Lots more people are becoming aware of how weird it feels now, but that's all that's changed. So far.
In some ways it feels like celebrating the declared independence of the Byzantine Empire. The America we grew up with throughout the mid to late 20th century is gone and it’s not coming back. That said, when my worship team leader expressed her mixed feelings about singing “America the Beautiful” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” for Sunday’s service, I said, look, I stand second to no one in my cynicism for what’s happened to the good ol’ USA. But if we can make some of the people here feel that old stirring inside for more reverent, and far less degenerate times with these songs, we’re doing our jobs.
It’s not false comfort. Consider Philippians 4:8. I still stand for the flag, if only out of respect for those who just can’t accept it stands for something no longer relevant. It’s not just pity; I really do feel for these poor souls. The notion that much of what one has been given to believe all one’s life is a lie, a made-up story, is enough to break many people. What does one accomplish in breaking such people, other than some psychopathic satisfaction?
I see a Great Awakening of some sort already in progress, if only in reaction to the so-called "woke" and their authoritarian religion of supremacy and oppression, but I shake my head at the notion of Christian nationalism that so many are falling for. Nowhere in the Bible is there a prophecy of a God-fearing nation that fell to apostasy and internal enemies, but rose again through renewed faith in Christ.
By all means, build your congregations, your networks, your communities, parallel economies, etc. Do not expect to be permitted to exist as a sovereign nation, however. Stay as much under the government/corporate radar as possible and prepare for Christ’s kingdom on Earth. There will be no Christian nation until His return. All we can do is hang on, because despite being thrown bones like the recent Supreme Court rulings, despite the resurgence of (presumed) hardcore conservatives in local elections, things will get worse. Famine, pestilence, the entire apocalyptic enchilada.
That said, consider again Philippians 4:8.
Not everyone in your life is a purple-haired liberal dingbat, are they? This is why finding a church is more important than ever. Gather with the good people, say a prayer and break bread together. Celebrate that you can do that much. The best holidays are more than a color scheme, though it's nice they come with them, so why not? It’s peak summer. Surely that is an occasion of its own to celebrate.
In a way, we can make this old holiday of a fallen nation more special by celebrating our independence from the media-led cattle who make up much of our population now, and our separation from an increasingly debased world. That is indeed of good report.
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