In The Peaceable Kingdom, Stanley Hauerwas writes:
The functional character of contemporary religious convictions is perhaps nowhere better revealed than in the upsurge of religious conservatism. While appearing to be a resurgence of `traditional’ religious conviction, some of these movements in fact give evidence of the loss of religious substance in our culture and in ourselves. Christianity is defended not so much because it is true, but because it reinforces the `American way of life.’ Such movements are thus unable to contemplate that there might be irresolvable tensions between being Christian and being `a good American.’
Being a Christian should make you a good American, that phrase “good American” just means different things to diffrent people.
Isn’t it interesting the perfect American Christian would be the best and worst citizen imaginable?
When it comes to caring for orphans and widows, rendering unto Caesar, proclaiming compassion and protecting the snowy owl, who could do a better job?
But, gosh, if the Canadians ever invaded, Tommy Franks would probably not look kindly on any turning of cheeks.
While a student at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, I used to drop by a Quaker Meeting House when I couldn’t get to the MegaChurch. Frequently, the elderly elders would ask us to remember some lady who had decided she could no longer pay the proportion of her taxes used for national defence. This was quite common. These model citizens would arrange to meet with IRS officials and sit down and politely explain the situation.
The Gospel is outrageous, and if the Church isn’t, then it’s time to worry.