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The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church Kindle Edition
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherZondervan
- Publication dateMay 18, 2009
- File size1065 KB
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From the Back Cover
About the Author
Gregory A. Boyd es el fundador y pastor señor de Woodland Hills Church en St. Paul, MN, y fundador y presidente de Christus Victor Ministries. Era un profesor de teologÃa a Bethel College por 16 años. Es un graduado de University of Minnesota, Yale Divinity School, y Princeton Theological Seminary. Greg es un hablante nacional y internacional a iglesias, colegios, conferencias, y retratos, y ha aparecido en muchos programas del radio y televisión. También, él es el autor y co-autor de 14 libros antes de The Myth of a Christian Nation.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Product details
- ASIN : B00165EXQK
- Publisher : Zondervan (May 18, 2009)
- Publication date : May 18, 2009
- Language : English
- File size : 1065 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 225 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #54,723 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
![Gregory A. Boyd](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bDtAk14rL._SY600_.jpg)
Gregory A. Boyd is the founder and senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minn., and founder and president of ReKnew. He was a professor of theology at Bethel College (St. Paul, Minn.) for sixteen years where he continues to serve as an Adjunct Professor. Greg is a graduate of the University of Minnesota (BA), Yale Divinity School (M.Div), and Princeton Theological Seminary (PhD). Greg is a national and international speaker at churches, colleges, conferences, and retreats, and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows. He has also authored and coauthored eighteen books prior to Present Perfect, including The Myth of a Christian Religion, The Myth of a Christian Nation, The Jesus Legend (with Paul Eddy), Seeing Is Believing, Repenting of Religion, and his international bestseller Letters from a Skeptic.
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Customers find the book thought-provoking and substantiated by the text. They describe it as an excellent, wonderful read that is good for every Christian to read. Readers appreciate the biblical quality and prophetic message. However, opinions differ on the pacing - some find it fascinating and provocative, while others consider it confrontational and a nosedive.
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Customers find the book thought-provoking and an important read for leaders. They appreciate the author's honest arguments and well-written treatise on the exercise of power. Readers say it's good for those with open minds and that the author does an excellent job of communicating his thoughts clearly while exegeting the texts.
"Overall this is an excellent book, with an important message, aiming at distinguishing the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of this World...." Read more
"...History may be repeating itself. This is a thought provoking and challenging book...." Read more
"...This is one of the few times where he does get specific on political issues, addressing specific wars and discussing the military...." Read more
"...I found the book enjoyable and thought-provoking...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a treatise on how believers should act and govern themselves, and a must-read for Christians and Americans. Readers appreciate the author's refreshing perspective and consider it timely and rewarding.
"Overall this is an excellent book, with an important message, aiming at distinguishing the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of this World...." Read more
"...I loved the book for the most part, but as the last chapter indicates, he seems to have compromised important truths and failed to rightly divide..." Read more
"...give the book 5 starts simply because I think it would be good for every Christian to read. This book needs to literally not be judged by its cover." Read more
"...I found the book enjoyable and thought-provoking...." Read more
Customers find the book challenging and good for their spiritual lives. They say it aims to distinguish the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of this world. The book helps readers love and have faith in God's plan. Readers mention it makes a convincing argument for evangelical Christians to stop playing the overt role.
"...is an excellent book, with an important message, aiming at distinguishing the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of this World...." Read more
"...God’s kingdom looks like Jesus, embracing love for all people, including enemies, while government is inherently tribal, seeking to destroy enemies...." Read more
"...I would identify myself as an agnostic. But this book has gotten me closer to Christianity than at any other point in my life...." Read more
"...getting people to start asking serious questions and get people to think truly biblically, not from a nationalistic or political point of view." Read more
Customers like the sound quality of the book. They say it's biblically sound and prophetic.
"...The author has made their point(s), provided sound theological fortification of them and now is looking to make it more than a pamphlet...." Read more
"...subject is unequivocally ther BEST I have ever read...pragmatic, Biblically sound and challenging...." Read more
"...Be encouraged, brother! Don't give up your biblically sound, spirit-filled study and revelations. God bless." Read more
"give it a read open your mind and LISTEN...." Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it fascinating, provocative, and shocking. They appreciate the author's courage and ability to think outside the box. Others feel the book is confrontational, challenging, and emotional.
"...representing God’s kingdom through loving, Christ-like, sacrificial acts of service...." Read more
"...until this last chapter, during which, in my opinion, the book took a nose dive and went into a tail-spin...." Read more
"...about Greg Boyd - his passion, intelligence, eloquence, energy, courage, and ability to think outside the box...." Read more
"...I like the way Boyd writes and it is a provocative read even if a modern dominionism is what you make of the Gospel." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022Overall this is an excellent book, with an important message, aiming at distinguishing the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of this World. As Gregory explains in so many ways, Christians (and people of other religions too) unfortunately are rarely as "spiritual" as they think they are, and end up overlaying religious themes upon worldly projects.
One of the main shortcomings of this book, is one that involves lack of a certain understanding about the reality of evil in this world, which at the time of the books' publication in 2005, relatively few of us would have had insight into.
Gregory suggests at one point that there may have been more evil in Jesus' time, than there is now. But of late, specifically in the last 2 years from 2020 to 2022, more and more people are awakening to the reality of a Global Crime Syndicate, which some call the Cabal, which controls the whole world via its criminal banking cartel called the Central Bank and Federal Reserve, which has infiltrated every government in the world, and runs virtually every institution, from banking, to education, to the medical industry, all law enforcement, all the courts, major corporations, the MSM, social media, Big Tech -- everything. This crime syndicate, perhaps centered in the WEF, profits from child sex trafficking, facilitated by thousands of miles of underground tunnels, and by drug smuggling. There are indications (eg, Georgia Guidestones) that they had a goal of perpetrating genocide on 95% of the world population, and making abject slaves of the rest. However, there are forces of good which have fortunately intervened and are working to stop this horror show.
In light of such a horrific and depraved evil having virtually taken over the world, I'd say that this is not the time to encourage folks to turn away from the world towards the Kingdom of God. Ironically, this horror show may assist in making the distinction between the Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God become more clear, because as the truth is revealed about what has gone on not just for decades, but for centuries as this evil group has worked to control the world, we'll hopefully gain a clearer understanding about how ostensibly Christian people and groups who lost sight of God's kingdom, were more easily coopted and manipulated by these Satanic elites.
For instance, on pg 109 Gregory quotes President George W Bush stating that America was on a holy "crusade" against (Islamic) evildoers. What Bush said here will look quite different when people discover that Bush was allegedly a leader in the Global Crime Syndicate, and he was allegedly behind the massacre of thousands of Americans on 9/11. So if this proves true, this will be viewed as an instance of Satanic people literally using Christian themes to manipulate "Christians" who don't know any better.
There's another way that Christians can be manipulated by the Satanic Global Crime Syndicate, which apparently Gregory himself has been manipulated into, without realizing this. And this shows up in Gregory's repeated focus on racism and oppression of minorities, eg pg 120 where he references "white dominated power structures" and on pg 121 attributes anti-racism work to Jesus, which was not there. Pg 123 Gregory complains about differences between white and non-white neighborhoods or schools, pg 125 he says "what would happen if the white kingdom people chose to reverse the white dominance of American culture and...placed themselves in service to nonwhites?" And on the same page he references the "ugly racism" of American culture.
First of all, by fixating on this one perceived (actually, imaginary) "political" issue of racism, white dominance, Gregory is doing exactly what his entire book is counseling us against doing, which is asserting that any one political view is more "Christian" than some other view, and advocating for his political view.
But even more importantly, these "racism" themes and themes of "white dominance" are the very talking points of the Global Crime Syndicate. These views issue from the destructive and false ideologies they have intentionally seeded in our universities and culture, in order to propagate the lie that racism is a very serious problem in our nation, when it is not, and thus divide us and pit us against one another, while simultaneously distracting us from THEIR crimes...such as the crimes of the Federal Reserve System, their enormous involvement in child sex trafficking, drug smuggling, the corruption and infiltration of the entire government and all institutions, etc.
Finally, Gregory raises good points about how Christians far too often arrogantly judge people even outside their own faith, pg 158-159 he points out that the Apostle Paul spoke to pagans using pagan references not Christian ones. But as many of us have no doubt seen, too many Christians go about doing things like hitting non-Christian people over the head with the Ten Commandments, people for whom these things are not even a part of their religion. It's extremely rude to try to condemn people for not following something that isn't even part of their religion, as well as arrogant to assume that other religions don't have their own moral codes.
Gregory would do better to develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of human psychology -- for instance, in advocating that we imitate Christ's love, he expresses regret that more Christians wouldn't be welcoming to prostitutes and other sinners as Jesus was. But this reveals an unfortunate naivette. People can be quite loving and welcoming, but love isn't enough. Jesus wasn't only far more loving than we were, he was also far more wise. So, imagine a prostitute or drug addict, or mentally ill person coming to a Christian gathering, and coming in intoxicated, and then starting to behave in a way that was inappropriate and made others uncomfortable. For instance, in using profanities, or engaging in bizarre behavior. No one should be so naive as to think that when people are drawn to Christian community, they suddenly lose all their dysfunctional or misguided behavior. So what will people do when they find this in their midst? "Being loving" is not enough, you have to have good boundaries, you need wisdom, you need skill in working with people.
And this brings me to another theme --- which is that the goal of embodying Christ like love, and following the Great Commandments -- is something that is likely a lot more complex and involved than many may realize. And that in order for this love to be impactful and have effect in this world, we may need to grow and develop in several other ways, which are not mentioned in this book, but pertain to overall human psychological and spiritual growth.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2018Book Review of THE MYTH OF A CHRISTIAN NATION: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church by Gregory A. Boyd (2005, Zondervan}
720 words 5*
More than a decade before Donald Trump’s election with 80 percent of the evangelical vote, Gregory Boyd addressed the perils of “taking American back for God” in this book. Boyd is a pastor who has written more than 15 books, including Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idols of Certainty, which I also reviewed.
His thesis is that “American evangelicalism is guilty of nationalistic and political idolatry” by fusing the kingdom of God with a preferred version of the kingdom of the world. “The evangelical church in America has, to a large extent, been co-opted by an American, religious version of the kingdom of the world.” He makes a persuasive case that applies just as much today as it did when he published it in 2005.
A gifted writer, Boyd explains that God’s kingdom is radically different than earthly government: The latter exercises power over people through the power of the sword, while the former exercises power under others based upon self-sacrificial love. Pursuing a government with Christian values has more to do with gaining power over others than with serving them. No government, even one that says it is “under God,” will love enemies, forgive transgressors, bless persecutors, serve sinners, and so on.
God’s kingdom looks like Jesus, embracing love for all people, including enemies, while government is inherently tribal, seeking to destroy enemies. While Jesus eschewed violence, governments prepare for and engage in war.
Three times Jesus refers to Satan as the “ruler of this world.” When Jesus was tempted, the Devil offers him “all the kingdoms of the world,” saying, “to you I will give their glory and all this authority, for it has been given over to me.” This suggests the demonic presence taints all governments, so it is dangerous to assume any government is aligned with God.
Boyd contends the Christian Right is hurting the kingdom of God now. Rev. Jerry Fawell once said that terrorists should all be blown away “in the name of the Lord.” President Bush called for a “crusade” against terrorism. Wars are fought in the name of God, but that has nothing to do with building His kingdom on earth. On the contrary, invoking God for military causes retards the kingdom of God. The association of Christianity with American nationalism repels people in other parts of the world who dislike US foreign policy. “Global missions have been tremendously harmed by American nationalism.”
The notion of a Christian nation tempts Christians to appoint themselves as moral arbiters for others, something that invariably invites the charge of hypocrisy. While Jesus taught that those who would correct others have worse sins, the human tendency is to rank our own sins as more minor than the sins of others. What those others see is moralistic self-righteousness.
Jesus talked about the kingdom of God more than any other topic. His purpose was to plant the seed of the new kingdom so it would expand and eventually end the rule of Satan. The kingdom of God is rooted in Jesus, not in a political agenda. It means representing God’s kingdom through loving, Christ-like, sacrificial acts of service.
The church historically has not trusted the Jesusian model, choosing the power of the sword over the power of the cross. While Jesus rejected the worldly kingdom Satan offered, Christians have often justified ugly means by pointing to good ends. Violent conquest of the New World, for example, was deemed necessary in order to Christianize the pagans.
The contemporary evangelical church has mostly sided with a political figure whom they recognize is at least as morally flawed as they believed Bill Clinton was. But they do so in the name of their faith, justifying their bargain with the devil as the only way to ban abortion. In other words, they make an ends-justifies-the-means calculation.
This logic was used to justify massacres during the Crusades, torturing heretics, and burning witches, all in the name of Christ. Immoral means usually taint the ends they are meant to achieve. Bad methods discredited Christians then, and hindered growing the kingdom of God. History may be repeating itself.
This is a thought provoking and challenging book. Boyd reminds readers that the kingdom of God on earth Jesus taught about will not be achieved through political means. ###
Top reviews from other countries
- BerendReviewed in Germany on December 24, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, eye-opener
I really like the writing and thought processes of Greg Boyd.
This book is a must read for people that say they are followers of Jesus or say they believe in Jesus but at the same time put their trust in politics and nationalism.
One person found this helpfulReport - Andrew DykstraReviewed in Canada on April 24, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Room for others?
I found this to be a deeply thoughtful book. America has always viewed itself as a melting pot of many peoples. Whatever their beliefs, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, there will be one America. The myth spoken of in this book is held by some who believe there was a golden age when America was Christian. This belief ignores the fact that Native Peoples have their own beliefs which have not always been affected by Christianity. This belief ignores the fact that America embraces a large Jewish population. This belief ignores the fact that America has adopted many people whose beliefs are within the Muslim faith. Those who hold the myth of a Christian nation automatically assume this means Protestant. Where will Catholics or Buddhists or atheists fit within this fantasy? What would be the implications if America became the country for which these people long? Some of them might condense the myth to "Judeo-Christian" but that would still leave all of the other out. America may be one, strong, admirable country, but it must never embrace one religion to the exclusion of all others.
- Black and White ElephantReviewed in Canada on June 1, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
Gregory A. Boyd has written a most compelling argument for the separation of church and state and why this is absolutely necessary to maintain the integrity of the Body of Christ. He very clearly delineates the differences between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World, and expresses in no uncertain terms, this sharp dividing line. I have long suspected to be the case, so, I was thrilled at finally receiving my copy, and devoured its contents with relish.(hamburgers and mustard optional). Pick up a copy now! Christian or not, you will not regret it!
One person found this helpfulReport - PhilologosReviewed in Germany on May 26, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully independent view - but not entirely thought through
Boyd argues, in essence, that the kingdom of God must not be confused with the kingdom of the world. The former is essentially a ‘power under’ kingdom, while the latter employs a ‘power over’ approach to government. He also points out which negative consequences this quest for power has for the kingdom of God.
Boyd’s book has changed the way I look at ‘Christian’ politics. For a long time, I had perceived the loss of political power as a threat. Now I realize that ultimately, I should find my identity in and establish my first allegiance with the kingdom of God, and that I can be a kingdom-of-God citizen in any political system. I would like to thank Boyd for opening my eyes in this respect.
As I read through this book, however, I started to wonder what Boyd’s position is on how Christians should live in a secular society. In the last chapter and after he had ‘admittedly painted with broad, contrasting strokes’ (p. 161) the two different kingdoms, he finally tackles these questions – and this is where, in my view, it gets slightly bizarre. Looking at the question of self-defence, for example, Boyd suggests responding in a ‘loving, nonviolent manner’ (167). Sorry, Mr Boyd, if this is your attitude, I would not like to be part of your family. He reports about a woman who, about to be raped, reduced her attacker to tears by passing on to him a word from God (I do believe that this happened, but I would find it absurd if this were taken as general approach to violence)! He also suggests that Christians should not be part of the military. Now, if we are to avoid, as Christians, any ‘power over’ position, this would mean that Christians cannot run a company or become doctors, lawyers, judges, teachers, professors, pastors – or even parents. All of these positions require some ‘power over’ – and sometimes those ‘under power’ are Christians!
In my view, Boyd falls into the same trap as those evangelicals who seek and advocate ‘power over’ as a Christian way to influence society – only from the other side. Has he never read Luther’s assertion that ‘you cannot rule the world with the gospel’? As a German, I am glad that there were armies in the middle of the last century who opposed a mad dictator, even if this meant that those armies had to pay a horrendous price. I am glad to live in a society where you can rely, to some extent, on an executive that will use its ‘sword’ to execute justice and punish evil-doers. And I believe that it is good for a society when Christians influence it with their values.
So what is the Christian’s role in society? I believe we find the answer (or part of it) in Jesus’ statement that we are the ‘salt of the earth’. We are to influence society in order to keep it from decaying. If we do not fulfil this role, we may as well be thrown out and trampled underfoot! I believe that it is good for a society to have Christians who open their mouths to speak the truth. This is part of our job! This does not necessarily mean that we are in ‘power over’ positions, but we can exercise influence wherever we are.
‘The Myth of a Christian Nation’ is clearly written, even though (for me as a European) it is a bit ‘American-style’ repetitive. I think, however, that in this case, this is a good thing since many evangelicals have deeply internalized ideas that being Christian means striving for political power; in other words, the truth that the kingdom of God does not equal a certain form of the kingdom of the world needs to be rubbed in a bit. I believe that the book has a message that America definitely needs to hear, but I also believe that its message is relevant for other similar societies as well. However, while Boyd has an wonderfully independent way of looking at his own culture, I wish that he had done some more reading and more serious thinking about what it means to live as a Christian in a secular society.
2 people found this helpfulReport - Nancy BuckReviewed in Canada on January 3, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Excellent read. Will purchase more books by Greg . Arrived on time.