of July, without a doubt one of the most awkward days of the year… at least for me. The 4th in all its patriotic (or perhaps more accurately, nationalistic) glory, amounts to the Easter celebration for American Civil Religion. On this day Americans celebrate the day that changed the world, July 4th, when the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. That is why we are free today, thanks to what they did on that day. Freedom of course in an American context is defined as self-interest and actualization of greed.
This is different from the freedom that Christians celebrate on Easter, where God shows that he raises those faithful to him. It is because of the Resurrection that we can be free to take the path of the Cross when we follow Christ. Even if that path leads to “ineffectiveness” or even our own deaths. Because of Easter we are free to give away our lives for others.
What’s sad is when Christians forget that freedom came on Easter and buy into the “freedom” imparted by the 4th. Ranging from mainstream churches to TBN millions of Christians took this week to celebrate the empire, not the Kingdom. The politics of the empire (specifically Republican politics) were touted as the fullest expression of the Christian faith, even while our government continues to visit violence upon the poor of the world. On this 4th let’s remember that the Sermon on the Mount should be our political platform, the Apostle’s Creed our pledge of allegiance, and the Kingdom of God our nation.
Love it, or leave it!
But wait, what about the Statue of Liberty through Jesus Christ: worldovercomers.org
Seriously, I don’t even know how to start a conversation there. I also passed a church on flag day. All their sign said was “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.” I don’t think they were being ironic.
good stuff
Brian,
I love ya man.
Gary,
I’m not sure I needed to see that Statue of Liberation Through Jesus Christ… that has upset my stomach.
Michael,
Are you going to EP?
I’ve been doing some thinking over the last couple years on this topic, and I’ve come to somewhat of a conclusion that this kind of ‘freedom’ which gives birth to such statements as, “If it weren’t for the freedoms of the United States, you wouldn’t be able to worship without getting killed” — that this, in the end, amounts to works rightousness. Tiana helped me pinpoint it last year showing that when this kind of emphasis is placed on America and “our” freedoms, it makes it seem as though it is something we have done. This is opposed to the fact that all of our existence, whether we worship in ‘comfort’ or in persecution, is a gift given freely by the Triune God. As soon as we start making excuses for how ‘we’ have allowed ourselves to worship ‘freely’, we place liberty above God, and works over against faith, when it is God who gives us our true liberty by being obedient.
Just some rusty thoughts…
Peace,
Eric
No, I’m unfortunately not able to make EP this year, as much as I’d like to. We’re getting ready to move to Toronto, saving $$ etc. I should definitely be there next year though.
Bummer. Enjoy Toronto though! That sounds cool. What is taking you to the great white north?
Most excellent, Charlie. Was thinking similar things recently (I was noticing a kind of “lenten season” of nationalism between Memorial Day and Independence Day). Since you don’t have trackback here, I’ll point you back to the post in which I linked to your post here and commented.
I actually heard a baseball announcer say yesterday: “We want to take a moment to pause to remember those who gave their lives so that we can play baseball”. BTW, They do play baseball in Cuba, so even that is inane, if it weren’t so all on its own)
civil religions easter. nice. reminds me of a lecture Michal Horton gave a few years ago where he demonstrated (to my mind) how much of todays christianity has been in bed with the culture and lost the distinction and so with it its power and beauty.
I’m a Nazarene pastor serving in the inner city. Came across your page completely by accident and was intrigued. I was thrilled to read about you and find you’re a Nazarene (loved your definition too). It’s good to be reminded, as we labor among the poor, that the Gospel is in good hands for the future. Keep praying-Jan