Patriotism and the American Church
Copyright 2002, Shea Oakley
A new patriotism has manifested itself in America since the events of September 11, 2001 and Evangelicals have been at the forefront of much of the most emotionally charged flag-waving. But for some Christians there is a certain sense of disconnect when they see "God Bless America" appearing on the marques of strip clubs. Which America are we expecting Him to bless? Is it the America that feeds half the world, sends billions of dollars of foreign aid every year to Third World countries and seeks to promote democracy and the rule of law? Or is it the nation that, over the last 30 years, has ended the lives of 35 million of it’s own children through abortion, exported to the world a degenerate popular culture through every kind of media imaginable and made materialism it’s god in a scope never before seen in human history?
Like most great nations throughout human history the United States has had both it’s glories and it’s disgraces. But as we entered the 21st Century many thoughtful American believers often felt that there had been more disgrace than glory coming out of their republic lately. Then came 9/11. The author lives near New York City and it was amazing to see virtually every automobile in Northern New Jersey (including my own) sprout an American flag in the weeks following the attack on the World Trade Center. Patriotism was back in our national consciousness and back in a big way.
This was nowhere more evident than in the churches. For a time hymns and worship choruses had to compete with the likes of "God Bless America", "My Country ‘Tis of Thee" and the National Anthem. After 8 years of Bill Clinton American evangelicals fervently rallied around President Bush. Getting him into the White House had felt to us like good king Josiah replacing Ahab and when the war on terrorism began there seemed near universal relief that Al Gore wasn’t leading it.
But ,for a few of us anyway, there was an uncomfortable sense that the Church, which had been deeply critical of contemporary America before 9/11, was now at the forefront of this resurgent patriotism which completely ignored the moral decay that is so rife in the United States. Love of Country is not a sin when in it’s proper place in a Christian’s life. The problem comes when we whitewash a mound of deep moral decay and then plant a flag on it.The best patriotism is one that promotes loyalty to our homeland but also continues to ask the question whether "my country, right or wrong" is a legitimate stance for a follower of Christ.
Editor's Note :
Some background information about Shea :
My name is Shea Oakley. I was converted from atheism 12 years ago. I am a graduate of Nyack College, a Christian College outside of New York City, and hold a B.A in English Literature. I also have earned 41 graduate credits from Alliance Theological Seminary (also in Nyack).I am a member of the Nazarene Church. I have been extensively published in two college newspapers. Also one piece each in Nyack, Airliners and Poet magazines.