America is a Christian nation (Part I)

First, allow me to state that the founders of the United States of America developed one of the best if not the best secular forms of governance to date. However, that is a far cry from stating that America is a Christian nation.

We hear this over and over again from the Christian Majority, but is it true? We hear that America was formed using Biblical principles and yet the Bible is very clear on how we should deal with government oppression. I will not expound on the rational for the American Revolution, but only say the most of the reason were economic in nature.

Matthew 22:15-21
15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

21"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

Romans 13:1-2
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-21
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Based upon these quotations, I would say that the rational for claiming America’s right to rebel against the presiding authority is unwarranted and un-Biblical. In the limited examples we have regarding rebellion against authority in the Bible, never do we see political revolt or political involvement. If the early Christian’s failed to follow secular laws, it was always because the secular law conflicted with God’s commandments, but even then they paid the secular cost more often than not. Accepting beating, jail, torture and often death for their rebellion and often praising God while experiencing It., but never retaliating in kind (at least for about 300 years).

The next installment will continue along this topic and look at what other reasons people might have for equating the United States of America with a Christian nation.

Most non-Christians only know Christianity from what they see and here from our news media, television, movies and books, usually referred to as The Christian Majority. To speak of a majority necessitates that there is a minority and this blog hopes to represent the latter's view iin regards to Biblical understanding. Many of the views I will be attempting to speak on do not conform to those views you have come to understand from the Christian Majority point of view.

I also hope to Challenge those who ally themselves to the Christian Majority view to delve deeply into God's word, which we hold to be The Bible. As much as possible I will quote from The Bible to make my points.

I hope you will enjoy this blog, whether you come to agree with what is said here or not. I do not know exactly what will be the first topic I will present, since there are so very many.

My our Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus the Christ bless and keep you.