A Word from Germany
Came across this in the news the other day. It's a quote from ex-German chancellor Gerhard Schoreder who had this to say about his suspicions of President Bush's constant references to his Christian faith and the American phenomenon of Christian fundamentalism:

"We rightly criticize that in most Islamic states, the role of religion for society and the character of the rule of law are not clearly separated," Schroeder wrote. "But we fail to recognize that in the USA, the Christian fundamentalists and their interpretation of the Bible have similar tendencies."
--AP News

I think that one of the most interesting aspects of this is related to the post yesterday about the seduction of power. Almost by definition Christianity is NOT a religion of power as defined by Jesus' teaching. Worldly power was probably a very small temptation until the 4th Century when Christianity became the state faith. The separation of Church and State was most likely the way of life for those nearly 400 years. Christians sent no armies anywhere to conquer anyone. Christians saw the kingdoms of this world as secondary and fleeting. To become the official religion was crazy. They probably had no idea that if only they were in power then God's word would be protected.

God's word didn't need protection. It simply was. Kind of like God in the Hebrew Bible- I Am! Fundamentalism, however, insists that it is up to people to enforce the ways of God. Islamist or Christian or Jewish. While Jewish fundamentalists only worry about doing that in Israel, the rest want to do wherever they live.

Scroeder is correct. American Christian fundamentalists DO want to break down the separation of church and state. Like the Pharisees of Jesus day they want to set is up so that no one can break the law of God. They want to impose it on anyone and everyone.

Until that day when the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. So goes a line in one of our traditional prayers. That does not mean by the military might of the United States or any other nation-state or terrorist organization. It means by the work of God. When it happens I have a hunch it will be by servanthood and will come with as much a surprise to those of us in the religious establishment as it was when Jesus came the first time.

Then along comes a great takeoff with a new Bible translation that takes out all the parts that Western Christians are so easy to forget. Well, here's a quote:

According to Chairman Mr. De Rijke the foundation has reacted to a growing wish of many churches to be market-oriented and more attractive. "Jesus was very inspiring for our inner health, but we don't need to take his naïve remarks about money seriously. He didn't study economics, obviously."

According to De Rijke no serious Christian takes these texts literally. "What if all Christians stopped being anxious, for example, and started expecting everything from God? Or gave their possessions to the poor, for that matter. Our economy would be lost. The truth is quite the contrary: a strong economy and a healthy work ethic is a gift from God."

You just have to go HERE for the full story about this controversial new Bible. (A hat tip to Hamo for the link.)

By the way, make sure you read the story ALL THE WAY THROUGH.