Because they cherry pick the verses they need to justify anything they want and make it God's Will. Then if it is God's Will then they all jump on board.
We have bought the Constantinian idea that the church can do the work of the state and vice versa. Add to that the American idea of Manifest Destiny and you have tha makings of a belief that God has a special place in his heart for this nation and that our actions are some how blessed by God, no matter what. After all, the U.S. is the hope of mankind, right?
I think it is because the civil magistrate is given the use of the sword in punishing evildoers (Rom 13), even if those evildoers are enemy nations. War is a use of that sword. So, people see war as right in certain situations.
Like many of you, I think many within the American church believe in some sort of New Israel mentality for the USA. Combined with that, they view our culture as part of "Christendom."
There is a significant failure on the part of the church to see itself as what it is: a peculiar people living like Christ and for Christ.
What can we do? When given the opportunity, let's continue to point directly to Jesus' expectations that we be peacemakers.
My perception is that most people believe that they have no ability to influence governmental policy. The US government has become a massive system with little concern for popular opinion, it seems. I agree that patriotism should not be confused with spirituality. I also agree that Christians should not rely on the government to accomplish the mission God assigned them. To specifically answer your question, I'm not sure that support for US military action is as popular as you might think.
But maybe deep down I believe it has something to do with personality? I personally would always that girl on the playground sticking up for those who were being teased. It will probably always be my instinct to do anything at all I could to keep harm away from those I love.... and I believe there are many of the same personalities in our country that have been convinced (right or wrong) that we actually do protect the innocent of our country by keeping "evil" away from our homeland by battling "over there".
Ignorant? naive? I don't know. Don't run all over me... I'm just trying to process out what I think.
Anatomy of a Hybrid, by Leonard Verduin. A good book that touches on the topic. A perspective I could say gives quite a good explanation of the question you pose.
11 comments:
It is, to borrow the title from a book, "The Myth of a Christian Nation." Some of our, so called, spiritual leaders promote this.
Because they cherry pick the verses they need to justify anything they want and make it God's Will. Then if it is God's Will then they all jump on board.
We have bought the Constantinian idea that the church can do the work of the state and vice versa. Add to that the American idea of Manifest Destiny and you have tha makings of a belief that God has a special place in his heart for this nation and that our actions are some how blessed by God, no matter what. After all, the U.S. is the hope of mankind, right?
Fear. The kind of fear that only perfect love can drive out.
Eric,
I think it is because the civil magistrate is given the use of the sword in punishing evildoers (Rom 13), even if those evildoers are enemy nations. War is a use of that sword. So, people see war as right in certain situations.
Thanks everyone for the comments.
Like many of you, I think many within the American church believe in some sort of New Israel mentality for the USA. Combined with that, they view our culture as part of "Christendom."
There is a significant failure on the part of the church to see itself as what it is: a peculiar people living like Christ and for Christ.
What can we do? When given the opportunity, let's continue to point directly to Jesus' expectations that we be peacemakers.
My perception is that most people believe that they have no ability to influence governmental policy. The US government has become a massive system with little concern for popular opinion, it seems. I agree that patriotism should not be confused with spirituality. I also agree that Christians should not rely on the government to accomplish the mission God assigned them. To specifically answer your question, I'm not sure that support for US military action is as popular as you might think.
IDK I'm struggling with this topic.
Fear I guess is my answer to your question.
But maybe deep down I believe it has something to do with personality? I personally would always that girl on the playground sticking up for those who were being teased. It will probably always be my instinct to do anything at all I could to keep harm away from those I love.... and I believe there are many of the same personalities in our country that have been convinced (right or wrong) that we actually do protect the innocent of our country by keeping "evil" away from our homeland by battling "over there".
Ignorant? naive? I don't know. Don't run all over me... I'm just trying to process out what I think.
Anatomy of a Hybrid, by Leonard Verduin. A good book that touches on the topic. A perspective I could say gives quite a good explanation of the question you pose.
James,
Thanks for the suggestion. I've read "The Reformers and Their Stepchildren" and found it quite helpful.
I borrowed step-children from the library. Didn't get to read too much of it. I think I got distracted? :)
Squirrel!
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