W6 Discussion Question 1: I Pledge Allegiance

Purpose: The purpose of this discussion is to challenge students to struggle with the political world in which they find themselves and to mine the resources that Pauls theology might provide for navigating our times. Here the student will explore the notion of faithfulness or loyalty in the context of American culture.

Overview: In the context of North American Christianity, where faith and patriotism are blended in all interesting and bizarre ways, what would be Pauls critique of modern North American civil religion (or Christian Nationalism; consider listening to this podcast –

, for an explanation of the meaning of Christian Nationalism), that is, the kind of religion that is expressed as God, Guns, and Guts? In other words, if our ultimate loyalty is to God, what tensions are created by our lesser loyalties, in this case, our love and loyalty to country.

Initial Post: What do you think Paul would say to modern evangelical social and political engagement? Would he find it consistent with the Gospel or at odds with the Gospel. Explain your answer.

• Be sure to add at least 4 in-text citations, with at least 1 in-text citation from a biblical source and at least 1 in-text citation from a non-biblical source. Contains at least 1 in-text citation from the week’s readings and resources. Note: The citation can come from a biblical or non-biblical resource. All non-biblical citations should note the author and page number rather than the year of publication. All biblical citations should note the book, chapter, and verse. Use these resources :Biblical Text
• Romans 35; 1213
• Philippians 1:272:18; 3:1521
• 2 Timothy
• Gorman, M. J. (2017). Apostle of the crucified Lord: A theological introduction to Paul and his letters. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Chapter 13: Philippians (pp 482523)
• Chapter 17: 2 Timothy (pp 61231)
• Podcast: Vischer, P. (2021, February 3).
• Holy Post Media.

All citations have to have page number if coming from the text and direct quotes