American Christians have too many right hands.
Yes, this is about Osama Bin Laden. I am contributing to the next Love Wins, I know. But I've thought about it for quite some time now, so I feel justified.
I just feel that American Christians feel the default political affinity for Christians must be Republican. And while I often would align with the Republican side of things, I still say some attention needs to be paid to the left. Having American Christianity saturated with right wings is, in my opinion, not a good thing. You need someone to hold you accountable, especially with the lack of objectivity that seems so prevalent today. Don't immediately jump to the Republicans' aid (or vice versa).
But I feel this is just a part of a larger problem. Christians in America can't seem to make the distinction between their faith and their political alignment. We're so "Go America!" that we lose track of our identities. We should be, first and foremost, Christians - followers of Christ. Jesus didn't bleed red, white, and blue all over the cross, if you remember. He didn't break apple pie at the Last Supper.
Now, I'm not anti-America--I happen to enjoy living in this country, in fact, and would serve the people in it--but we need a reality check. America is not God's country, no matter how you swing it. The Founding Fathers were not necessarily Christians (a few, including Jefferson, were deists). In fact, the ethics of the American Revolution itself is questionable from a Christian perspective. So remember that before you go all gung-ho about America's supremacy.
Like I said, I love this country and the people in it. In fact, my dream career would involve working long hours for this country. But my ultimate loyalty is to Christ, not America. And I would serve and die for this people, not the red, white and blue. But I realize my identity, I know my home. And it doesn't fly the American Flag out front.
So watch baseball, eat an apple pie at a picnic, and fly our nation's colors in your front yard. But realize who you are--not an American, but a Christian. If we do that, maybe then we'll be able to evaluate events with an objectivity worth our thought.
