Steve Benen of Washington Monthly noted Obama saying, "the United States isn't like other countries; ours is a country with unique power, responsibilities, and moral obligations."
Regularly throughout the President's address I remember hearing the words responsibility, calling, greatest country, etc. It became certain to many who may not have believed it before that the president does indeed believe in American exceptionalism. Administrations have long been using such rhetoric when addressing the American people, especially as it pertains to foreign policy.
At this moment a pertinent question needs to be asked, is this belief in American exceptionalism limited to government officials, politicians, and the president? Or is it a prevailing belief in the United States transcending race, gender, politics and religion? A Gallup poll from late last year found that 80% of Americans believe their country "has a unique character that makes it the greatest country in the world." If that statistic is even marginally accurate, the chances that a group, organization, or assembly you belong to have this as a prevailing veiwpoint are strong.
Glenn Greenwald, a blogger whom I've come to respect and follow states,
"The probability that I happened to be born in the greatest country on Earth -- or, even more so, the greatest country ever to exist on Earth in all of human history -- is minute. Isn't it far more likely that I believe this because I was taught to, rather than because it's true?" (Source)Greenwald focuses on the foreign policy consequences of holding the exceptionalist viewpoint. Exceptionalism can take different forms and result in different consequences. Stephen Walt argues,
"The only real difference between neocons and liberal interventionists is that the latter insist on legitimizing their wars through the U.N. while the former don't care to."Moving away from foreign policy, I want to bring this issue a little closer to home. Although the Gallop poll mentioned earlier is merely a poll, what if that number is true? What if that is the prevailing viewpoint in our churches today? Is it wrong to believe the United States is the greatest country in the world?
How do we define greatness? Do we characterize greatness by military might, economy, freedom, democratic tendencies? Are we really better and our foreign endeavors more just?
John 18:36 (NIV)- Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)-
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reading those verses doesn't inspire me to feel American exceptionalism. In fact, it doesn't make me feel exceptional at all. What do you think?
6 comments:
You have some very good points. Christians really need to consider where their true citzenship lies.
Governments even if they start out with good intentions and a desire to serve the people, seem to become self serving and take on their own agenda.
Good post, Josh. Rightly understood, AE is something all Christians should champion. That doesn't mean we should exercise an uncritical patriotism (or as Schaeffer put it, "wrap the Cross in the flag"), but it does mean we should recognize and love the ways in which Christian truths were implemented into our institutions, laws, and customs at the Founding. Individual liberty, religious liberty, separation of powers, protection of minorities, and support of free markets are characteristics of the American system that are rooted in Christian truths. These same characteristics are relatively rare in other nation-states, and have been so throughout world history. It is right then, for a Christian in the U.S. to love and respect his country in its structure and institutions, and to argue against that, in my view, is to resist Christianity as culturally implemented.
But now, some caveats...The object of this kind patriotism (or articulation of AE), is our Christian principles, NOT our sinful people. There's no doubt our collective sin (legalized abortion, rampant divorce, pluralism, homosexual rights, etc.) is deserving of God's judgement. But the principles America was founded on have generally survived despite our sin.
As for the justness of our foreign indeavors, I think those have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We are certainly the most benign superpower in the history of the world, but our good intentions have routinely backfired on us. Perhaps that is the difference between an intervention being "just" and it being "wise," but I think that's another topic altogether.
Ryan, thank you for the thorough response, that's the kind of feedback I am looking for.
I very much agree with what you said about Christian truths and principles enduring. I am by no means thrashing our country. However, there was a part where you mentioned the separation of powers. I think that is sphere of government that is under siege because of "AE."
Presidents can now declare war in a manner similar to the kings of old. The term war just can't be used, and then no congressional approval is necessary.
I would probably also differ a little on the "case by case" basis for declaring war. However, as you said, I may be talking about what is "wise" and not necessarily about what is "just." Certainly, that is a discussion for a different day.
Thanks again for your feedback Ryan, and its good to hear from you.
We could certainly get into the weeds about the President's role as Commander in Chief or about the proper extent of his ability to employ the military without a declaration of war. My point was really more that the separation of powers that characterizes our system of government is rooted in Christian truth and one of the reasons America is exceptional.
Throughout history most societies have chosen (or been forced) to consolidate political power in a person, a small group of people, or an aristocracy of some kind. The theory of course is that it's better to find one entirely dependable, wise man (or group) and give him the authority to govern the people without the opposition of the 'less qualified.'
The Founders, however, informed by Christianity and their experiences in the old country, recognized there is no entirely dependable wise man, that all men are sinners who need incentives to act virtously. So they created 3 branches of government (with a divided legislative branch) and varied the way individuals in those branches attain their positions. They also implemented various checks and balances between the branches to prevent the consolidation of power. They did this in part because they believed in the doctrine of original sin. The idea that man is self-centered is pervasive in the Federalist papers justifying the Constitution to the people before ratification.
On foreign indeavors, the broader point I was trying to make was that you can champion AE without condoning every U.S. foreign indeavor. Even if I think the U.S. is the greatest nation on earth and that all nations would benefit by adopting our constitutional model (which I do), that doesn't mean I think it's a good idea to attempt democracy building in the Islamic world (which I don't, at least not anymore). As for other interventions, whether they be in Libya, Bosnia, Mogadishu, or where ever, I don't think America's military might means that we're obligated to act on behalf of others. We ought assess those possibilities on a case-by-case basis by considering our national interest, the cost in blood/treasure, the measure of evil we hope to prevent, etc.
Christianity is a lot like the thought of "American Exceptionalism" in the way that we have become complaisant in our ways. I often think back to the moment in which I truly found my faith... the excitement, the self understanding. Then think back to 9-12 2001, the day after... I was at a football game, when the Star Spangled Banner was sung, we all stood and sang at the top of our lungs. More proud to be an American at that moment, then we probably have been in our entire lives, and not afraid to show it.
We need to remember these times, go back and feel that way again. Do not become complacent of who and what we are as a person, community, country.
Josh as usual a great post!
Interesting topic!
There are somethings I dont quite understand, because of the use of high vocabulary. But the idea of what makes a country great In the book I am reading "Jesus for President" (that you REALLY NEED TO READ!) There is a great segment called "Down to earth politics." And it delves into what you are talking about in regards to a the meaning of the kingdom not of this world. I would love to share it on here, but I think there would be some copy right issues with that so.......maybe that is something I can share with you over the phone. But a synopsis would be. "Some might read the popular phrase my kingdom is not of this world, and mistakenly think Jesus meant My kingdom is not in this world. But Jesus was speaking more about "essance" than location. In other words He was talking about the real world."
Shane claiborne page 109
"When Jesus said my kingdom is not of this world he wasn't saying is apolitical; rather he was saying how His kingdom is political. The essential difference is that in My kingdom, we do not fight to maintain the kingdom. Refusing to have a department of defense renders Jesus' kingdom neither meaningless nor irrelevant, just different. Just like the kingless confederacy of Israel in the Torah, the kingdom Jesus spoke of is a real political kingdom that is unique, confusing, unheard of. His kingdom is not of this world, because it refuses POWER, pledges a different allegiance, and lives LOVE. In a world were truth has become smothered and rulers don't even know what it is anymore, Jesus embodies a truth that will set us free-even Pilate. If only we have eyes to see. Unfortunately, the crowd that day didn't. As we look back on it, it seems Jesus politics are much more down to earth, and that Pilates lofty thrones are "out there.""
Shane claiborn page 110.
I hope this fits, I am not sure if it does, but I couldnt agree more with you, that what makes a people great is not what our culture defines as great! It is not about over powering people and it is not about fixing everyones problems, it is about joining in in Love and meeting each others needs!
Just another opinion.
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