By Kathryn Page Camp
Is America a Christian nation? It was certainly founded by people who believed in God. Thomas Jefferson believed that God gave us life gave us liberty (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781), and James Madison recognized “the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations” (First Inaugural Address, 1809).
Even the United States Supreme Court has answered the question in the affirmative. In 1892, Justice David J. Brewer stated that “this is a Christian nation” (Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States). Sixty years later, Justice William O. Douglas repeated that theme: “We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being” (Zorach v. Clauson, 1952). Christians and atheists alike can argue whether the Supreme Court’s rulings support those statements, but it has never retracted them.
Does our religious heritage continue today? President George W. Bush appears to believe so. He recently declared, “From its earliest days, the United States has been a Nation of faith” (Presidential Proclamation, July 27, 2006).
Even our money proclaims, “In God We Trust.”
But is that enough? “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t work when we are trying to instill values in our children, and it doesn’t work when we are tying to convince others – either individually or as a country – to serve our God, either. Jesus didn’t just tell us how much He cared. He showed us by giving Himself up to a painful death on the cross.
In a democracy, government acts through the will of the people. So we are the government, and we are America. We are the only ones who can make this a Christian nation. And the proof is not in our words; it’s in our actions. A Christian nation is one that follows Christ. Since we are America, it is not a Christian nation unless we follow Christ. That includes living as He would have us live.
Saint Paul says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV).”
As Christians, our job is to witness to others through our lives as well as our words. Unfortunately, we too often send the wrong message. The world does not see us as a Christian nation when we burn down abortion clinics, shout “faggot” at marchers in gay pride parades or picket outside graveyards while people are grieving inside. True, most American Christians don’t engage in these activities, but we all do things that dishonor Christ and keep the world from seeing us as a Christian nation.
The world doesn’t see America as a Christian nation when we sign our children up for Sunday morning sports leagues instead of sending them to church and Sunday School. The world doesn’t see us as a Christian nation when we pay more attention to having the biggest house on the block than to helping the homeless. The world doesn’t see us as a Christian nation when we look right through our neighbors because their skin is a different color than ours. The world doesn’t see us as a Christian nation when we turn our backs on those who need our help or understanding.
If we encourage our children to bow their heads and pray silently before eating lunch in the school cafeteria, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we don’t set the example for our children to follow, that’s evidence that we are not. If we pray for our nation on our own initiative, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we wait for a presidential proclamation to prompt us, that’s evidence that we are not.
If we work through the political system to legislate against immorality, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we refuse to give the political process a chance, that’s evidence that we are not.
If we vote our consciences at the polls, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we stay home because it’s too much bother, that’s evidence that we are not.
If we defend our faith when others question it, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we stay silent, that’s evidence that we are not. If we respond to those who are hurting with compassion and understanding, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we deny their pain, that’s evidence that we are not.
If we watch what we say about others, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we gossip or use profanity, that’s evidence that we are not. If we love other sinners and preach God’s forgiveness, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we fail to forgive others, that’s evidence that we are not.
If we are there for our neighbors when they need our help, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we ignore their needs, that’s evidence that we are not. If we respect those who don’t agree with us, that’s evidence that we are a Christian nation. If we ridicule them, that’s evidence that we are not.
America is not a Christian nation just because we say it is. Each of us plays a part in speaking up for our beliefs and showing the world that we follow Christ. We can say with Justice Brewer that America is a Christian nation, but words do not make it so. We can blame the courts for taking God out of America, but the courts cannot overrule God. Or we can recognize that we are America, and we are the only ones who can make it a Christian nation.
God is still in control. But He chooses to work through us, and if we do not show the world what it means to be a Christian, no one will. We are America. Let’s show the world that America is a Christian nation.
The writer of this article made some excellent points noting how we prove to be or not to be a Christian nation. In some lower grade levels in schools, a programs that is instituted is the “SHOW AND TELL” segment. I like the way the writer puts it that we should not only “TELL” about Jesus, but it is more important to “SHOW” Him in our lives…”TELL AND SHOW”.
From what I see, America no longer shows itself as a Christian nation. We have some Christians living here, but in too many instances, it does not look like a Christian nation. Formerly, when the Pilgrims/Pioneers came to this country, that was the intent. But as the other nations heard about the wealth and heart of this country, many people wanted to get in on the “wealth” aspect of it and spread their idea of “religion” all over the place. It appears that the “backbone” and “guts” of Christianity have been pushed down and almost done away with, just to make a way for others to have their own freedom of religion. By doing this, it looks like the original intent proves that the USA is Christian “IN NAME ONLY”. Does being first to bring the True God to the people or having seniority mean anything anymore?
Much of America say that they are Christians, they go to church and sit through some kind of teaching about God, they take communion (eat the bread snd drink the wine) they cry out to God when they get in trouble, and at times they have moments of compassion in their lifetime. But basically, they all live the way they want to without to God, His son, Jesus, or His Word. And they all “know” that they are going to enter the kingdom of heaven in the next life when they die.
But hold on, Gang! Check yourselves and make sure! If there is any doubt, consider re-doing this thing about “being a Christian”. Go to Matt 25:32 and read about how The Lord will divide the sheep from the goats at the end times. Also
go to Luke 13:24-27 where it tells that many will seek to enter the Kingdom, but will not be able, for when they knock and try to get in, The Lord will tell them that he does not know them and will want to know where are they from.
They will respond by saying that they ate and drank in the presence of the Lord and they were taught of the Lord. But He
will ask again where are they from and will tell them to depart from Him, all you workers of iniquity. Sad, so sad,
they “pretended” to be a Christian, and now Jesus won’t open the door unto them. Be careful folks, please be sure that when you open your mouth to say things, that you mean what you say and say what you mean. Let your yes be yes and your
no be no… anything else is from the “evil one”. I pray that you have ears to hear… the time is at hand. If you are not walking right, get in touch with Jesus and truly repent and change your walk. If your heart is sincere, He will hear you and help you. You can really count on it.
Blessings,
Mag