Jeremy Hoover

The Myth of a Christian Nation: Chapter 5

Before getting too far, I should note that I agree 100% with Boyd's assertion in this chapter that this phrase, "taking America back for God," is wrong to begin with because it implies that America once was God's. When, asks Boyd, as he cites a number of occasions in which ungodly behavior by the nation's leaders would call into question their following of God (pgs. 98-100).

Further, this quest, to take America "back" for God, lies in the realm of the power of the sword. It is a quest for power, a quest to mold others (by force, if necessary) into a particular brand of Christianity's views of religion.

When?, asks Boyd, did Jesus ever act or talk like this?

Jesus' example demonstrates that God no longer acts nationalistically. He calls together a spiritual nation, embodied across cultures, operating under the banner of the Kingdom of God.

Boyd asks these questions about Jesus (p. 92):

• Did Jesus ever suggest by word or by example that we should aspire to acquire, let alone take over, the power of Caesar?
• Did Jesus spend any time and energy trying to improve, let alone dominate, the reigning government of his day?
• Did he ever work to pass laws against the sinners he hung out with and ministered to?
• Did he worry at all about ensuring that his rights and the religious rights of his followers were protected?
• Does any author in the New Testament remotely hint that engaging in this sort of activity has anything to do with the kingdom of God?

Boyd also asks us to examine Europe, where Christians ruled for (long) periods of time and the church prospered. What we see there are places that are more secular and less open to the gospel today. This is what happens when the church tries to live by the sword rather than by the cross.

What do you think?