I’ve been listening to American Gospel by John Meacham and thoroughly enjoying it.
He makes the case that the relationship between church and state, religion and politics, and Christianity and the faith of the Founding Fathers is like most things in history: more complex and nuanced than most people want to believe.
He contends that the idea that America was founded as a Christian nation is actually a work of revisionist history by some conservative evangelicals who want to take back the country for God.
The Founding Fathers were aware of the the problems caused by state-run churches and vice versa and they sought to chart a middle way. The state and church were to be separate, but in no way could they be kept from influencing one another. In a Republic, the religious convictions of the people will always have political implications. In its initial conception, the separation of church and state was designed to protect religion from politics, not politics from religion.
The “God/Creator” spoken of in the foundational documents is a generic one, not necessarily the God of Abraham, Isasc, Jacob, and Jesus. This kept the religious tent broad enough to include those with a variety of religious beliefs and convictions.
One of the most interesting details so far is Article 11 from the Treaty with Tripoli (1796):
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
Article 11 seems to be saying that America was not intended to be a “Christian nation.” It was approved by John Adams. It has also been contested and debated ad nauseam.
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
This debate has been huge in recent years. No matter where one comes out on all of the details…one would be hard-pressed to deny that it has always been a “Christian friendlier” nation than “Muslim friendly” or what have you. Despite words to the contrary, actions of the U.S. government over the years (until the latter 20th century) seem to reflect a deep reverence for Christianity that is not reflected toward other faiths. I’m most interested in how God and principalities and powers at work in America today. I’m far from a cheerleader for “Christian America.” I am a cheerleader for Christianity. Citizenship and discipleship are not the same thing. Very thought-provoking…
I just recently wrote a piece for Biblical Notes Quarterly touching on a lot of these matters. It’s interesting how once you focus on a given topic, you see that topic popping up everywhere. I published the article on my website, sort of arguing against the “religious right” and its attempt to legislate Christian ideals. Feedback is welcome.
I haven’t heard of American Gospel; thanks for the pointer!
I haven’t read his book, but he has a pretty good weekly column.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12498581/site/newsweek
Peace.
Wade,
Thanks for your insight. Wow.. I will have took into it more. I appreciate your posts because it challenges you to think and look at new views.
I am currently reading The Myth of a Christian Nation : How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church by Gregory Boyd. I’m just getting into it, but it’s been pretty good so far. American Gospel sounds like it may have to be added to my list as well.
“Christian Nation.” That is one of the biggest myths of all time. The US was founded as a secular state . . . intentionally. Alexander Campbell, a very proud American, wrote in 1848: “The American Nation as a nation is no more in spirit Christian than were Greece and Rome” (cf. Address on War).
In addition to the find book mentioned by Greg may I recommend Richard T. Hughes book “Myths America Lives By” published in 2003.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
Stoned-Campbell Disciple