I recall the outrage the time it was suggested the American flag (as as the denominational banner) be removed from the sanctuary because our only banner should be the cross of Christ crucified and risen.
On one hand, Blount is certainly correct in terms of allegiance and not living a “worldly” life. We are not just Christians before we are Americans, but I believe we are just Christians in America. I’ve had to do some hard rethinking of our history in the last decade, and one thing I’ve concluded is that the founding of America was primarily motivated by money. Oh sure, freedoms and liberty, those were at the forefront, but it was mostly “freedoms and liberty” from the economic control of a distant government.
On the other hand, I blanch at the idea of being completely open with such thoughts. Like, I wouldn’t initiate a conversation about that around my workplace because I’m certain it would not sit well with most. It’s kind of like reading ill informed or just ignorant posts on Facebook. It’s better to ignore than engage. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.”
So in terms of how we live and think, I can be on board with Blount. But how I speak, maybe not as much. Am I wrong? I’m open to correction.
This reminds me of Daniel continuing to pray even when he knows the danger to himself. I think Daniel is a good example of someone living in an environment hostile to his religion, and yet working within it to be true to God.
WOW! Thought stirring indeed! I've had these passing thoughts myself, but this might be the first time that I've read them written down so cogently. As red-blooded, God-fearing "Americans," we should all proclaim what the first ones who called themselves that once did, "We have no King but Jesus!" And if we then lived out our proclamation in our daily lives, that should surely start a ruckus, huh!
I recall the outrage the time it was suggested the American flag (as as the denominational banner) be removed from the sanctuary because our only banner should be the cross of Christ crucified and risen.
I am conflicted with this post.
On one hand, Blount is certainly correct in terms of allegiance and not living a “worldly” life. We are not just Christians before we are Americans, but I believe we are just Christians in America. I’ve had to do some hard rethinking of our history in the last decade, and one thing I’ve concluded is that the founding of America was primarily motivated by money. Oh sure, freedoms and liberty, those were at the forefront, but it was mostly “freedoms and liberty” from the economic control of a distant government.
On the other hand, I blanch at the idea of being completely open with such thoughts. Like, I wouldn’t initiate a conversation about that around my workplace because I’m certain it would not sit well with most. It’s kind of like reading ill informed or just ignorant posts on Facebook. It’s better to ignore than engage. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.”
So in terms of how we live and think, I can be on board with Blount. But how I speak, maybe not as much. Am I wrong? I’m open to correction.
This reminds me of Daniel continuing to pray even when he knows the danger to himself. I think Daniel is a good example of someone living in an environment hostile to his religion, and yet working within it to be true to God.
WOW! Thought stirring indeed! I've had these passing thoughts myself, but this might be the first time that I've read them written down so cogently. As red-blooded, God-fearing "Americans," we should all proclaim what the first ones who called themselves that once did, "We have no King but Jesus!" And if we then lived out our proclamation in our daily lives, that should surely start a ruckus, huh!