The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism by Vincent Leitch, William Cain, Laurie Anne Finke, and Barbara Johnson
The God of the Gospel of John by Marianne M. Thompson
The Lord's Prayer Through North African Eyes: A Window Into Early Christianity by Michael Joseph Brown (Courtesy of T & T Clark)
The Talking Book: African Americans and the Bible Allen Dwight Callahasan (Courtesy of Yale University Press)
Living Gently in a Violent World: The Prophetic Witness of Weakness by Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier (Courtesy of IVP, thanks to Adrianna Wright)
Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing by Emmanuel Katongole & Chris Rice (Courtesy of IVP, thanks to Adrianna Wright)
How to do Things with Words by J. L. Austin
Albert Mohler wrote an interesting piece : The End of Christian America.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Albert Mohler, American Christianity, Faith & Practice, Religion & Religiousity, Secularism
Dear Lou, I was reading the same cover story of Newsweek. And two days ago, I heard President Obama said in Turkey that America was not a Christian nation, but a nation of citizens. He added that America was a nation of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or other faiths and no faith. I disagreed with Pres. Obama as I think although there is separation of religion and state in the US constitution, Christianity has exercised the greatest influence in America and still does as more than half of Americans consider themselves Christians. Although there is much more diversity in beliefs nowadays due to the change in ethnic make-up of modern America, I still think that one cannot just view Christianity as one of the many religions in America. That would be a misreading of American history and reality on the ground today. Christianity maybe losing influence in the public square due to its disunity and discordant voices as a fragmented Church, but I would not say that Christianity is dying in America.
Asks, Slaves, Indians, Blacks from 1865-1964, Hispanics and a slew of other people groups if what Christ spoke about in the scriptures was ever represented in this land. If the foundation for the Christian Faith is found in Matthew 22:37-39 then this nation has not been Christian ever. If Christianity is what is defined by the Pharisee looking proudly into the air saying “I am glad that I am not like this sinner” then yes. We have many church buildings, much religous influence, but it seems to me that Jesus and the writers make clear of what the conerstone of the Christian Faith is and it isn’t dogma, church buildings, moral laws and religous language it is rooted in a Gospel that loves (this includes neighbors and enemies) and this nation has never done that!
We need to look no further than 9/11 to see the response of the Christian Nation. The voice wasn’t lets pray for the salvation of terorist but lets bomb them!
Tony,
It’s good to hear from you. Hope teaching and family are well. You argument is well taken. However, I’m hesitant to say that modern America is a “Christian nation.” I know that is not what you said explicitly! On the other hand, where both of us might differ on this issue is in respect to the declined state of Christianity in American society. You are correct about the early Christian influence on this nation. However, it is no longer so in contemporary America. Christianity is not anymore a major “influence” in modern America. Finally, although America has enjoyed a dynamic Christian influence in the past, unfortunately, in general terms America and Americans have not always lived up to Christian principles. Our history does not prove otherwise but substantiates this thesis. Perhaps President Obama is partly correct, that America in the present is a nation of citizens. As I see the way things are unfolding here, in terms of religious and moral issues, it appears that modern America is becoming progressively a pluralistic religious society. In this respect one could say that America will be “a nation of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or other faiths and no faith.”
By the way Tony, if you have the chance check out Gregory Boyd’s “Don’t Weep for the Demise of American Christianity” (http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/dont-weep-for-the-demise-of-american-christianity/)
It is an important piece.
Blessings,
Lou
Even if our general public does not recognize Jesus as our Savior, Our chosen leaders still should. As this country was built by Christain believers. They were the leaders. Christians took hold to make this country what it was. We have now changed since we diecided everyone should have their rights to be good or to be bad to follow God’s ways or to do our own thing. It is one thing when people chose to do what they are not taught. It is quite another when people who are teaching are not teaching God’s ways. Then we are in big trouble.
Lionel,
I was going to complement what you said but I reckoned to do so. I think you point is crystal clear! Your last statement hit the nail my friend: “We need to look no further than 9/11 to see the response of the Christian Nation. The voice wasn’t lets pray for the salvation of terorist but lets bomb them!”