Christians in every culture have to be aware of and navigate syncretism, a blending of their culture, other religions, and traditions with their faith. The American Church has an arduous task of separating out American civil religion from faithfulness to Jesus.
In this conversation, Greg Arthur speaks with Brian Zahnd about his journey in ministry, the impact of the Jesus movement, and the challenges faced by the American church today. Zahnd examines the conflation of American identity with Christianity, discussing the implications of American civil religion and the nature of American empire. He reflects on the historical context of the church's relationship with empires and the ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of the gospel amidst cultural pressures.
They also explore the complexities of the early church, the concept of rival gods, and the distinction between the Kingdom of Christ and earthly empires. They discuss the importance of citizenship in heaven, the need for community transformation through discipleship, and the challenges of peacemaking in a divided world. The dialogue emphasizes the resilience of the global church and the call for Christians to embody love and kindness amidst political disagreements.
Want to explore more?
Engage with Brian’s work.
Books Mentioned:
Postcards from Babylon
When Everything’s On Fire
A Farewell to Mars
They also spend time previewing The (Re)union, our virtual conference taking place February 26-28, 2025. Listeners to the episode can get a discount code to use when they register. Use the code: Podcast20 for 20% off!
Find out more information here
Episode Takeaways
Critiquing American civil religion has led to significant losses in his congregation.
Americanism poses a challenge to discipleship in the church.
America can be understood as a mixed entity: a nation, a culture, an empire, and a religion.
The church's relationship with empire has been problematic throughout history.
Zahnd emphasizes the importance of recognizing America as a rival to the Lordship of Jesus.
Christian nationalism has become a prominent issue in contemporary discussions.
The church has always faced struggles and has never experienced a golden age. The early church faced significant challenges that shaped the New Testament.
Rival gods like Mammon and Mars influence contemporary society.
The Kingdom of Christ transcends political ideologies.
Citizenship in heaven should take precedence over national identity.
Discipleship requires a radical transformation of community values.
Peacemaking is essential in a divided world, especially among Christians.
Hearing the stories of others is crucial for understanding and love.
Contemplative practices can foster kindness and compassion.
The global church offers resilience and hope for the future.
The church must embody an alternative society of love and kindness.
Share this post