Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Myth of A Christian Nation - Book Review

The Myth of A Christian Nation by Gregory A. Boyd is a must read for Christians who are frustrated with the moral decline in America and are tempted to grab power to make things better. He carefully explores the scriptures to show that the idea of a Christian Nation is nothing more than our American version of a state religion. Although many of the people who founded our original colonies, and later helped to form our nation, we men and women of faith, in particular the Christian faith, the idea that a government could be "Christian" he explains is not in line with the teachings of Jesus.

Apart from the obvious Bible verses such as "my kingdom is not of this world" Boyd carefully looks at the essence of Christianity and shows how that essence is in stark contrast to the civic religion we call Christianity here in America. Returning to the notion of a Christian America would be the same as saying we want to return our country to England.

There are many "state" religions our there - Dutch Reformed, Anglican Church in England where the state and the church are not divided and I don't see a strong Christian Nation in those places. The Netherlands is overly tolerant, and England is in the same boat as America. Boyd explores these and many other notions surrounding the idea of a Christian Nation.

You may not agree with him but I challenge you to read his book.

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