Evidence of America's Christian History
I just spent a few hours with a journalist from Belgium. He's touring the United States to produce a series on religion in America for the public radio network in his own country. He was a delightful fellow, and it was a joy to speak with him.
He mentioned that Europeans are very much intrigued by the importance placed upon religion within American society. In many ways Europe has moved into a secular era, and the religious bantering of the Red, White, and Blue is drawing the attention of astute onlookers.
We discussed much the materialism of American culture, and its corresponding impact on the American Christian. The American version of Christianity was clearly unique and distinct from the same religion being practiced in the Third World, for example. American Christianity reflects the middle class with its base pursuits and celebrity culture.
At one point I noted to my Belgium guest an interesting paradox: despite the present emphasis upon religion in America, we have never witnessed so much Biblical illiteracy. Too many Christians simply do not know their Bibles well. Herein lies the paradox.
If most American Christians are both materialistic and Biblically illiterate, how can we explain the importance being placed on religion in America? Materialism is not a Biblical idea, and understanding Christian doctrine is not important. So, how then can we have so much debate about religion? Did modern Christianity spring forth from the void?
Hardly. There is only one way to explain the present debate over religion in America: it's due to the fact that America's brief history is very religious. In specific, America's history is Christian. This is how you get millions of people identifying themselves as "Christian" yet not attending church regularly, or reading their Bible. It's America's tradition to elevate the Christian religion, and it's this national narrative that a good many American is seeking to abolish—that narrative is no longer accepted broadly.
The best evidence for a Christian history in America is the fact that the issue is being debated. If our national history is as secular as some allege, it would not explain the religious emphasis so important to millions of Americans.
He mentioned that Europeans are very much intrigued by the importance placed upon religion within American society. In many ways Europe has moved into a secular era, and the religious bantering of the Red, White, and Blue is drawing the attention of astute onlookers.
We discussed much the materialism of American culture, and its corresponding impact on the American Christian. The American version of Christianity was clearly unique and distinct from the same religion being practiced in the Third World, for example. American Christianity reflects the middle class with its base pursuits and celebrity culture.
At one point I noted to my Belgium guest an interesting paradox: despite the present emphasis upon religion in America, we have never witnessed so much Biblical illiteracy. Too many Christians simply do not know their Bibles well. Herein lies the paradox.
If most American Christians are both materialistic and Biblically illiterate, how can we explain the importance being placed on religion in America? Materialism is not a Biblical idea, and understanding Christian doctrine is not important. So, how then can we have so much debate about religion? Did modern Christianity spring forth from the void?
Hardly. There is only one way to explain the present debate over religion in America: it's due to the fact that America's brief history is very religious. In specific, America's history is Christian. This is how you get millions of people identifying themselves as "Christian" yet not attending church regularly, or reading their Bible. It's America's tradition to elevate the Christian religion, and it's this national narrative that a good many American is seeking to abolish—that narrative is no longer accepted broadly.
The best evidence for a Christian history in America is the fact that the issue is being debated. If our national history is as secular as some allege, it would not explain the religious emphasis so important to millions of Americans.
