In America (God) We Trust?

A convicted Russian arms dealer, a.k.a. ‘Merchant of Death’, in exchange for an America-hating lesbian pothead.”

OAN’s presenter Chanel Orion

I’ve been quiet on this issue to be sure to not write out of anger. I’ve scrolled and read my Facebook friends’ different reposts over the last 6 months that closely aligned with the quote above. Quotes like ” Good! Maybe she’ll think twice before talking sh** about our country” or “I bet she wishes she was back in America now” The stance that Brittney Griner is receiving exactly what she deserves because she broke the law and”she hates America” is a popular belief.

The mindset of “America’s way, or the highway,” is childish and outdated.

It is arrogant.

It is discriminatory.

And I would even add that it is potentially idolatry for Christians.

Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia for bringing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in them. It’s not hard to argue that this is an INJUSTICE.

If we’re being honest, how many of us have smoked weed, or our kids have been caught smoking? Yet, we fight tooth and nail to ensure they/we are taken care of and don’t overidentify with the shame of being caught. We would go out of our way to ensure that it doesn’t ruin our life or their life or people’s perception of them.

It reminds me of the story of the woman caught in adultery in the bible.

³ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?
“..Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

John 8:3-5:7

The Pharisees and religious leaders bring the woman to Jesus ready to “follow God’s law,” yet they missed the truth that they were boldly walking in arrogance and self-righteousness. They wanted God’s law to be so black and white. So legalistic. But Jesus answers with a heart of justice and grace.

The Pharisees also didn’t bring the man to Jesus, just the woman. This reveals their heart.

“Selective condemnation can reveal a heart of selective grace.”

-Levi Yancy

Many American Christians have shown selective grace. For example, grace is shown to criminals that love America, but as soon as the National Anthem or the American Flag is touched, that person is seen as less valuable and “worthy” of less grace.

I know. I’m touching the sacred cow. America. Many people will read this and take offense and think that I hate our country or that I don’t respect our veterans. None of that is accurate.

You can feel two things at once.

I can feel torn by the way that America treats those that hold America accountable, but I also feel so grateful that I live in this great beautiful country freely.

Stop making people choose one or the other. It creates a God-like complex similar to the idea that you either love God or hate Him. (Matthew 6:24)

America is not God.

Many people’s hearts have pushed God off the throne of their hearts and proudly placed the USA there.

American Christianity is not Christianity.

The Gospel Of Jesus is rooted in humility, grace, mercy, unconditional love, DOING justice, and serving one God.

THAT is Christianity

We must stop overidentifying with our nation more than we do our Savior. Same thing for race, gender, socioeconomic status, or culture. When we don’t, we are saying that America is my Savior. Race is my Savior. My gender, socioeconomic status, and culture are my Savior.

In Conclusion: Simply put, American Christianity is not Christianity. We are notorious for creating our own Gospels that fit our narratives, styles of living, and comforts, and none of these reflect the heart of who God is.

“Selective condemnation can reveal a heart of selective grace.”