The American Patriot's Bible [bad.hack]
Hey, while you were out, Emperor Constantine called.
Yeah, he's fine. Here's the message he left you.
He's glad his yoking of Christianity with Empire...now has its own book.
Yeah, he's fine. Here's the message he left you.
He's glad his yoking of Christianity with Empire...now has its own book.
Yeah, you can find it in the "Let's not be too obvious about the relationship between colonialism, imperialism, war, genocide of the Native Americans, and Christianity" department.
(hat tip: Wesley Report and Friendly Atheist)
(BTW: I'm totally stoked that "Empire" on Zemanta links first and foremost to "Galactic Empire (Star Wars)".
15 comments:
Gag. With. Spoon.
You know something really "interesting" is going on when the Wesley Report AND Friendly Atheist are kind of - well, yes - they're agreeing. Love the commentary, if the not the book. Does this mean me can stop praying to our *Lord*?
That is one of the most disgusting things I have seen in a very, very long time.
Enough of this Jesus crap anyway. Live long and conquer that's the good news I want to hear. It's time we made our own American flag wrapped Bible. I mean we wrote it, we should get to put our flag on it, shouldn't we?
By the way I like the way the heading accentuates the American Patriot's part and the Bible is sort of the subheading. Makes me proud to be an American,where at least I know I'm free...
Too many people are threatened by the simple fact that our forefathers in fact quoted and relied upon the bible in their daily lives as inspiration for their actions as leaders and pioneers of the American experiment. To now look back and lump them in with those who massacre people says a lot about what you think of your country. How you view the great men who suggested that you and I rely on God the way they did is telling. How can anyone rightly justify attacks on the bible or the historical record with an argument that diminishes your own country, it's founding, the sacrifices that were made for it, and the providential miracles that occurred in the forming of it? You can focus on all the wrongs done and you would be right in listing them, but you are not right in who or where you're laying blame. Men are fallible, they are not God. Their faith in God did nothing more than give them hope and guidance in what were impossible situations. The bible and our forefathers are not your enemies, why are you theirs?
I doubt the above responses would characterize themselves as enemies of God. Rather, speaking for myself, when we claim God is on our side, right or wrong, then that justifies anything that this country may do. The contemporary discussion about Rumfield quoting the bible while advocating for the war in Iraq is a classic example of this.
The American Patriot's Bible is in no way making a statement that God only blesses America, that Jesus was a patriot, that America should sanction Christianity as a national religion, that the U.S. government has always acted "Christian" in its policies, that patriotism supersedes God to complete idolatry, or that it supports African slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, imperialism, expansionism or war for the sake of war. This is a wonderful bible that includes a "compendium" of articles that celebrate great moments in American history through inspirational stories of faith by some really great Americans throughout history. I encourage everyone to "not judge this book by its cover or its title" and investigate it for yourself.
I can't help but wonder if we would feel the same way (accepting it as OK or normative) if an Arab Freedom Fighter's Bible or a Iranian Patriot's Bible were published. Hmm?
Particularity and exceptionalism are wrong not matter who we are talking about. Given our history as Americans and as Christians (both past and immediate), I think we would serve ourselves well to hold off on the Christian nationalism for a good long while. There may very well be some good articles in there (I highly doubt it, but there may be), but the title and the way the purpose is couched baptizes the exception of the United States. That is and will always be idolatry.
You know, I would actually be inclined to think that an "Arab Freedom Fighter's Bible" might be on more solid theological ground than the American Patriot's bible..but that's probably because I sympathize with the concerns of liberation theology and the whole "margins of empire" idea.
I would too, for what it's worth. But I doubt that those who exalt the American Patriot's Bible would at all (that's why I brought it up). Which is one reason why that sort of theology is so dangerous.
Right. I figured that your using that example mostly was intended for the shock value for "American Patriot's Bible" types.
Regardless, this latest bible edition is just another example of the way Christian language and ritual is being appropriated in America to support nationalistic and fundamentally un-Christian goals. I hope we see an end to this eventually, but I fear it will be a long time coming. The basic mindset, after all, has around at least since Constantine.
The publisher has responded via a guest blog post here: The Publisher Parries (thanks Blake!)
You're welcome!
ALL Americans NOW know that America WAS FOUNDED on Godly principals.
The American Patriot’s Bible clearly states the facts on just how God has been and will continue to be a part of this great nation. So many are fearful of this bible and I simply cannot understand why.
Our schools and History classes at all levels should read and understand the TRUE facts of our nation. Understand the strength of the great men who formed this nation and just where this strength was obtained. The American Patriot’s Bible clearly shows this.
The American Patriot’s Bible offers the true facts of over 300 different people, places and times in America when Godly principals and a Godly foundation were part of decisions and strength which formed this great country.
9/11 was not that long ago when this country was shocked with the disaster of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. On that day and many weeks which followed churches across America were standing room only. The United Stated Flag was completely sold out; you could not purchase one anywhere in the United States. WHY? Because everyone turned to God during this time of need.
The American Patriot’s Bible is God’s word, God’s involvement in the great men who made this nation what it is today.
Everyone should have a copy. Our history has included God, not just for the United Stated of America but for the world.
"The United Stated Flag was completely sold out; you could not purchase one anywhere in the United States. WHY? Because everyone turned to God during this time of need."
This does not make sense. The American Flag sold out because people turned to God? Help me with your rationale on this...I'm a bit lost!
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