Brad Crisler

So I'm gonna let this response I posted on Brandon's blog be my post for today. (Along with our newest family picture) Speaking of patriotism, SUPERMAN RETURNS TODAY!!!!!!

(Whatever, I've always been a Marvel guy myself:)

Could it be that the reason Christians (especially the 45-older group) have such an emotional response to patriotism and the institution of country is b/c they find in it the sense of solidarity (especially in the face of a unifying threat) and community that they have not/do not find in the Church? Could it be that the reason they haven't found that sense is b/c in the past the Church has made the unifying threat the Baptists? Or insrtruments? And community means eleatism where at least one day a week for an hour we get it right (despite what we look like the rest of the week). Those things aren't anything to grab onto. Our sons and daugthers being beheaded is. I think people look for a sense of belonging, they want something to stand up for...and in the absence of the right things, they will fill in the wrong ones.

In the final analysis, people are responsible for their own understanding of community and what the Church is and what it's role is as it pertains to patriotism...But I do think many of us as modern, western Christians have lost a sense of narative...That we are not mere Americans on a journey through culture as we take with us our Christian faith....But we are the children of the living God-our identity is 100% wrapped up in him. We are his story. He is OUR story. Everything else is just window dressing.
This is a deeply confusing area for many people and has been for many generations.
The 1st real work on conscientious objection? The only minister reconized and respected by Governor Andrew Johnson b/c of his refusal to take either side during the Civil War? That's right....David Lipscomb.

Peace to all who seek it-
bc