The Intersection Between American Culture and Christianity

One of the most damaging, prevalent myths in modern American culture is that there exists a separation of Church and State. The modern concept is derived from a misunderstanding of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist (http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html). Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion by David Barton is an excellent treatise on the subject. In short, the Founding Fathers of this great Nation held no such beliefs. It is time for Christians to understand this fact and re-enter the public arena of politics, ideas and debate.

As this blog develops we will explore this concept. This will include looking at current events, historical precedence and most importantly Biblical principles associated with these issues. This will take some interesting twists and turns along the way. At times, the slant on issues will be provocative. My hope is that they will always be thought provoking.

When I say Christian or Christianity, I mean the Body of Christ, the entire community of believers in the saving grace that Christ offered on the Cross. This is a precept is supported Biblically in Ephesians and specifically Chapter Four.

Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
(NIV)

There is a clear calling that there is only one Lord and one faith. I encourage all to do a thorough exegeses of these passages and a complete reading of Ephesians. Clearly we are called to be one body with many talents. When the infighting between those in the Body of Christ gets bitter and hateful over matters of traditions or different ways of worship, we will truly fail to meet the urgencies of the times in which we find ourselves. These are transformational times in America. With God’s help, Christians have the power to meet the challenges that will surely face us. Join me in this journey. I look forward to many fruitful and thought provoking discussions and comments.