Today we move to Cornel West's comments on The Crisis of Christian Identity in America.
In regard to fundamentalist strain of Christianity in the U.S. West notes:
...is exercising an undue influence over our government policies, both in the Middle East crisis and in the domestic sphere, and is violating fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution; it is also providing support and "cover" for the imperialist aims of empire. ...this fundamentalism is subverting the most profound, seminal teachings of Christianity, those being that we should live with humility, love neighbors, and do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Therefore, even as we turn a critical eye on the fundamentalisms at play in the Middle East, the genuine democrats and democratic Christians among us must unite in opposition to this hypocritical, antidemocratic fundamentalism at home.
West is not saying Christians should not take part in the political arena of our country. Rather, he is directing us away from a particular manner in which he sees Christians attempting to move into that arena and thus into the role of supporting what he calls imperialism and the expanse of empire. Many of us heard the language of these elements of Christianity in our country when we heard the rhetoric of "lock and load" in reference to Christians getting ready to take control of the country through political means. Though it was written off as just a way to tell people to "get ready" to get to work, wrapping the flag around the cross - or using the cross as a way to hoist up the flag - was disturbing. I was most disturbed because Christianity was being used out of character. Like the drumming up of support for the crusades, the basic image and teaching of Jesus are left along the roadway as the vigilant crusaders of our day press on the conquer an enemy of the "faith" even when these crusaders are letting go of the faith they profess. One of the great tasks we have before us in the upcoming years is to watch how Christianity will be used to garner power and influence in order to make an impact in the country and the world that does not resemble the Christ - at all.
Connection: Listen how the name of Jesus and his life/death/resurrection are used by political and religious leaders. The bravado of imperialism can often be picked up in it. When that can be heard, make note - for even the people who do not depict Christian fundamentalism in the U.S. are starting to use it...because they sense it works.
In the midst of all the powers of this world, O God, we long for your vision of shalom to bring us all down to the field of new life in which our love and care for one another is more powerful than our fears that make us want to subdue the other side as we grow in power and prestige. Amen.
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