From our nation’s beginning we have been heavily influenced by the Bible. Yet to what extent should America be labeled a Biblical nation? Our Presidents throughout the years have all been seen carrying a copy of the Bible and have even quoted Scripture, yet does this make American a “Biblical nation”?As history looks back on our forefathers each one used (and misused) the Scriptures in various ways. Thomas Jefferson (who’s personal library consisted of more books on the Bible than any other president) translated his own copy of the Bible. Dubbed “The Jefferson Bible”, this translation focused on the life and teachings of Jesus but was completely devoid of miracles (or anything supernatural). On the one year anniversary of September 11. President George W. Bush, gave a speech in which he said, “The ideal of America is the hope of all mankind…That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness shall not overcome it.” (here President Bush mixes portions of John 1:4-5 with a nationalistic fervor in such a way that what is created is nothing short of syncretistic and idolatrous).
What emerged throughout the development of our nation was a predisposition to read Scripture through the lens of America nationalism (ex. in 1777 Benjamin Franklin proposed the national seal be illustrated as Moses leading Israel to safety through the Red Sea).
Mark Noll writes: “...although the Bible had worked itself into the foundation of national consciousness, it contributed little to shape the structures built upon that foundation – except for the conviction that the structures were as sacrosanct as the biblical foundation itself.” – The Bible In America
In this sense Noll points out that America (and its policies) has become intertwined with our Biblical identity to such a degree, that just as the Bible is venerated and held sacred so then is our national identity.
Where do you see examples of America as a “Biblical Nation”?
Where do you see example of America act apart or “outside” of the Biblical narrative?
1 comment:
We have Bibles, many, many Bibles. But that does not make biblical. I have a lot of power tools, but no one, and I mean no one would mistake me for a carpenter.
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