“And then Christianity is last.”
I have questions.
I have concerns.
Big ones.
I don’t know William Wolfe personally. He worked for the Department of Defense, and is now studying theology and politics (I think), and is right now speaking at the National Conservatism Conference.
He is a defender of Christian Nationalism (though I’m not sure what he means by that).
Concerns with Secular Pluralism
Yes, we can raise concerns that “principled pluralism” and “secularism”—however defined—have been used to privatize faith and push the church to the edges of communal life.
On the one hand, more liberal-leaning Christians have adapted and updated the faith. In doing so, being a Christian is now hardly distinguishable from certain politically progressive values. And the mantra is “Everywhere share the gospel, and when necessary makes sure not to use words.”
On the other hand, more fundamentalist-leaning Christians have adapted the opposite approach. They focus on doctrine and truth and ideas. And instead of adapting to the present, they idealize the past of a “Christian nation” that needs their protecting.
“Then Christianity Would Be Last”
But it is this last statement that is so disconcerting. Especially from those who claim that it is everyone else who have given up on or misunderstood “political theology” — the relating of theology and politics.
Since when is it so bad that Christianity would be last?
- Was it so bad for the Israelites and then the Jews to be the least among the shifting superpowers of Egypt, Assyrian, and Babylon? NO. For they alone remained when those empires fell.
- Was it so bad for the Jews of Jesus’ time under the rule of Greece and then Rome? NO. For they alone remained, and still do.
- Was it so bad when the ancient church was persecuted and marginalized, not seeking to influence Caesar but loving their neighbors? NO. For they remained while Rome is in ruins.
- And today, Christians in Burma, China, India, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and beyond are persecuted. And are they more than remaining, but growing? Yes. These churches are.
Certainly for all these people life was hard, was bad, and brutal. But that is not the standard for those following a crucified-and-risen Lord.
Living into God’s glorious Kingdom Come, living as aliens and strangers in this world, living as citizens of different city is the standard.
And yet, we Christians in America (conservative Christians like Wolfe) are worried that “Christianity would be last”?
It seems the churches in America would be doing much better if we stopped worrying so much about being last.
The Fundamental Misunderstanding
Seems William Wolfe and other sharing these fears have fundamentally misunderstood how God works.
- For God did not consider power something to be held onto, but to be made a servant. (Phil. 2:5-7)
- For God works in our weakness “so that Christ’s power may rest” on us. As Paul says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
- For God “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
- For God calls us to GIVE UP EVERYTHING to follow, and only then will “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:28-30).
Are We A Christian Nation?
If you have thoughts or concerns about all this also, please join Dr. David Fitch and I for a free webinar asking “Are We A Christian Nation” on Thursday, Sept. 22, 11am (EST).
Hit the link to register, and you’ll get the replay even if you can’t make it.