Christians in America should be the most grateful people on the planet, living as we do in a country which allows us total religious freedom. When we gather in small groups in our homes, it is not because we are forced into hiding and must meet in secret, as millions of others around the world do. When we want to worship with hundreds (even thousands) of others, we can do so as well, while our congregations enjoy tax-free status. We can even turn on our televisions and find religious programs at any time of the day or night. Despite persistent rumors to the contrary, these freedoms are not in danger.
Yet, it seems as though the Church in America is not content to merely enjoy the freedom to follow our own spiritual pursuits, worshiping in the way we choose; it appears that we want to crash the gate which separates church and state and impose our individual desires and beliefs on everyone else. One of the many problems with this concept is that even within the Christian community, from denomination to denomination, there is considerable disagreement as to what that should mean.
One of the other issues, is that while this nation was founded on democratic ideas which, perhaps, favor Godly principles, its laws are not even based on the ten commandments (for example, there are no laws demanding that we honor our parents; we can make all the "graven images" we want; the Sabbath is just another day of the week; coveting our neighbor's property -- keeping up with the "Joneses" -- may even actually be pretty close to the definition of the "American Dream," etc.).
And certainly our country, based on GOVERNING LAWS, does not follow Christian principles. Read the "Sermon on the Mount," a very good summary of the teachings of Jesus (see Matthew 5-7), and decide for yourself if the United States is a "Christian nation." Jesus promotes gentleness, mercy, making peace, being reconciled to our "brothers" and loving our enemies. He speaks against adultery, divorce, storing up treasures and greed, among many other things which are not against the laws of our land.
The other big problem is the Bill of Rights. The very first line of the First Amendment is: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." As Americans, we should appreciate our personal freedom of religion and not deny the same freedom to others, regardless of how much we might disagree with their views. As Christians, we also need to concentrate on getting our own house in order and be less concerned about what everyone else is doing.
As American Christians, we are not called to place patriotism above or ahead of Jesus. Our true freedom comes from a source higher than any government: "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." (Galatians 5:13-15)
Freedom in Christ is much greater and more precious than freedom granted by man's laws, and it carries even greater responsibilities. If we continue to lash out at others, we are in danger of destroying ourselves.
Wow! A sane, reasonable voice in this crazy world. Amen! Terry
ReplyDeleteSister Terry, this is an incredibly pertinent post on which I'd like to reflect in the coming days. The Ozark Uncle has to make a taxi run up to and back from KC tomorrow. He'll be able to sort out his thoughts on the lonesome road north when he is passengerless. Two quick thoughts:(1) the Ozark Uncle perceives the country is at a pivotal point in its history regarding the social and religious fiber, and (2) remember that your writings of today will provide a glimpse of yourself to you grandson and his children in future years. Someday, they will be able to say, here's how Grandma Hampton felt about this topic. So, thanks for enlightening this generation while leaving the light on for generations that follow. This isn't all of the Ozark Uncle's comments regarding this particular post, but the rush of the moment suggests that a delay would be best.
ReplyDeleteVERY well said. Freedom in Christ carries responsibilities that many of us would like to ignore. Thanks for your wise words.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish the Christians among the crowds who are screaming about the mosque planned in New York city a few blocks from ground zero could read this column. Every few days I get an e-mail denigrating all Muslims, and they are usually from Christians.
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely to hear comments coming from kind, compassionate perspectives -- thank you all for sharing encouraging words!
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