The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the ChurchThe church was established to serve the world with Christ-like love, not to rule the world. It is called to look like a corporate Jesus, dying on the cross for those who crucified him, not a religious version of Caesar. It is called to manifest the kingdom of the cross in contrast to the kingdom of the sword. Whenever the church has succeeded in gaining what most American evangelicals are now trying to get – political power – it has been disastrous both for the church and the culture. Whenever the church picks up the sword, it lays down the cross. The present activity of the religious right is destroying the heart and soul of the evangelical church and destroying its unique witness to the world. The church is to have a political voice, but we are to have it the way Jesus had it: by manifesting an alternative to the political, “power over,” way of doing life. We are to transform the world by being willing to suffer for others – exercising “power under,” not by getting our way in society – exercising “power over.” |
Contents
INTRODUCTION | |
FROM RESIDENT ALIENS TO CONQUERING WARLORDS | |
THE MYTH OF A CHRISTIAN NATION | |
WHEN CHIEF SINNERS BECOME MORAL GUARDIANS | |
Other editions - View all
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is ... Gregory A. Boyd Limited preview - 2005 |
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is ... Gregory A. Boyd Limited preview - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
allegiance argue authority beautiful behavior believe called Calvary Calvary-like Calvary-quality love Captain America CHAPTER Christ loved Christian Christian nation Christlike church civil religion covenantal cross crucified culture demonic disciples Discipleship distinct distinctly kingdom Donatists enemies evangelicals evil example exercise power faith fight gay marriage God's Grand Rapids harm heart holy Israel issues Janet Jackson Jesus Christ Jews John John Howard Yoder justified kill kingdom of God kingdom person kingdom-of kingdom-of-God citizens kingdom-of-the-world looks like Jesus Luke manifest Matt means mindset moral guardian myth Myths America nation under God nationalistic never nonviolent oppressed ourselves participate Paul people’s persecute Peter Politics of Jesus pro-life questions radical Ray Comfort reign religious resist Roman sacrificial love Satan Scripture serve simply sinners social society sword take America back tax collectors teaching Testament things throughout history transform trust unique kingdom violence Yoder