Philip found Nathaniel and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law,  and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (John 1:45 NIV)

Recently I overheard someone comment:  “Do we see ourselves as a Christian nation or a nation of Christians?”  I thought about that question.  If we see our country as a “Christian nation” our priorities may include:  prayer in public schools, Christmas crches on courthouse lawns, and the Ten Commandments in our courtrooms.

I like to think of us as a “Christian nation.” When I was in high school, a bell would ring as we stood in the lunch line. There was 15 to 20 seconds of silence out of respect for those who wanted to quietly say “grace.” It was optional for seniors to attend baccalaureate services as part of graduation; yet, everyone came in support of their classmates. The radio station provided congregations with “free time” on Sunday mornings. Many would like to return to that era when there was civility in the public square and people worked together for the common good.

But, I’m not sure if we have ever been a “Christian nation.” We have a history of discrimination frequently expressed in violence. Native Americans were “ethnically cleansed” and/or shipped off to reservations.   Slaves were property to be bought and sold. To balance budgets, government funding to assist the poorest of the poor is first to be eliminated. The list goes on.

However, being a “nation of Christians” is another matter. It means prayer in public schools allows Muslims opportunity to pray to Allah and a menorah to stand along side a crche on the courthouse lawn. Should we be offended or fearful? Not if we truly believe in the One we claim to worship. And, not if we take seriously what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

A “nation of Christians” may encourage government to protect the unborn and to provide a “safety net” for the poor, the handicapped, the elderly, and the infirm. However, a “nation of Christians” does not align itself with either political party. Whenever it does, historically the church loses. A “nation of Christians” realizes that a public display of our faith symbols does not substitute for our relating to others the importance of our faith in meeting the challenges of daily life. Nor do such symbols replace a faith community known for its caring, generosity, integrity and compassion. 

People on the “outside” looking “in” saw how early Christians loved one another.  They risked death to become one of them.   Maybe if we invested more of our energy in becoming a “nation of Christians” rather than in the window dressing of  a “Christian nation” those on the “outside” might be inspired to come “inside.” It’s a thought.