The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church

This is the second book from Boyd that I'd read and was very glad I did. For years this merging of faith and politics has been gnawing at my Christianity. I knew there was something wrong with this trend (right-wing zealots tainting the pure message of Jesus' sacrifice and grace), but I couldn't put it into words or a solid argument. Boyd makes a powerful and prophetic argument that's well writen and clear.

This is a book by a Christian pastor written for other Christians. Non-Christians may find it interesting to learn that no all evangelicals stand shoulder to shoulder with Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and Tom DeLay in their understanding of the possibility of a truly Christian government. Falwell, Robertson, DeLay, Roy Moore, Tim LaHaye, and a host of others on the Religious Right believe that it is the duty of Christians today to "Take Back America for God." Some (such as Ten Commandments Judge Roy Moore), inspired by the unusual writings of R. J. Rushdoony and Gary North, actually want to make the United States a theocracy, with the constitution trumped by the laws in the Bible. These are the people that Boyd has in mind in this book, though it is important to emphasize that his arguments apply equally to those on the Left, were they to attempt to identify the kingdom of the world with the kingdom of God. Non-Christians would likely also find the tone of the book a bit too devout. The entire book is structured around discussions of Biblical passages, teasing out their meanings, striving to understand the implications of the teachings of Christ and Paul. I personally think the title of the book is a bit misleading, and I wonder if it was his original title. For the book really focuses more on what it means for any Christian anywhere to identify the eternal kingdom of God with the temporal kingdom under which he or she lives. Although Boyd has a very different understanding of the Christian's relationship with the political, he almost could have borrowed St. Augustine's title THE CITY OF GOD (AND THE CITY OF MAN), the latter half the implied title of Augustine's classic. Or the great French lay theologian Jacques Ellul work THE POLITICS OF GOD AND THE POLITICS OF MAN. Like Ellul, Boyd insists that it is impossible to Christianize any temporal political regime. To confuse the two is to make what Gilbert Ryle would have called a category mistake, to confuse one kind of entity for another. Boyd from the outset makes the distinction between worldly governments, which he refers to either as the kingdom of the sword or the kingdom of the world with the kingdom of the cross or the kingdom of God. The former is characterized in all cases by a self-interested "power over" others. This is true even in the most just and fair governments as well as in the most tyrannical. The kingdom of God, however, is characterized by disinterested, loving "power under." Boyd shows that Jesus repeatedly in the New Testament refused any "power over" role, despite being the son of God, instead continually acting out in his life a "power under" self-sacrificial love, a way of living he demanded of his followers. Over and over the NT emphasizes that Christians are to live out the life of Christ in love and service to others. Moreover, this love is to be indiscriminate, and not given only to those who are like us and share our views. In fact, Jesus emph

I found Myth of a Christian Nation confronting in a healthy sense. It is God honoring in that Dr. Boyd explains the holiness (separateness) of the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of the World. His radical discussion of "power under" (Kingdom of God) versus "power over" (Kingdom of the World) is only as radical as the Gospel of Jesus Christ itself. Very thought provoking book. I highly recommend it.

I highly recommend "Myth of a Christian Nation." It is a well written, engaging, and scripturally based book that will likely challenge the Christian reader in the way they live out their faith. Boyd's premise is that the New Testament describes a "power-under" dynamic, where we are called to live radically loving lives that look like Christ. Kingdom people serve others, as Jesus took upon himself the role of a servant and washed the feed of the disciples. As Jesus' loved us enough to give his life for us, we are to love others - even our enemies - to the point of death. The power-under dynamic of the KoG looks like the cross of Christ. Boyd calls the Christian reader to seek to have a KoG mindset, as defined in scripture, and to live in a way that looks like Christ. Contrasted to this is the Kingdom of the World (KoW) which uses a "power-over" dynamic to achieve individual and tribal influence in the world. In every way it is opposite of the Kingdom of God. Boyd notes that Satan is called the "God of this World", and as such, he exercises significant influence on the world systems. The power-over dynamic looks like the sword. As Boyd tells us this book was inspired by a sermon series he preached in 2004 called the "Cross and the Sword," which resulted in about 20 percent of the congregation leaving his church. A common objection to Boyd's message is that "you cannot separate our faith" from our actions in this world. What I think Boyd is trying to say is that we should not IDENTIFY our society or country as "Christian." Doing so suggests to those outside the church that the actions of our society and our country reflect the Christian faith. While it is true that this country may do very good things, as a power-over structure it does not reflect Christ. Some suggest that Boyd is promoting a particular political position. This totally misses Boyd's point. ANY political activity is a part of the KoW dynamic. While he repeatedly tells the reader to "vote their conscience," he reminds us that the realm of politics is outside the realm of radical Christ-like love that "does not seek its own." Boyd, like Jesus, the disciples, St. Francis, and others who took Jesus' message very literally may seem a little odd to you. Yet, it is just that oddness that fascinates us. It is so different than what we know, and we hope that, perhaps, they might be right. The "Myth of a Christian Nation" is indeed a challenging book, but I have found that I have benefited by allowing it to challenge me.

Greg Boyd paints us a beautiful picture of what the kingdom of God is all about. This book challenged me in so many ways. 1) It released me from the non-sensical assertion that it is my "Christian Duty" to vote. As if going to a booth and placing a stingy vote is fulfilling the commandment of Christ to lay down my life for people. Because the truth is (and Boyd points this out well), is that placing a vote is not laying down my life for anyone. 2) This book gives us a beautiful, Biblical picture of who God is, found in Jesus Christ. A lot of preachers depict God "wielding the sword," or in other words, coercing our behavior. This view of God is problematic, and from my experience it is a very harmful way to view God. Boyd poignantly shows us that God changes the heart, not just our behavior. 3) This book made me completely aware of my unique calling as a kingdom of God person. Which is to live in love and join God in his mission of redeeming the world. To partner with God in establishing "His Kingdom Here on Earth, As It Is In Heaven;" something that a government can never do. Over all it is a really good book. It'll make you pumped about the Kingdom of God. It's easy to read and it is poignant. A much needed book for Kingdom People. Joe.