When we consider the temptations of nationalism, we have to think through how conservative Christians might be drawn into that error — and it is an error.
We are first presented with a false alternative. On the one hand, we see those who despise America and its symbols. Think flag-burning, those who defend flag-burning, and all that. And then on the other hand, think of those believers who react against this and are lured into a syncretistic civil religion, in which a red, white, and blue cloth takes it’s place as a third sacrament. This is, speaking theologically for a moment, demented. And yet it is “justified” because flag burning is not honoring the emperor, like the Bible says to do, and this syncretism is not flag burning. Ta da!
But there is another alternative. It is possible to render subordinated honor that is not idolatrous. Not only is it possible to do, it is necessary. But in order for this honor to be a biblical civil honoring, words like sacred, hallowed, and religion must be kept entirely and completely away from it. There must be a sharp line of demarcation that separates the kind of honor that is due to a nation and its magistrates and the kind of honor that belongs to God alone. That line of demarcation must be maintained by the kinds of words we use and will not use.
There is a true oddity here. The kind of resurgent civil religion that drives bluestate progressives bonkers is nevertheless the very kind of religion that was deemed necessary by men like Rousseau and Robespierre. Some progressives have been barking atheists, sure enough, but quite a few of them would have seen some splendid opportunities in the rise of this foolishness. Glenn Beck’s theological mush, and his array of secular saints, provide just the kind of religion his enemies will need in order to provide a necessary societal glue, along with the kind of lump in the throat that will keep the yokels happy.
Let me say this again. Secularists are generally very bad at concocting religions, but are generally very good at the parasitic takeover of concocted religions once established. One religion is ultimately impossible for them to take over, because the triune God has given it a robust immune system, but a bunch of others are easy. Glenn Beck is putting together a dream religion for such a takeover. The progressives might as well have ordered it from the factory. For all Beck’s hostility to the ruling classes, he is doing a lot of their spade work for them. He acknowledges that he is learning, but he needs to learn a great deal more.
If he wants a religion that cannot be coopted by the regnant scoundrels, then he needs to find one with an actual gospel in it. And testimonials on behalf of Abraham, Martin, and John are not even close to gospel.