DEFEATING ETHNOCENTRIC CHRISTIANITY

The history of America has always been intertwined with what was going on in the church at the time. As much as our nation has tried to separate church and state, we seem to have failed miserably. Over time, this has created a major problem within the American church.

As America has risen in global dominance and become the Hegemon of the world system, the church sadly has come to adopt this idea of global dominance within its walls. We view Christians in other nations as "uncivilized" and that somehow they must rely on the American church in order to adequately interpret scripture. However, the western church has completely lost the heart of the Gospel. 

God's Kingdom is much more diverse, powerful, and beautiful than our ethnocentric mind could ever imagine. While we find ourselves lost in prosperity preaching and theological debates, our brothers and sisters around the world are experience Spirit empowered revival at unprecedented levels. God is on the move around the world and because of our narrow mindedness we are missing it. 

The United States is NOT God's chosen ambassador into the world we live in. When God looks at the world, He does not see America in any more of a special light than He does any other nation group. To God borders are a man-made menace that allows hatred and evil to drive men on a quest for power. God's movement is a movement of unity through diversity. He brings together unique people into one body.

If we ever expect to experience what God truly has in store for us, we have to break out of the window of American Christianity. The American flag and the cross of Jesus Christ are NOT the same thing. I choose to pursue the cross with every fiber of my being and without a doubt that will put me at odds with many of the values represented by the American flag. This does not mean that I hate my country or am not proud of my nation--but it does mean that it will never have my full commitment. 

Eventually, America will fall as every global power has before. America is a temporary concept--but the Love of God for ALL people in ALL places is eternal. Therefore, we as Christians must learn to lay down our American pride in surrender to the ultimate power. Only then can the American church truly experience the revolution and revival God is in the midst of unleashing!