Campus CrossWalk Magazine: 2005 Summer Issue -- Is Christianity Un-American?

I advocate a prudent distinction between Christianity and America (or Americanism). America is not the kingdom of God (or Satan). It’s a nation with Christian (and other) roots. America is better for her Christian roots and for this, as an American, I am grateful.

There are many things about America that are unchristian. There is much about her that is wonderfully Christian. Christian and unchristian forces are in heated competition in America. In many countries today, this free competition is illegal. For that freedom, I am grateful.

Christianity is not exclusively American. Neither is it categorically un-American--not while our definition of America still includes the three mottos found on every quarter:

: 1. “Liberty”; 2. “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one); 3. “In God We Trust.”

However, the real definition of America must also admit her failure to fully follow those three principled mottos. In fact, we have sometimes pursued that quarter more vigorously than the principles written on it. Yet, I still believe it is very American to pursue those principles.

First, I do not equate Christianity with Americanism. My loyalties to America melt quickly when any contradiction arises that may call for a choice. Jesus Christ comes first every time. My patriotism must answer to my faith.

Second, I do not define Americanism exclusively by her virtues or her vices. They go together. Like a lot of people I dearly love, America is a mixed bag. As Christians, we too are mixed bags, Americans or not. We live in a conflicted world; a world God loved so much, He sent His only beloved Son to save it. This salvation is neither exclusive to nor exclusive of Americans. While Christianity is distinguished from Americanism (and held higher in our hearts), it’s still not un-American to be Christian, nor is it unchristian to be an American. I am grateful.

Third, there is a tremendous dose of genuine Christianity in America’s history, and, I trust, in her future. I realize our universities are replete with academics who cull the annals of American history for examples to embarrass anyone who still loves America. This can also be done with the church. Clearly, flaws abound in the histories of both the church and the United States of America. Yet, efforts that only highlight our flaws are often too blind to the many benefits that have come to the world through America (and through the church).

Our Puritan heritage played a crucial role in shaping America. If you value religious freedom, adventure, education, literacy, hard work, discipline, democracy, creativity, equality, and the rule of law, you owe a profound debt of gratitude to the Puritans. If you oppose slavery, you stand with your Puritan forebears. They were not the sole custodians of the values and treasures above nor did they invent them or practice them perfectly, but they bore more than their fair share of the load in carrying them to you and me.

Fourth, as much as I love my country, it is getting harder to call her Christian without qualifying the word. Still, she does not have to be formally Christian for me to love her and gratefully hold a loyalty in my heart for her (secondary to Christ).

Patrick Henry made a case for considering America a Christian nation in 1776 to the Virginia House of Burgesses: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

Even in 1776, that was one man's opinion (a great man). And, in 2005, a diversity of worship and faith can still be found in America. Despite a rise in hostility in America over our public freedom to express faith, you and I can still make the case for Christianity. I am grateful.

Simply stated, America is far from perfect. Yet, I am grateful to be an American. But beyond that, my higher hope for heaven stands independent of my United States citizenship.

In the end, Christianity is so much more than American.

Joel Mark SollidayM.Div., is the editor of Campus CrossWalk and the pulpit minister of the Brooklyn Center Church of Christ in Minnesota. A Pepperdine graduate, he later worked in their Campus Life Office and at ACU as a Missionary in Residence. He earned his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary.