Nationalism, The Church, and The Bible

Any regular reader of The Beast's Lair knows that I have some problems with Patriotic worship services performed in the church. For at least one day of the year in early July, we allow ourselves to innocently forget the teaching of Scripture and do a strange blend of worshipping God and the United States.

Christians should thank God for the United States, do not misunderstand. We should ask for His blessing. We should be proud of our service men and women and respect and honor them for their service to our country. We should all be patriotic.

But the church just isn't about that. I mentioned to our staff almost a year ago, who are also sensitive to this issue, that I would like to see a 4th of July service where every flag from every nation is represented. Boy, that would confuse people.

I have just recently noticed something fairly new to the lineup of Bibles offered by Lifeway Christian Resources. Lifeway gets quite a bit of criticism on all kinds of issues from all kinds of people, but they have really stepped up their game in the student ministry literature the last few years, offering meaty literature options that are doctrinal and not just topical. However, they have mis-stepped on this release. . .

Lifeway is now offering the "Military Bible Series" where the logo from the various branches of the military is stamped on the front of the Bible. Now, I have always been somewhat annoyed with the zillion different "kinds" of Bible's out there. We have "womens", "graduates", "firefighters", "police officers", "teenagers", "divorce", and the list goes on and on. Now, there are military Bibles, for the Marines, Army, etc. I have always just kind of ignored these specialized Bibles and don't have a problem with people who own them. But, here is where the "Military Bible" has gone too far:

Mixed in with Scripture are quotes from General George Patton, President George Washington, and President George W. Bush. Also included in the bible are "America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled Banner", not to mention the "Enlisted Oath." I am really just at a loss on what Lifeway is thinking here. I understand the well-meaning nature of this kind of Bible and I understand its potential appeal to many, I have a teenager who is right now at Parris Island, training to be a Marine. I am proud of him. Heck, he might even have one of these Bibles. But regardless of the well-meaning nature or the fact that a Bible like this might strike a heart-cord with a soldier, we are grossly over the line of blending Nationalism with Christianity. Believe it or not my friends, God has not forsaken all other nations in order to bless America.

Some things just need to remain simple. Scripture stands on its own. We don't need to become so creative that we shoot ourselves in the foot. The church needs to worship God and delight in Him. I'm just not sure how a Patriotic service or a Military Bible fits in to the vision and purpose of the local church.