This post is part 38 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.
Today's reason I want to live as a Christian in a multi-faith nation: Because this week, as Rosh Hashanah begins, I give thanks for my friendships with Jewish Americans.
I went to elementary school in Bexley, Ohio, a Columbus suburb with a large Jewish population. One of my best friends from 4th to 6th grade was the son of a Conservative rabbi (in Judaism, "conservative" is closer to the middle of the road in theology and practice). I had the honor of sometimes being a guest at sabbath meals and attending Saturday synagogue services.
On Rosh Hashanah, a new year festival signaled by the blowing of a trumpet, school was out. I wasn't Jewish, so for me, it was just a nice early fall break. I didn't think anything of it. We never had school on Sundays, or Good Friday--half the time spring break coincided with Christian Holy Week--so why wouldn't we also give time off for Jewish holy days?
I valued my friendship with Jordan. He and I would imagine movie scripts together (which often involved him patiently listening to my long-winded pitches and providing notes. He was a great friend!). We shared life together. I was welcomed in his home, and I learned a great deal from his family.
Though I'm a Christian and I always will be, my time in elementary school formed my worldview in important ways. Every child could benefit greatly from having friends who don't share their faith, and living in a community where more than one faith is honored. When I resist the idea of centering Christianity in the public sphere, I'm not doing it out of "political correctness". I'm doing it because inter-faith friendships and communities have blessed me, and I want that for all our kids.
For more background information read this statement from the ELCA's presiding bishop, or learn about Christians Against Christian Nationalism.
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