Book Reviews
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed." Francis Bacon (d. 1626)
Book Review
By Darold Morgan
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church
By Gregory A. Boyd
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006, $15.
Reading this book, with its provocative title, and interest-piquing sub-title leaves one quickly with several major impressions. One is the author`s obvious and profound knowledge of the Bible, particularly as it relates to a full-orbed discussion of the kingdom of God. He makes this the guiding theme throughout the entire book. And this is absolutely the key to his basic thesis that this quest for political power is destroying the church. Second, practically all readers would sit up and take notice of the tragic fact that a thousand members of this pastor`s church left his congregation as these messages were being delivered. Many intensely patriotic Christians sadly and firmly feel that it is disloyal for Americans to put biblical truth about Jesus and the kingdom of God above the interests of the United States. It often comes down to an "either-or" issue, rather than a "both-and."
American Christians are living in strange times where patriotism seemingly has many contradictive interpretations. The author unequivocally makes it clear that New Testament Christianity mandates the priority of a heavenly citizenship in the kingdom of God, producing a life of values supremely related to Jesus Christ because of His Incarnation, the climax of Calvary, the ultimate victory in His Resurrection and promised return! "Seek first the kingdom" is the ongoing and unchanging mandate. One of the problems in the book is perhaps a too lengthy treatment of this, resulting to some degree in a loss of interest before he comes to the distinctly American church problem of interpreting a "Constantinian" concept of national patriotism, which takes precedence over New Testament Christianity.
Repeatedly the issue comes down to this-is the current form of patriotism fusing with the concept that American Christians are trusting more in military might than the power of the Cross? Certainly the kingdom of God is a vital precept, but in these days of such world-wide terrorism and danger, trust in a Constantinian theory of church-state relationships leads to power and success. The author states this bluntly: "We have become intoxicated with the Constantinian, nationalistic, violent mindset of imperialistic Christendom" (90). There are numerous illustrations of this dangerous trend.
The bottom line seems to be that if Christian people can dominate the political landscape, the nation will discover that the "means justifies the end." And, that end is the mesmerizing quote that "America will be Christian again!" The chapter, "Taking America Back for God" is worth the price of the book. Boyd hits bluntly the questions obviously on the lips of many American Christians-questions about Marxism, Islamic militarism, the moral issues of abortion, homosexuality, and secularism. Forget the admonitions of Jesus of turning the other cheek and ministering to the helpless and heart-broken-national patriotism comes first!
In the midst of these charges and countercharges comes this clear, rational voice of a concerned pastor who puts the focus once again on the biblical message about the mind of Christ as the essence of God`s kingdom. His followers are to the "Kingdom People." Will not our beloved homeland, the United States of America, be ultimately stronger when Jesus Christ is acknowledged as the king of the kingdom of God?
Another provocative value of this book is the question about the claim that America has been a Christian nation from its earliest days of history. A recall of American history reminds us sadly of the treatment of the American Indians, the enslavement of millions of Africans, and the virtual apartheid of the freed slaves for a century after the Civil War through the infamous Jim Crow laws. "It is obvious America never really belonged to God." This comes as a disturbing conclusion to people who still rejoice in our Puritan forefathers hope for "the City on the Hill," the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Add memories of the great revivals in the American heartland in the pioneer days all the way to the Billy Graham Crusades of our day. Indeed there have been stalwart Christian leaders throughout American history who have fostered great Christian institutions. Yet provocative questions about militarism and a self-centered patriotism in these days of a world-wide terrorism challenge our faith..
In the light of heated debates which have greatly diminished the Christian witness at home and abroad, debates which rarely convince anyone because of such deeply held positions, this author`s main contribution is an impassionate appeal to the biblical priority of the kingdom of God as preached by Jesus. Simply stated, this is the essence of New Testament Christianity, and we never go wrong when this is the ultimate motivation in the church and in Christian witness-"Seek ye first the kingdom of God."
