Is the ideal of "America" an idol?

[mcgreen311]

I suppose this question could be posed for an nation/culture/identity to which people adhere, but it seems especially prevalent among evangelical Americans (or USians). It's not about the United States as a legal or physical entity, but this philosophical notion of a perfected ideal they call "America." I don't think that this ideal ever really existed, but it is built up in a lot of minds as such.

I see a lot of people whose pride in being American equals that of being a Christian. They are on the same level. It seems like the two couldn't be separated. Even if this country were founded as a "Christian" nation, why would it have to remain so? Are people so tied up with the identity of being an American that it can border on idolatry?

[Howlin' Wolf]

I suppose this question could be posed for an nation/culture/identity to which people adhere, but it seems especially prevalent among evangelical Americans (or USians). It's not about the United States as a legal or physical entity, but this philosophical notion of a perfected ideal they call "America." I don't think that this ideal ever really existed, but it is built up in a lot of minds as such.

I see a lot of people whose pride in being American equals that of being a Christian. They are on the same level. It seems like the two couldn't be separated. Even if this country were founded as a "Christian" nation, why would it have to remain so? Are people so tied up with the identity of being an American that it can border on idolatry?


1. In southern white churches, christian = republican = patriotic american

2. these people are fools.

[mcgreen311]

But humor me! I asked if it were an idol!

[Howlin' Wolf]

But humor me! I asked if it were an idol!

no. its an identity. and people try to use that identity to justify their faith.

Nothing wrong with being a patriot, but we arent citizens of this world. People seem to forget that.

[mcgreen311]

no. its an identity. and people try to use that identity to justify their faith.

Nothing wrong with being a patriot, but we arent citizens of this world. People seem to forget that.

I'm not disputing that it is an identity. What I am saying is that people identify with it to the point of almost worshipping it, aka as an idol.

[Pouye]

I'm first a Chrisitian, and secondly an American.

If I put my American citizenship above my heavenly citizenship, I'm not worthy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, nor am I worthy to enter the Kingdom of God.

Rock

[kiwisongbird]

My answer would be 'yes' to that question... :)

Being a non-American expat in an expat community it kind of sticks out like a sore thumb or sore toe - I just kicked my toe - ow!

[Sam!]

I suppose this question could be posed for an nation/culture/identity to which people adhere, but it seems especially prevalent among evangelical Americans (or USians). It's not about the United States as a legal or physical entity, but this philosophical notion of a perfected ideal they call "America." I don't think that this ideal ever really existed, but it is built up in a lot of minds as such.

I see a lot of people whose pride in being American equals that of being a Christian. They are on the same level. It seems like the two couldn't be separated. Even if this country were founded as a "Christian" nation, why would it have to remain so? Are people so tied up with the identity of being an American that it can border on idolatry?

I would say that some people do "worship" the deal of "America." But I don't believe the ideals at the foundation of the United States are necessarily inherently idols. Money isn't an idol - unless you bow down to it. Power isn't an idol - unless you worship it. Political freedom, government of the people, equality, and a chance for a better life... these things can be idols, but it's also possible to hold them in a healthy reverence. They are all secondary to Jesus... who calls us to servanthood, who calls us to submit to his authority, who teaches that the least are greatest and the greatest are least, and that ultimately, there is more to life than this life.

When people put American ideals above the Christian way, "idolatry" is just a part of a greater and more complex problem (and yet, in some ways, a simple one).