Is America a Christian Nation?

Is America a Christian Nation?

There is legitimate concern as to comments by President Obama stating that America is no longer a Christian nation. Recently in Turkey, he said that, "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

In all honesty I believe President Obama may well be correct. If the definition of a Christian nation is determined by our behavior we can no longer claim to be a Christian nation. As a nation we no longer honor the Lord. The Lord’s Day is no longer sacred. Sporting events, recreation, outings have all replaced the faithful worship of Christ on the Lord’s Day. The overwhelming majority of professing Christians never darken the door of their church. The way that we spend our money is more pagan than Christian. American Christians spend more money annually on cosmetics than they give to their churches. In a recent year Christians gave less than 2.4% of their income for the support of their churches. The way that we treat others is reprehensible. Life is no longer sacred. Legalized abortion and euthanasia strongly testify to our lack of respect for others created in the image of God. Biblical standards have disappeared in favor of high ideals and values that have no specific foundation aside from the current situation. Open immorality and preferred status for those who choose abominable sin is a reality. Christianity is rapidly becoming a persecuted faith in our land.

Our nation was founded upon men who sought after God. Fleeing religious persecution, they determined to provide a place where men could worship God to the dictates of their heart. It is sad but true that our forefathers would weep if they saw how the nation they sacrificed to found now behaves. While the president’s statement irks me, the reason he could make the claim stated above is that we have been a Christian nation that provided for freedom of religious expression.

How did we arrive here as a nation? While there are many contributing factors the overwhelming cause is the decline of commitment to the Lord on the part of Christians. We ceased to be salt in a decaying culture. We lost our missionary and soul winning zeal. We compromised our convictions and because of this our pulpits lost their spiritual and moral authority.

Is there value in being a Christian nation? Again, the answer is a resounding, yes! What has happened in America in our brief 233 years is nothing short of miraculous when placed in the context of history. Any honest individual can see the hand of God from our early days even to today. Our numerous victories in battle, our remarkable progress in the workplace and scientific advance, and our republic are the envy of the world. This began with Christian men praying for the leadership of God.

A nation may only claim to be a Christian nation when it is honoring the Lord. God help us to return to the Lord and once again be a Christian nation.

Attempting to connect the dots…

Wayne
Romans 1:16

Quotable:
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.
- George Washington