Two points before I get started. First, a disclaimer, I don't necessarily consider myself a Mennonite. First and foremost, I am a Christian: A believer in and follower of Christ. However, growing up in a Mennonite church, and attending a Mennonite university, I can't deny the influence of Mennonite theology on my own. (I am currently attending a Presbyterian/PCA church, which in many ways has been a refreshing change). Secondly, I am merely sharing my own views on this important holiday, please feel free to comment, but I do not want this to become a "typical" political discussion as I often see (and, admittedly, take part in) on Facebook.
Independence Day is the day when we celebrate the United States declaring herself free from England. My first question is this: what is "independence"? The freedom that we often associate with "independence" is a wonderful gift, and while I don't support most wars and military action, I don't deny the price that was paid for many of the freedoms that I often take for granted. But is "independence" really what we as Christians should idealize? Even though my own political beliefs lean libertarian, aren't we as Christians supposed to recognize our weaknesses and be "co-dependent"? I'm all for limited government involvement in society, but does this breed a selfish "I can do everything myself" mentality?
Independence Day is also probably the most "patriotic" holiday on the American calendar. While I don't have anything wrong with patriotism per se, I get uncomfortable sometimes when Christianity is mixed with patriotism. Yes, there is Romans 13:7 ("Pay to all what is owed to
them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed,
respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."), but to me "honor" is different from "worship." We are called to honor Barack Obama like we were called to honor George Bush, and yes, even our senators and representatives. But this doesn't mean we blindly accept everything they do or give our unconditional allegiance to them.
Jesus says "my Kingdom is not of this world." I believe our mission as Christians is solely the expansion of God's Kingdom. Politics and the expansion of America's "kingdom" (i. e., Democracy) can just be a distraction. What good is it if people experience the freedom of democracy (don't get me wrong, I believe it's a good thing), but don't experience ultimate freedom in Christ? Millions, even billions, have never experienced this freedom - shouldn't this be a priority for us as Christians rather than making sure Iran doesn't get nuclear weapons or China doesn't continue its persecution of dissidents? Also, what about the Pledge of Allegiance? Many people say it without thinking, but what are we really pledging allegiance to? What if our government asks us to do something contrary to Christ's commands? I pledge my allegiance to Christ alone.
Independence Day is also a time for the promotion of the idea of "American exceptionalism," which I even see Christians taking part in. I love Michael W. Smith's music, but I was disappointed the other year when I heard him perform at the Creation Music Festival. Toward the end of the concert he started playing patriotic songs, waving a huge American flag around and shouting "I love this country!" In another context that might not bother me as much, but just a moment before we were worshiping God and then in an instant it seemed to change to a worship service for our country. Is it just me or does this seem like idolatry? I truly believe that no other country has been more influenced by Biblical Christianity than America, but does this make us any "better" than every other country? In Christ there is no Jew or Greek (no American citizen or illegal alien - how's that for a political statement?!). At the end of time when we are finally with Christ (and no longer strangers and aliens on Earth) there will be praising God saints from EVERY tribe, nation and tongue. What a beautiful vision!
I hope I don't offend anyone. I merely want to share some of my complex political views (which do tend to be conservative, believe it or not) during this important holiday. I welcome any confidential messages if you feel I am in error or you want to discuss this further in a way that might start a political "battle" if posted publicly. My number one goal is to honor God and I hope I am not dishonoring anyone else unintentionally. Soli deo gloria.
No comments:
Post a Comment