That question popped up in my FB feed this morning accompanied with the short video clip shown below.

Whenever I’m approached with that question I immediately respond with something like “It depends on what you mean by “Christian” nation.”, after which I often get puzzled looks. Then I can explain my reasoning, which sounds something like the following”

“Definitions are important, if not essential, to answering that question. If you mean was America founded on Christian principles you might hear a resounding “Yes!”,  or a clear “No!” depending on the religion or politics of your conversation partner. If you mean by “Christian” nation one that has a declared State religion (like Islam in some countries), you should receive a “No” answer if you’re discussing the issue with someone who knows our national history.

Whatever the venue for the discussion, it can definitely get lively!

For the moment, let’s set that discussion question aside and ask a different question: “Should we, as Christians, be overly concerned over whether or not America is or has been a Christian nation, or should our main concern in this life be something else?

For an answer I’ll stay in “Columbo’ mode (some of you will get it) and ask another question!

“Why did Jesus choose a small group of men to follow him around and learn from Him?”

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”   (John 15:16, ESV)

There you have it. After the Passover and before His betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus told them they were to become horticulturists! Just kidding. Jesus chose them to ‘go and bear fruit’; fruit that would last and not wither or die on the vine. Did  Jesus’ disciples even know what that meant when Jesus revealed His purposes in choosing them?

In case they didn’t understand it  Jesus clarified things when he appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection and sent them out into the world with what we know as the Great Commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

So what’s my point? Thanks for asking!

As Christians, we aren’t called to spend a lot of time discussing secondary or tertiary issues like the status of America as a “Christian” nation, whether or not our current President is a true Christian,  everything that’s wrong with today’s church, or expose all the heretics in the world.

Rather, we are called to be followers (disciples) of Christ, to share the message of the gospel with a lost world, and to be kingdom multipliers by  helping other believers grow in their faith and in turn become kingdom multipliers (fruit growers).

Any questions?

Be Blessed!