Series: American vs. Christian
Christians in every culture have to deal with over-contextualization - where we consider elements of non-Christian culture and/or traditions as part of our faith. In Haiti Christianity became Voodoo because so much of tribal traditions were mixed in. What elements of our culture do we see as part of Christianity that weaken or directly contradict our faith? Where is the conflict between being a "good American" and a "good Christian."
Christians in every culture have to deal with over-contextualization - where we consider elements of non-Christian culture and/or traditions as part of our faith. In Haiti Christianity became Voodoo because so much of tribal traditions were mixed in. What elements of our culture do we see as part of Christianity that weaken or directly contradict our faith? Where is the conflict between being a "good American" and a "good Christian."
Paul tells us that "The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1).
Peter writes:
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter..)Titus adds:
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
This is a conflict between American culture and Christianity. As Americans we vote and have total freedom of speech. From the beginning of our country as documented in the Federalist Papers and other sources, we Americans have been excessively critical and harsh to those who are in office.
Now an image of President Obama with his face cut open, desecrated and painted white like the "The Joker" from the latest Batman movie is circulating the net and I've begun to see it as Christians' Facebook profile images.
This is certainly a legal expression of free speech, but this sort of thing doesn't at all match up with "to slander no one," being "considerate," "true humility," showing "proper respect," "honor the king," and will certainly not "silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."
It's being a good American.
It's just not being a good Christian.
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