Greg Boyd wrote a book called, “The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church.” I thought this book might interest you, as it perks my ears. I have not read it, nor will I carve out time in the near future to read it. However, you may want to pick it up, it should be worthwhile. Let me wet your appetite with this quote from the book:
“I believe a significant segment of American evangelicalism is guilty of nationalistic and political idolatry. To a frightful degree, I think, evangelicals fuse the kingdom of God with a preferred version of the kingdom of the world…For some evangelicals, the kingdom of God is largely about, if not centered on, ‘taking America back for God,’ voting for the Christian candidate, outlawing abortion, outlawing gay marriage, winning the culture war, defending political freedom at home and abroad, keeping the phrase ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance, fighting for prayer in the public schools and at public events, and fighting to display the Ten Commandments in government buildings…Fusing together the kingdom of God with…the kingdom of the world is idolatrous…This fusion is having serious consequences for Christ’s church and for the advancement of God’s kingdom.” (p. 11)
Interesting take. I really do question the healthiness of religion in government, but have looked at it from the government’s angle, not religion’s. It is ironic that the Christians in government are the first to decry the Islamic Republics of the world and the first to want the US to be a Christian Republic.
The kids and I have been exploring the idea of Manifest Destiny as part of homeschool & even from secular sources it would be hard to miss God’s hand in matters. I am especially drawn to the circumstances surrounding the British march on Washington in the War of 1812. I don’t think it is dangerous to mix religion & politics — quite the contrary — how can a mere human know how to lead the people without divine intervention? In response to the quote — we are all “sons of Adam” even in following God we are prone to make mistakes.
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Glad you found it beneficial!