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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2 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Betty (Scranton), January 22, 2010
Being intrigued by this title, as well as being uncertain about my role as a Christian in my new-found political life, I've begun reading Boyd's book.
Ironically I've also purchased several copies of the Patriot's Bible which provides a detailed focus on the fact that we ARE a Christian nation.
Two stumbling blocks to my acceptance of his thesis (so far)are his reference to human life in its earliest stages as being "fetuses." That's strictly a convenient secular description of life and helps in supporting his apparent neutrality on the subject of abortion.
The other is the strong displeasure--to the point of true anger in some areas-- he shows for his country. We all know the "bad" only too well. Treatment of native Americans, slavery, American empirialism, ethnic superiority, etc., are imprinted forever in our history.
And the good? Maybe I need to read further.
Hopefully there's also plenty of evidence for that, too.
Would I be one to leave his church? No. He provides a reference that is uncommon and potentially helpful. His faith and his courage are a clear and pleasant reminder that we need not all have the same secular views as Christians.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by George Ediger (Kelowna, BC, Canada), January 10, 2010
An excellent book, bringing new insights to the destructiveness of exaggerated nationalism. We plan to use it as the focus of a study group in our church starting in February.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tim Brubaker (Harbor Springs, MI), December 31, 2009
Fantastic book. Should be read by followers of Christ. To be Christlike in our society with the freedom of speech and vote, one should read and put into practice this book. Read it and love others as Christ loved others. Then, we willing be apprenticing for the kingdom of God.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Thomas Haas (Orange, TX), December 30, 2009
Challenges one's thinking in a number of areas. Dr. Boyd asks his reader to look at his Christian faith historically as well as sacrificially.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by addeigloriam.org (Dallas, TX), December 09, 2009
The book contains some erroneous theology, but raises some important questions, many of which we’ve struggled over in our own ministry. We’ve given the issue of how involved to be with the culture much thought and have come to some different conclusions than the author. While we should avoid the extreme of becoming so involved with the culture that our kingdom agenda is neglected, since changing hearts is much more important and effective than changing laws, to limit ourselves to only the religious sphere clearly contradicts Scripture. We find no delineation between the sacred and secular spheres of society among the saints of the old or new covenant, or among the members of the early church. During Biblical times, every activity was considered as part of the sacred. So, we believe Christians and the Church has the right to bring our spiritually informed opinions to the table. As with all other pursuits, we should prayerfully seek the will of God, attempting to accomplish His purposes in such a way as to not lose our witness. The constitution guarantees us the right to free speech in a legal sense, but morally and ethically, we should evaluate all our actions, political or otherwise, within the context of the Word of God. Finally, we must always consider that, even though God often uses us to accomplish his perfect will, the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kay Cauthon (Paradise, CA), December 07, 2009
This is a book that all Pastor's should read. And pay attention too. I agree 100% with this man.
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.
View all 33 Reviews
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