Jesus: A Savior Dressed in Red, White and Blue?
June 30th, 2008
I just saw an advertisement of a new book released by InterVarsity Press, Jesus Made in America: A Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ by Stephen J. Nichols. How Jesus has been perceived throughout American history is its focus. I am looking forward to reading it.
As I reflected on the title and as we celebrate our independence, I must remind myself that Jesus is not a Savior dressed in red, white and blue.
He is a Savior who brought freedom, a freedom purchased at a terrible price–the shedding of innocent blood.
He is a Savior who established a Kingdom that knows no bounds–a kingdom that draws from every tribe, language, nation, and people.
He is a Savior who welcomes people from all cultures.
He is a Savior who expects his people to be both cross-cultural and counter-cultural.
He is a Savior who demands that we pledge allegiance to the Lamb.
He is a Savior whose commands supersede all others.
He is a Savior who cannot be kidnapped by any political power or party.
He is a Savior who reigns not from any country–the United States of America or Israel, for examples–but a Savior who reigns from heaven above.
He is a Savior who is dressed in white and he invites his followers to be dressed the same.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Very interesting idea. Seems like most books in the Christian book store are selling the american Jesus. It is nice to see someone stepping out and helping us to strip away the veneer that we have covered Jesus in. I wonder what he looks like without his business suit with GOP lapel pin and american flag tie.
July 11th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
This book, along with Robert Webber’s final work, arrived on my doorstep this week. It concisely answers my constant curiosity about “why are things the way they are” in regard to americanized christianity. I’m really enjoying it - just wish it was longer.