This post is part 14 of a series on Christian citizenship, and why I believe mixing Christian identity with American identity is bad for both. I hope to give you little bite-sized thoughts, which represent themes you'll find throughout the Bible and historic Christian teachings.
I hope they make you think.
Today's reason why I want to live as a Christian in a multi-faith nation:
The Book of Esther tells of a Jewish woman who becomes queen in Persia, and saves her people from annihilation at the hands of an evil royal official named Haman. Haman's plot is exposed and he is killed for his crimes. At Esther’s request, the king allows the Jews in his kingdom to avenge the plans of those who would have destroyed them.
But even at this key moment, when political power is shifting in favor of the Jews, Esther never asks for the king or any of his officials to become Jewish, or for more political power to be given to the Jews. Esther and her family only desire for Jews to be able to live and prosper in Persia without fear. This is yet another Biblical example of God’s people thriving in a land that does not share their faith.
The history of Judaism is all too full of stories of Jews being exiled or killed for their faith, often by Christians. This extends even into present-day antisemitism. Intolerance of minority faiths is the dark side of Christian nationalism. This is part of why I'm continuing to write these posts.
For some thoughts on Jesus' model for leadership, check out tomorrow's post.
For more background information read this statement from the ELCA's presiding bishop, or learn about Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
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