Janita Krayniak

On the heels of Independence Day, in our United States of America, it is always a time of great patriotism and national pride. It is a time when we give thanks for all those who have sacrificed. It is a time to celebrate the freedoms we hold dear. It is a time when we truly celebrate what it means to be an American. However, in recent years, it seems that attitudes have shifted from what we have long called patriotism to a term now known as nationalism. There is a difference. 

To make things even more divisive, the term nationalism has garnered an addendum and that is the word, Christian. Christian Nationalism is the current hot topic of many discussions and arguments. But what is it? According to ChristianityToday.com, “Christian Nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way.” 

The First Amendment to our U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 

Based upon that, I have to wonder why would we ever presume America must be a Christian nation? The amendment clearly states that people of all religious backgrounds are allowed under law the right to meet and worship or not worship if they do not have a belief system. 

Right about now, some of you are going to toss the paper aside and start accusing me of all kinds of liberal politics, but I invite you to read a little further before you decide. I wholeheartedly support the notion that to live in the United States does not come with a prerequisite to be a practicing Christian, nor does becoming an American require a Christian conversion experience … BUT … I do pray that those who have not found a path to the light and love that I call Jesus Christ, will one day find their way home. 

Here is where I think we as Americans have gotten it backwards. We proclaim God Bless America, but I think that it should be changed to America, Bless God!

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 scripture says: "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Can you imagine that? God healing our land, from all the brokenness, the division, the hate, the fear…all of it! It is right there, but did you read the first part? IF my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN…

I came across a song that truly summed up my thoughts. Written by Abigail Miller, the name of the song is “America, Bless God.” It uses the familiar words and hints of the tune from “God Bless America” (which was based on a poem by Katherine Lee Bates) but puts a new twist on them. Read it for yourself, or google it on YouTube to listen and see what you think:

“We claim these amber waves of grain, these purple mountains blessed with rain. We call this land our own from sea to shining sea, yet it is God who made us free. The spacious skies, the fruited plain, the rights and freedoms we retain, the privilege we hold just to live in this great land, do we recognize it as a gift from God's almighty hand?

America, bless God! It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. Every blessing that we own is a mercy from his throne. America, bless God.

We try to rewrite history and praise ourselves for being free. We take unto ourselves the glory due to God. How long can we expect him to restrain his chastening rod?

America, bless God! It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. Every blessing that we own is a mercy from his throne. America, bless God.

America, America, may God thy gold refine,

Til all success be nobleness and every gain divine!”

Perhaps it is time for us to get back to the basics. Instead of trying to use the power of the government or violent controlling tactics, maybe it is time that we as Christians try humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God’s face, and turning from our wicked ways? IF we do this, the rest is up to God.

America, can we … will we bless God?”

(Janita Krayniak is the pastor at First United Methodist in Powell)