Jesus is Not an American

It's a good thing the Fourth of July doesn't fall on a Sunday every year. In response to requests from some of the older members of our congregation, this morning's service used a patriotic hymn for all three hymns. Because we'd been out of town and missed church last Sunday, I was really longing for worship this morning. Somehow, these hymns didn't cut it for me, and I felt as if I were singing praises to my country instead of the King of Kings.

As the United States experiences such painful political polarization this election year especially, I am not alone in having to be reminded that the Kingdom of God is not of this world and we are just sojourners here. Jesus is not Republican nor Democrat. This is such a hot topic right now, that the folks at Christian Counterculture have devoted an entire monthly newsletter to articles on this issue. It's valuable, thought-provoking stuff. There are several different articles, so you may want to pace yourself if you plan to read them all.

Comments

[Jan]

Following a link from BeneDiction. I quite agree with your comments about the hymns sung on such occasions. Fortunately over here,(Australia) there is not such a close link as there appears to be in some other countries. Nor is religion or lack of it much of an issue for electing a politician.

I am bothered by the placing of national flags in churches. Some have only the Autralian flag. Is Jesus an Australian? He must be busy getting around all those countries. Some have multiple flags to show they are have members of different nationalities. I can understand that, but believe that my faith transcends national boundaries.

Bene has linked to me in an answer to your comment. Unfortunately, a typo means the link doesn't come up. BLOGGER is temperamental at the moment, so I can't get in or would supply you with the permalink. Can't post either.
Shalom,
Jan

[Jan]

Me again. managed to get into BLOGGER. Perhaps this is what Bene was referring to:
http://www.blogger.com/app/post.pyra?blogID=3717680&postID=108485604589425079

I make the point that the focus of our worship is God, not ourselves. This is true whether we are speaking personally or collectively or nationally.
Shalom,
jan

[John Adams]

I had a similar experience this Fourth. At the church I attended, the American flag behind the preacher was about four men high. The entire service, from start to finish, was an exercise in patriotism.

It left me feeling unfulfilled, and sad. I think Christian nationalism may well be the greatest counterfeit for true Christianity that exists. "I love the body of Christ" becomes "I love my country."

"I pray that they may be one" is tossed out the back door, replaced by congregation halls full of well-meaning people, hands to hearts, chanting "God Bless America."