Should church and state really be separated? Does the church belong in the political arena? Arguing from Scripture and history, The Myth of a Christian Nation makes a compelling case that whenever the church gets too close to any political or national ideology, it is disastrous for the church and harmful to society. Contending that the American Evangelical Church has allowed itself to be co-opted by the political right (and some by the political left), Dr. Boyd exposes how this harms the church's unique calling to build the kingdom of God. In the course of his argument, he challenges some deeply held convictions of evangelical Christians in America, such as America being "a Christian nation" and that Christians ought to be trying to "take America back for God."
Arguing from Scripture and history, Dr. Boyd makes a compelling case that whenever the church gets too close to any political or national ideology, it is disastrous for the church and harmful to society. Dr. Boyd contends that the American Evangelical Church has allowed itself to be co-opted by the political right (and some by the political left) and exposes how this is harming the church’s unique calling to build the kingdom of God. In the course of his argument, Dr. Boyd challenges some of the most deeply held convictions of evangelical Christians in America – for example, that America is, or ever was, “a Christian nation” or that Christians ought to be trying to “take America back for God.”
"Boyd’s intervention into the discussion is welcome. He is bold,… passionate, and discerning, while still attempting to be charitable. Boyd doesn’t pull punches, denouncing the nationalistic "idolatry" of American evangelicalism, which often fuses the cross and the flag. Boyd also calls without apology for a renewed Christian commitment to nonviolence, citing the Anabaptist refrains of John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, and Lee Camp. But Boyd’s claims can’t be dismissed as mere ranting of a Christian leftist. Rather, one senses that his are the expressions of a pastor’s broken heart which, every once in a while, bubbles over into a kind of restrained, low-boil anger." — Christianity Today
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
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0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Chris (Jasper, Ga.), November 19, 2009
I am not sure exactly how I feel about this book and its content. While it is well written, it is also obvious what the authors political views are as well. According to Boyd's view we should do nothing and stay out of politics, that view has gotten us in the state we are currently dealing with in the US. Jesus was right smack in the middle of politcal turmoil in His time, the fact that he made no judgements or commented on political subjects at the time prove nothing. He was not here to form a political opinion, just like He was not hear to start a religion, He did not have the time. He was here to reconcile us all to God by dying on the cross. That was His purpose. We are still here in this world and like it or not we must deal with this worldly kingdom, while we strive to reach the Godly Kingdom. Doing nothing politically will prove exactly that....nothing. Boyd's point would be fine if everyone lived that way. The fact is, we will not live in the Godly Kingdom until Jesus Himself returns. In the meantime, we must worship God and do what we can to make the world a better place until He does return. I don't really blame the 1000 members that left Boyd's church.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by livelovelaugh (Butler, PA), October 02, 2009
A must read for anyone who believes that the life and beliefs of Jesus Christ have nothing to do with politics. This book puts into words the thoughts and feelings that I was unable to articulate concerning American politics in Christianity.
The first few chapters are a slow read. But hang in there the remainder of the book is worth reading.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Catherine Shelton (Lawrenceburg, KY), September 23, 2009
This is heresy, and it is a twisting of truth, Scripture, and American history. Christians need to be very concerned about where our government is taking us as a nation. The Emergent Church is teaching false doctrine that needs to be challenged.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Robin Reeve (1196 Gland,), September 18, 2009
A really challenging call to Christians not to look for domination, but for being the servants of their neighbours.
A prophetical call to all those who believe that they will impose Christianity through the wordly power, who mix up the ways of the Kingdom and the ways of the Prince of the world, who think that laws and political lobbying will do the work in the place of a loving, serving Church.
If the salt becomes the world, and the Gospel takes the form of a theocracy, with the idea that America is a "Christian Nation", then the Church will have submitted to the third temptation of Jesus-Christ : recieve from the devil the power of the world.
Dr Boyd shows how true change can be brought to a nation by "serving under", by being examples of God's care for our neighbours, rather than trying to establish a domination over people (and to mix with the corrupt power of men).
Dr Boyd's book is in full tune with the "spiritual agenda" of Jesus and the apostles - who never did any political lobbying, never tried to conquer the seats of power in the Roman Empire, but who believed in the power of the Word of God and of the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of men...
Rather than dream of a "christian nation", why not dream of a real change of hearts, through a serving example which demonstrates Gods' love and care for our human brothers?
A challenging and refreshing work.
The true radicality of the Gospel : sacrificial love for your neighbour.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Theodore Scudder (Chicago, IL), July 31, 2009
Well-written book. Provides a valuable counter-view to much that is distributed by Coral Ridge and other Christian-America programs.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by John K. (Sparks, NV), July 09, 2009
I found this book to be a much needed breath of fresh air in our very divisive times. I applaud Dr. Gregory A. Boyd for this frank unflinching work. It is of utmost importance that we always remember that the greatest commandment, is to love.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ray Timmermans (Campbell, NY), July 03, 2009
An outstanding book that addressing, as the title suggests, the mythic nature of America as a "Christian" nation. Roundly critiques the Christian "right" and the attempt to politicize the church.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deacon Tom Shea (Bordentown, NJ), May 22, 2009
I found Dr. Boyd's book to be thought provoking. I must admit that I agree with what I believe to be his overall thesis. I'll leave the discovery of that thesis to the reader of his book. At no point in his commentary does Dr. Boyd call Christians to refrain from political activity or from the marketplace. Rather, he calls them to live according to principles of the Kingdom in full view of the world. It is highly unlikely that far-right nationalists will agree with Gregory Boyd anytime soon.
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