Churches shouldn’t avoid politics, but they shouldn’t talk about it like this

[G. N. Barkman]

For your information, “America, Love it or Leave it” is an old slogan I used to hear decades ago. Pastor Lucas didn’t originate it, he simply quoted it. It never had any racial connotation. It was a challenge to those who dislike the American Constitution, founding principles, and way of life to find another country they like better if they are unhappy here. It doesn’t sound strange to those of my generation. I think it is entirely appropriate to say to a Somali immigrant that has been granted many generous benefits in America and loudly condemns her charitable host country.

I’m sure there will be some disagreement with that particular sentiment, but I think for most of us, it’s not that sentiment that’s really the point. It’s more about whether such sentiment should be expressed by a church, or especially from the pulpit.

When I was a kid, it was pretty common in the fundamental churches I was familiar with to strongly conflate patriotism with Christianity, and to many of us, it felt pretty normal, and it did for me too for many years, so I’d imagine that I’d have been comfortable at a church like E.W.L.’s for a long time. However, over time, I’ve become less and less comfortable with having “being American” and being a patriot be part of what the church is declaring. I don’t think it’s at all against Christianity to be proud of one’s nation and to express it, but having that be part of our worship of God feels vaguely “idolatrous” to me, if it isn’t outright. I’m actually happy that that’s less and less of a thing among solid churches any more.

Lest you think I’m in Omar’s camp, hardly. In many ways I’m almost “Murican” in my thinking. For example, after a couple of the latest controversies in the press, my house now sports both a Betsy Ross flag and a Gadsden flag, and I also got a Betsy Ross flag T-shirt. I grew up in a military family with a father who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. I enjoy patriotic and military displays (like everything that happened at the Capitol this past July 4th), visits to military bases and museums, etc. I respect the office of the president (whether it is held by an Obama or a Trump), and I firmly believe in American institutions as established by the Declaration and the Constitution. I’m also a gun owner with strong views of the 2nd amendment, and I commonly wear another t-shirt that says “Black rifles matter.” In short, I’m like many Americans I know, and I strongly love my country in spite of its flaws. Still, as much as I firmly disagree with those who seemingly hate America by what they are saying, I believe that it’s not the job of our churches to uphold the ideals of America, even if it’s only “in addition to” preaching the word and glorifying God.

I do realize that many men like E.W.L. mean well, but I believe too many people were seduced by the idea of America being a “Christian nation,” which really leads to equating patriotism with Christianity. I hold to both, but only one can take precedence. Churches should realize that they serve God and him alone, and that there are plenty of Christians who can serve God without being American in any way.

Dave, I agree with you 100%!

I’m only posting the above for information. Whether one agrees with Ernie Lucas or not (and I do not), I believe he needs to be better understood and properly represented. I also believe that many SI readers have a legitimate interest in what is happening at his church subsequent to the national media exposure.

I am not sure how you have decided for me that I am a liberal.

I didn’t decide that that I know of. It does seem, based on my recollection of some of your posts, that you are much more tolerant of the left than the right. I don’t think that makes you a liberal.