Posted by
Virginia Daddy on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 11:55:38 PM
There was a time when I would have said we are absolutely one, and that our Founders intended it. My current position has shifted from that idea. I plan on expounding on many of the thoughts of this in a later post, but wanted to get something down 'on paper' here now, while I take a quick break in reading about the doctrine of impossibility in contract law.
This is one that I have thought about for sometime, so here are my quick thoughts on whether or not the United States of America has ever been, wanted to be, or currently is strictly a Christian nation.
First, a resounding no! This great country has never been or never was intented to be a stricly Christian nation. Despite the belief of most founders, I do not think they ever intended to make this a nation ruled by religion. Rather, they wanted a nation built on laws.
Second, despite the absence of intent to create a religious nation, they did acknowledge the wisdom of Christian principles in American life. This is important, because they envisioned, in large part, a nation led by a virtuous society. And given the heavy influence of Protestant thought in the mid to late 18th centuy in America, there is little doubt virtue meant largely Christian virtue.
Third, while the nation has maintained this Christian tendency for most of its history (less the last 50 some odd years), it has never been a stricly Christian nation.
Fourth, in the conservative movement of the last 20-30 years, Christianity has dominated, and has attempted to institute many Christian principles into office. This is to counter act the liberal influences that are indeed pervading society.
Finally, what does all this mean? Well, I think it means many Christians need to recheck their priorities. I stop short of saying that Christianity has harmed the conservative political movement. This is not true, but the seeming closed-minded and strict approach from many has become a political liability.
It is important to discuss what a Christian is: one who puts the person of Christ first in their life and who follows his teachings, longing for his return. A Christian who puts politics first comes close to losing his priorities. Yes, Christ is to be first, but before we look to society at large, we are to look to those closest to us, and love them and serve them to build them up. I fear many have lost site of that truth. Further, even if a Christian is to be involved in politics, something I think is actually very possible, that Christian should speak with a humble attitude to lift others up. I do not argue that this Christian should cave into the sinful interest groups, but that they should be careful as to how they address them.
Christians in this nation also need to remember the first three points I listed above. A proper understanding of civics and history is key to put our role in perspective. This nation was never intended to be Christian, but it was intended to be ruled on Christian virtue. And, as Christians invovled in politics, we cannot, and must not, get lost in the power grabbing politics so many wander in today. If we do, we are no different than any other group. If we do, we lost the war.
Before I wrap this up, I want to make one final point on a bigger issue in Christianity and governance. God will protect those who seek his protection. God will not destroy a group that calls on his name. I stated that I do not have any trouble with Christians entering into and getting involved in politics, this is true. But I do think the best way Christians can best alter the course of our nation is to turn our focus from the nation, to God-- if we choose to engage in politics, the focus must still be on God.