According to Questia.com the topic of American exceptionalism has produced 2,051 books, most of which praise the concept. (No wonder disparate voices fight for a hearing.[i]) Thomas Paine contributed to the idea in 1776. “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.”
The duty of patriots to praise America is sung on patriotic holidays. “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.”
There is a greater love and loyalty than country. Christians are spiritual citizens of God’s kingdom. God “rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
Dick and Liz Cheney propose in their book that because of its ‘Exceptionalism’ the world needs a powerful America. Those serving the kingdom of God have a broader inquiry: Does God need a powerful America? If America suddenly disappeared from world politics, would God’s plan be thwarted? Would the church collapse?
Let us not love our country more than our God and elevate national strength over spiritual vitality. What is it worth if America rules the world and loses its soul?
