Comments on: The American Patriot’s Bible

By: non-metaphysical stephen

non-metaphysical stephen — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:20:43 +0000

Blech! You need a barf smiley to go with this topic!

I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that someone realized they could make money off of combining bibliolatry with Americolatry. It’s more proof that our nation has turned the Declaration, the Constitution and The Wealth of Nations into its secular scriptures.

By: Bobby Grow

Bobby Grow — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:08:08 +0000

The Search For Christian America by Mark A Noll, Nathan O. Hatch, and George M. Marsden is an excellent resource for anyone who might link Christianity and the conception of our nation to closely. Just thought I would mention this book, in this context, for anyone interested.

By: Pensans

Pensans — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:26:16 +0000

Many people, not unreasonably it seems to me, have seen in the history of the United States signs of a special providence and favor. Those who adopt this view tend to distinguish elements and currents of American history which are authentic and patriotic expressions of the U.S.’ divine purpose and those which are signs of rebellion against it. In holding up a vision of Christian America, many who otherwise would lack any vision of political life have gained a compelling and improving one.

I think it is equally reasonable to disagree with this assessment of providence, but the vitriol expended here really goes beyond what that disagreement. The fact that those who speak of patriotism and Christian America tend to come from the lower classes in the United States and speak in idioms that are owed to popular, not university, culture makes them easy targets of ridicule. But they deserve as much respect as those who hold other more refined theological views that we conceive to err.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:42:40 +0000

I’m sure that yet again Thomas Jefferson will be shocked to learn that he and many of his compatriots weren’t Deists. Heh, actually they should include Jefferson’s reimagined gospels stripped of the divinty of Jesus in there for good measure.

By: roger flyer

roger flyer — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Everybody all together-

I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the republic for which it stands…one nation under God…indivisible…

an we think Muslim fundamentalists are brainwashing their children…?

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:53:28 +0000

The best part of the video is when they play the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Well, I didn’t watch the last 5 minutes, but I assume that was the best part.

Wow.

By: d. w. horstkoetter

d. w. horstkoetter — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:46:03 +0000

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a montage of so many people reading a book. Previous to the video, I thought Hot Fuzz won the prize for a static-task-put-to-music with its paper-work montage. Perhaps the idolatry wins out.

By: Halden

Halden — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:29:29 +0000

I will say this for the American Patriot’s Bible: at least its up front with its idolatry.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:55:08 +0000

I know exactly what Hauerwas would say: “It’s idolatry.”

By: Brad A.

Brad A. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:51:12 +0000

Halden, thanks for this. Steve Long referred me to your post.

Not only is this inherently heretical with a good measure of idolatry to boot, but it is also inherently anti-ecclesial, since – as with every other historical example of the same thinking – it makes the America the heir of Israel instead of the church. The church is left a depoliticized spiritual support club.

By: rasselas

rasselas — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:40:16 +0000

the promo video is smashing :) (barf bag not included)

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2009/05/ur_video_the_am.html

By: Jason Oliver

Jason Oliver — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:10:31 +0000

Oh, ok. It would be interesting to hear or read what J. Kameron Carter or Hauerwas would have to say about the Patriot’s Bible.

By: Halden

Halden — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:25:26 +0000

Ry was talking about a different Carter, I’m afraid.

By: Jason Oliver

Jason Oliver — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:22:31 +0000

Halden,

Just e-mail him. His address is on. the Duke Divinity School website.

By: Brad E.

Brad E. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:42:33 +0000

Sorry for the belated answer. I know of him (i.e., seen him around), but he’s in the GDR doing his PhD, and I’m still a lowly MDiv-er. However, it seems likely he’ll be teaching a class of mine soon! I’ll say hello from the blogosphere.