The Sixth Reflection – The Fruit of American Exceptionalism
Having grown up in an evangelical church and going to evangelical church camps, I can tell you that Christian Nationalism is not a new phenomenon. At these camps, I had pledged allegiance to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible.
To be perfectly honest, I had completely forgotten I had done this as a child until I had listened to a progressive pastor recount his own church camp and vacation Bible school stories. It disturbs me how early they were teaching me to equate America with God and Christianity as if they were interchangeable.
I find it worrying that this link between the church and America is only getting stronger. You will not find a more viscerally patriotic group of Americans than Evangelical Christians and, obviously, the nationalists. This union between the church and America has only exploded in power and popularity in recent months alone.
This is not to say that patriotism is an inherently immoral thing. I love my country, I see what amazing good it could do for the world. But patriotism and love for country do not override the necessity of critique and scrutiny. Nor does it negate the sins of a nation.
Evangelicals are more than willing to sanctify the violence of the American state in the name of Jesus. Take 9/11, while a terrible national tragedy, quickly became an excuse to eradicate the enemies of God, Christianity, and America. President Bush and other political officials even leaned further into the religious fervor and called it a crusade.
Furthermore, I find it disturbingly resembles the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312. He converted to Christianity (likely as a political move) and immediately used the name of God and Christ to conquer his enemies.
I mention the conversion of Constantine to show that Christianity is disturbingly co-opted by governments quite often. It started back towards its very beginning. As someone who still cares about the words and actions of Jesus, I find it continually unsettles me. I cannot find anywhere in the New Testament where it is plainly suggested to honor and revere our governments at the expense of our teachings and call to love.
And is that not taking the Lord’s name in vain? What is worse, I wonder, saying “God Damn it” when you stub your toe, or using the name of God to oppress the marginalized and slaughter your enemies?
No matter which direction I look, I find countless references in the bible of Christians and even Jesus, keeping the ruthless empire at arm’s length. They turn Paul’s call to respect authority into a call to venerate authority that panders to them the most (Romans 13:1-7). Even so, according to the SBL Study bible, there is a convincing argument that this passage is an addition to the letter from some other source because of its abrupt transition. If you decide to read it, try skipping those passages, and you’ll immediately notice the unexpected tonal shift.
They shift Jesus’ simple command to pay your taxes as an endorsement of political apathy or submission (Matthew 22:15). Yet they switch its meaning when it is a politician they are not fond of.
Regardless, is it not simpler that they are calls and reminders for non-violence? It is in line with all of Jesus’ commands for turning the other cheek and walking 2 miles instead of one. It makes a lot more sense to, say, not rebel against an empire that would absolutely eradicate you. As did happen in 70 CE when Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome because of the Judean rebellion.
If any evangelicals and nationalists happen to stumble upon this post and read this far, do not fall for the promises of an empire driven by greed and apathy. This is not a reflection of God nor Jesus, and it never will be. Help and love your neighbor as he commanded, and that will build a more just world.
