Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul’s,
As we approach July, we have probably all heard that this year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Clearly, the Fourth of July is a big anniversary for our nation. But what does that mean for the church?
At a variety of times, I receive questions about, “Why don’t we celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day more in the church?” “What about President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day?” And the answer is that for one hour a week on Sundays we gather for worship, and that worship transcends all boundaries of space and time. We are all united across the world, across the millennia, as ONE body, ONE church, ONE family regardless of race, color, nationality, political party, gender identity, orientation, economic status, education or any other line that divides. When we gather, we are nothing more and nothing less than beloved children of God assembled as the body of Christ to join with the whole heavenly host as we sing praise and thanksgiving to our God who loves each and every one of us unconditionally.
Unfortunately, over the centuries, the lines between Christians and Americans have been blurred in some dangerous ways. While there may be space to recognize patriotic, civic and cultural celebrations in the church, an over-emphasis on these things has contributed to a sense of American Christian elitism that contradicts true Christian teaching. Perhaps you’ve heard the term “Christian Nationalism” thrown around in recent dialogue. This ideology believes that Christians should hold a privileged status in the United States, that we live in an explicitly Christian nation, and that those of other faiths or with no faith are of lesser status and/or not welcome in this nation. Another definition is, “Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy. Christian nationalism is a framework of thinking that demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian” (from the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Statement). Some adherents to Christian Nationalism would also claim that documents like the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were God-given or divinely inspired, with a similar status as scripture itself.
These statements of elitism, exceptionalism and exclusivity are contrary to our Christian faith. Jesus’ ministry was focused on breaking down barriers, caring for the outcast and refugee, and loving without limits. A so-called “Christian” ideology that leads to antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, and hatred in all forms is simply not Christian. As individuals and as a community, we must be certain that our actions and beliefs are always grounded in God’s unconditional love and radical welcome of all people.
Should our faith inform our civic life? Absolutely. We should constantly be seeking public policies that promote the wellbeing of all people in our nation and foreign policies that uplift and aid individuals around the globe. While these policies will align with our Christian faith, they are not exclusively Christian, and are meant to benefit all people.
Does this mean we can’t be patriotic? No. Patriotism is different. Patriotism is a genuine love of country that is expressed in a variety of ways, like waving a flag, seeking unity, volunteering in your local community, teaching in or supporting public schools, serving in the military or public office, or standing up for those whose voices have been silenced. Christian Nationalism goes beyond patriotism to extremism, and is often grounded more in hatred toward the “other” rather than love of country or community.
So, as you celebrate this season, I encourage you to consider how you might daily live both as faithful Christians and as Americans. How do you embody God’s love for those who are similar to you? How do you embody God’s love for those who are different? How do you celebrate America’s freedom and diversity? How do you seek to promote true Christian values of unity, hope, love, and peace in your community, nation and world?
I give thanks for all of you and for your continued support of St. Paul’s and the mission we share.
Happy Fourth of July!
Peace,
Rev. Jessica Hahn