American Civil Religion
A few years ago, this term came to mind to describe the nationalism, patriotism and social ethics that fuel the imaginations of most Americans. Though I never assumed I ‘coined’ the term I’d never heard it before.
A simple Google search revealed to me that American Civil Religion has some other observers; the most notable seems to be this guy. I’m putting his book on hold at the library as we speak.
In any case ACR is by far one my favorite topics on my mind at any given time (just ask Zack). I’ll be putting together a series of posts on how ACR and biblical Christianity are dangerously at odds with each other. Look for thoughts on subjects such as: America’s ‘covenant’ with God, Manifest Destiny, Israel worshipping golden calves, genocidal acts, faith in the White House, and even Mormonism - that unique and much maligned religion created right here in the good old U-S-of-A.
One quick note: my primary citizenship is in heaven - but I do love Americans. I just have questions about how long we can continue to claim to be a Christian country, and whether claiming to be a Christian country was ever a good idea.
I’ll leave us with a quote from Belleh I snagged from the wikipedia page on ACR:
| While some have argued that Christianity is the national faith…few have realized that there actually exists alongside…the churches an elaborate and well-institutionalized civil religion in America | ||
And to that I will say, Amen Robert, Amen.
