Is America A Christian Nation?

This is a question that shows up whenever Christianity and politics are discussed. Here is a thoughtful answer to this often heated question:

“It’s easy to get bogged down in a debate about whether the United States is a “Christian nation.” The problem is that the phrase means different things to different people. If we’re talking about the views of most Americans, then certainly we are a Christian nation. About 78 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians of some sort. All other religions combined make up less than 5 percent, and about 16 percent are unaffiliated (though not necessarily atheist). So just as we talk about “Muslim countries,” where most of the citizens are Muslims, we could refer to the United States as a “Christian nation.” The phrase also makes sense if you’re talking about American history. The original American colonies were overwhelmingly Christian. In fact, most started as Christian charters. Moreover, our laws and political traditions come largely from the Judeo-Christian culture of Europe, and especially Great Britain. But when some people hear talk of America as a “Christian nation,” they envision a country where Christianity is mandated, or where non-Christians are viewed as second-class citizens, or where atheists are herded out of the political process. So unless you explain what you mean by the phrase, talking about the United States as a Christian nation is liable to create more heat than light.”—Jay Richards and James Robison

That is fair and sound analysis of the facts. However, in a culture governed by soundbites and slogans, facts and qualifications are often hard to inject into the conversation. Also, perception is often reality. So if someone hears a negative, exclusionary tone when "Christian Nation" is brought up, then it ceases to be helpful (even if accurate).

For more on a sober view of Christianity and politics, see Indivisible:


I also discuss how Christianity ought to interface with politics here.

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Every Opportunity is Unique

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward ​outsiders, ​​making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be ​​with grace, as though seasoned with ​salt, so that you will know how you should ​respond to each person.”—Col. 4:5-6

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How to Have Good Spiritual Conversations and Share Your Faith

I came across a 5 minute audio clip from Greg Koukl at Stand to Reason that was particularly fascinating and instructive. Most of us have had conversations with people who raise questions against a view we hold (like Christianity) but then keep "moving the goal line" as to what counts as a satisfying answer.

In this case, Greg is interacting with a lady who calls into the radio show. Give it a listen, and watch how he guides the conversation and most importantly does not get defensive (when he probably felt tempted to).

Click here to listen.



To learn more about how to navigate spiritual conversations, see Greg's book, Tactics.

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Should People Take the Bible Literally?

My answer may surprise you. Check out this week's podcast. (also available on iTunes - "thinkchristianly podcast").

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Thanks to Stand to Reason for reviewing Welcome to College: A Christ-Followers Guide for the Journey. You can read the review here...

No One Sees God...

I am reading No One Sees God: The Dark Night of Atheists and Believers and I came across a quote that I would like to share. He refers to it as his underlying thesis:

"...that unbelievers and believers need to learn a new habit of reasoned and mutually respectful conversation."

Amen.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."--1 Peter 3:15-16