Post-Memorial Day Reflections

This weekend was Memorial Day weekend, and maybe your church reminded you of that with patriotic decorations, songs, and themes this Sunday. The point of this post is not really to comment on that one way or another. Suffice it to say that there’s been a lot of ink (real and virtual) spilled on that issue. Rather, I just want to delve into the motivations behind why we so often find ourselves singing “God Bless America” in our churches and “Amazing Grace” at our political rallies.

1) The church (especially in the West) has almost always been tied to a political entity

For most of the church’s existence (with notable and large exceptions), it has been tied to geo-political entities. This has been both a good thing and a bad thing. During the Old Testament, the church (Israel) was a definite political entity. It was one nation. After Constantine, the church became an official and crucial part of the Roman Empire. It remained so for the duration of the middle ages and well into modernity, even today. Many European states, including the United Kingdom, continue to maintain a state church.

2) At certain points, the church was meant to be tied to a political entity

The title of point two might seem a little deceptive, but it is true. Israel (God’s Old Testament people) was its own distinct nation. As such, the people of God were defined by certain ethnic and political features (including their election). From its very inception, Israel was meant to be a theocracy run by God.

3) The church longs for political realization

Why do we struggle so much with the church foraying too far into the political arena? This is a problem not only for conservative churches but liberal ones as well, maybe even more so. One obvious reason is that some seek worldly power and glory. But another complementary reason is that part of the ever-present longing of the church is to see the promises of Revelations 21 and 22 fulfilled. The power needed to accomplish such a task, however, is both spiritual power applied to the political realm. Part of the promise of Revelations 21 and 22 is indeed political. The church, however, presently lacks this capacity, so it often (wrongly) turns to the current political realms.

4) What this means for the church today

I think that this means that while at times the church has been a part of the political order and will one day soon be ruled politically by Christ, we must not now seek identification with the current political powers that be. Certainly we should work for the betterment and welfare of nation we find ourselves in and win their lost. Furthermore, we should oftentimes support the policies and direction of our nation. But we should not seek union with them or incorporate the myths of civil religion into the gospel. The powers and principalities of the world cannot save us. Only Christ can. We would do well to remember that.