American Exceptionalism

All week we’ve been looking at how the scriptures teach that God looks at each human without favoritism - and how this pushes up against the exceptionalism embedded in Christian Nationalism.

When we get to the end of the story, look who is there:

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. - Revelation 7:9

It sure looks like everyone is there, and that nationality is not keeping anyone out or getting anyone in.

But at the very beginning of the American experiment, the Puritans claimed that we were “a city on a hill” and “a Christian nation” and that God’s favor rested on us uniquely. Strangely, that belief is actually problematic, because it conflates worldly success, wealth and power with God’s favor. In fact, according to scripture, the fact that America is the wealthiest nation in the history of the world is not necessarily something to celebrate:

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. - James 5:1-3

Could you take some time today and think through what are the benefits and responsibilities of being American? (and if you citizenship is elsewhere, ask yourself the same question). Spend some time giving thanks, asking for mercy, and praying.