When Faith Becomes Folklore
Reclaiming the Gospel from Civil Religion and Cultural Myth
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often…”
You’ve probably seen the quote. It’s bold, dramatic, and often shared with patriotic pride: “This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The only problem? It’s not true. Neither historically nor theologically.
But that doesn’t stop people from sharing this quote or others like it, especially during national holidays or heated political moments. It feels good to say. It reinforces a worldview. It seems to defend the faith. But when something isn’t rooted in truth, no matter how passionately it’s delivered, it doesn’t build up faith — it cheapens it.
And that’s what grieves me most. Not only the historical inaccuracy, but also the spiritual laziness behind it. We don’t pause to ask, “Is this real?”— we ask, “Does this support what I already believe?” We trade truth for comfort and call it conviction.
What kind of faith is that?
I’m not here to give you a history lesson. I’m here to ask a different question:
Are we actually following Jesus or borrowing his name to prop up our version of the story?
The Problem with Convenient Quotes
Quotes like this are popular because they do a lot with minimal effort. They signal identity, evoke nostalgia, and provide a spiritual shortcut: See? We’re the good guys. We’ve always been the good guys. It’s comforting. But comfort isn’t the same as truth.
What’s troubling isn’t just that these quotes are misattributed (this one is often credited to Patrick Henry, although historians have found no credible source linking it to him). What’s more troubling is how quickly people share these quotes without checking them because they sound right, feel right, and confirm what they already believe.
But when we rely on something that isn’t true to defend what we believe is true, we don’t strengthen our faith—we weaken it. It’s like trying to build a house on sand and claiming it’s solid rock. Jesus warned us about that. The storm always comes. And when it does, shallow certainty doesn’t hold up.
This is a spiritual issue, not just a historical one. If Christians claim to be people of truth, then truth must matter—even when it’s inconvenient or doesn’t align with our preferred version of history or politics. Even when it challenges the stories we’ve been told or those we’ve told ourselves.
Truth matters. Not just for accuracy, but for the integrity of our testimony.
Christianity vs. Christendom
So if this isn’t about facts alone, what is it about? It’s about the difference between Christianity and Christendom. Christianity is the way of Jesus. It’s discipleship. It’s a daily surrender. It’s feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, loving your enemies, forgiving seventy times seven. It’s the cross before the crown. It’s resurrection hope in a world still marked by wounds.
Christendom is something entirely different. It’s not about following Jesus but using his name to justify power. It wraps faith around national identity, cultural dominance, or political control. Once Christendom takes hold, it doesn’t need transformed hearts; it only needs symbols: a Bible on a podium, a cross on a flagpole, a slogan that sounds like Scripture but serves the state.
The tragedy is that these two concepts—Christianity and Christendom—are often confused. When they are, we stop questioning whether we are truly following Jesus and instead focus on whether we are “winning.” We cease confessing our sins and start claiming moral superiority. We stop listening for the Spirit and instead use religion to preserve the status quo.
That’s not the gospel or the kin-dom of God. It echoes the language of faith but misses the essence of Christ. Jesus never asked us to build a Christian empire; he called us to bear a cross.
The Danger of Civil Religion
Civil religion occurs when faith shifts from focusing on God to emphasizing the nation. It combines patriotic rituals with spiritual language, turning Christianity into a form of civic performance. ‘God bless America’ becomes the altar call. The flag takes the place of the cross. Military success is mistaken for divine approval. It feels sacred—but it’s hollow.
Civil religion doesn’t demand repentance or humility. It sidesteps tough questions about justice, truth, and love. Instead, it uses God-language to keep people comfortable and obedient. It sustains the system and labels it morality.
But Jesus didn’t die to make America great. He died to reconcile all things to God. He didn’t rise so we could dominate culture wars. He rose so we could become new creations—peacemakers, truth-tellers, disciples of a kingdom not built by human hands.
Civil religion is risky because it can make us feel sacred while keeping us distant from God. It tells us we’re on the right side, without ever asking if we’re walking the right path. It offers us symbols of faith without the substance of obedience. It blesses whatever power wants, instead of listening for what the Spirit says.
We don’t need more God-and-country slogans. We need more Christ-shaped lives.
A More Honest Heritage
Here’s the truth: the founding of this country is complex. It includes moments of brilliance and deep injustice. Faithful Christians were involved—alongside enslavers, deists, agnostics, and opportunists. Religious freedom was a core value, but it was often applied selectively. And while the gospel may have inspired some, it was distorted or ignored by many. That doesn’t mean we throw the whole story away. But it does mean we tell it honestly.
We don’t need to mythologize the past to live with purpose in the present. In fact, the more we romanticize what was, the harder it becomes to see what God is doing now. The gospel doesn’t rely on the legacy of any one nation. It calls every nation to humility, every people to justice, and every person to love.
There’s something liberating about embracing a more honest heritage. It removes our defensiveness. It opens up space for repentance and repair. It allows us to tell the truth without fear—because our hope isn’t in national identity, it’s in Christ.
We can honor what was good, lament what was wrong, and continue to live faithfully today. The church’s role isn’t to rewrite history. It’s to bear witness— to the truth, to the gospel, to the God who is still moving, still calling, still redeeming.
The Real Question and a Call to Faithful Witness
Ultimately, the real question isn’t whether America was founded as a Christian nation, but something far more personal—and urgent: Are we following Jesus today?
Are we loving our enemies and praying for those who hurt us? Are we caring for the poor, lifting up the marginalized, and seeking justice with humility? Are we embodying the radical grace and truth of the gospel in how we live, lead, speak, and serve?
Or are we clinging to Christian symbols while neglecting the call of Christ?
It’s easier to win an argument about history than to live a life of integrity. But the world doesn’t need more Christian slogans; it needs Christians who live like Christ.
Let’s stop trying to prove we’re a Christian nation. Instead, let’s start living like we belong to a risen Savior. Let’s care more about truth than image. Let’s trade shallow certainty for deep discipleship. Let’s choose the gospel over nostalgia, and faithfulness over fear.
What God is creating doesn’t rely on a flag, a founding document, or a myth.
It depends on Christ.
It depends on us.
It begins now.
Concluding Prayer
Gracious God,
We confess how easily we chase comfort instead of truth, image instead of integrity.
We’ve looked for power in the wrong places.
We’ve used your name to defend what you never asked us to protect.
Forgive us.
Set us free from shallow faith and civil religion.
Remind us that you didn’t call us to win arguments
you called us to be salt and light.
Give us courage to live as disciples—
to speak truth, seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with You.
May our lives reflect not the myths of a nation, but the hope of resurrection.
May we be known not by what we claim, but by how we love.
In Jesus’ name, the One we follow above all others,
Amen.
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What I’m Reading–And Why It Matters
The Voices, Questions, and Stories Shaping My Life
I spend a lot of time with Scripture. It’s the foundation of my writing, preaching, teaching, coaching, and prayer life. Scripture is where I return—again and again—for grounding, challenge, wisdom, and grace.
But alongside Scripture, I also read extensively. I believe God can speak through many voices, and I’ve learned that staying grounded often means staying curious. I’m a lifelong learner—always listening for wisdom in stories, science, theology, resistance movements, leadership frameworks, and more. Learning doesn’t just inform what I do; it shapes who I am becoming.
We’re now halfway through 2025, and as I continue to build Hearing Beyond the Noise, I want to share a midyear reflection: a glimpse into the books shaping my soul, my leadership, and my perspective so far this year. These aren’t just titles on a list. They are conversation partners. Some have helped me make sense of change. Others have strengthened my emotional resilience, deepened my understanding of justice, or reawakened my hope. Sharing them here offers you a glimpse into what’s been shaping me—and maybe encourages you to reflect on what’s shaping you, too.
Spirituality & Inner Life
In a noisy world, inner silence is both a gift and a necessity. These books helped me nurture the parts of the soul that aren’t always visible but shape everything else—our relationships, our resilience, and our ability to respond to God’s call with depth and integrity.
- Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, MD
Healing isn’t separate from your spiritual life—it’s a vital part of it. Thompson weaves together neuroscience and faith to show how naming your story can bring you closer to God. - Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr
Rohr says we’re all addicted—not just to substances, but to the illusion that we can control or earn our way to wholeness. This book invites us to surrender to grace instead of striving to deserve it.
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Wholeness doesn’t come from striving—it comes from releasing who you think you’re supposed to be. Brown’s reflections on shame, courage, and belonging serve as a guide for living authentically.
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Naming emotions is the first step toward healing them. This book helps readers broaden their emotional vocabulary and develop deeper connections—with themselves and others. - Why I Believe by Dr. Henry Cloud
Cloud explores faith through the lens of reason, psychology, and real-world experience—providing thoughtful responses to honest questions. - Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud
Trust is built in layers—and lost in moments. Cloud’s practical framework helps us understand how to rebuild trust in broken systems and strained relationships. - Meditations: The Philosophy Classic by Marcus Aurelius
Written almost two thousand years ago by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, these reflections surprisingly still resonate today—reminding us to stay grounded in purpose, resist the pull of ego and distraction, and live each day with integrity.
Leadership & Change
In times of disruption, faithful leadership is not about going back to what was—it’s about discerning what’s possible. These books provided me with tools and language to handle uncertainty, envision a future, and walk with others toward renewal instead of retreat.
- Leading Change by John P. Kotter
Change doesn’t happen because we want it to—it happens because we lead it. Kotter outlines the steps for turning vision into action, especially when resistance is strong. - Dare to Shift by Dr. Michael Bowie & Dr. Stephen Handy
This book calls the Church to stop waiting for “normal” to return—and instead cultivate a right-side-up mindset grounded in spiritual resilience, innovation, and mission. - The Adept Church by Douglas Powe, Jr.
Churches that thrive in changing times are those willing to learn, adapt, and engage their communities in new ways. Powe offers a practical and hopeful vision for transformation. - Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. McKeown helps leaders focus on what matters most and eliminate distractions that drain energy and purpose. - Reset by Dan Heath
Sometimes what’s broken isn’t just the process—it’s the starting point. Heath challenges us to rethink how we define problems before we try to solve them. - Maximize Your Influence by Phil Cooke
If you want to make an impact in the digital age, you need more than good ideas—you need clarity, creativity, and courage. Cooke offers guidance for faith-based communicators ready to engage the public square. - Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
You don’t need to be an expert to share what you’re learning. Kleon encourages creatives (and leaders) to be open, generous, and visible along the way.
Justice, Culture & the Bigger Picture
To hear beyond the noise, we must name the noise—especially the noise of injustice, fear, false narratives, and silence. These books challenged me to see more clearly, listen more deeply, and stay alert to the systems and stories that shape our shared lives. They remind me that faith isn’t meant to shield us from the world but to call us more fully into it—with love, courage, and truth.
- The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Framed as a letter to his son, Coates vividly addresses the realities of Black life in America with haunting honesty. His words serve as a call to witness—and a challenge to reckon with history. - The False White Gospel by Jim Wallis
Wallis exposes how whiteness has been mistaken for righteousness in the American church. He offers a passionate, theologically grounded call to rediscover the gospel of justice, truth, and love. - Blueprint for Revolution by Srdja Popovic
Nonviolent resistance isn’t just idealistic — it’s strategic. This book shares stories of real movements that changed the world through creativity, courage, and grassroots power. - 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
In a world flooded with information and noise, Harari provides big-picture thinking about democracy, technology, identity, and what it means to be human today. - Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Building on his earlier work, Gladwell examines what causes ideas to spread and what prevents meaningful change from stalling. This is a reminder that transformation is rarely straightforward.
- The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Through the lens of ecology, Kimmerer invites us to envision economies and communities grounded in reciprocity rather than extraction. This offers a poetic, prophetic vision of interconnected life.
Relationships, Emotion & Community
If love is the heart of Christian discipleship, then learning how to connect—how to really see, hear, and understand others—is essential. These books delve into the emotional, social, and psychological dynamics that influence our relationships and communities, especially in a fragmented world.
- The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a crucial component of healthy relationships and successful leadership. Bradberry explains it as practical skills that anyone can develop. - Life in Three Dimensions by Shigehiro Oishi, PhD
A fascinating look at what makes a meaningful life. Oishi explores how personal well-being, connection to others, and contribution to the larger world all come together. - How to Know a Person by David Brooks
Brooks provides a powerful reminder that deep listening is a sacred act. This book explores the art of making others feel truly seen—something our culture and churches desperately need. - Together is Better by Simon Sinek
A simple yet powerful book about the importance of shared vision, belonging, and courage. It’s a leadership book disguised as a story—and it works.
Fiction That Feeds the Soul
Stories tend to sneak truth past our defenses. These novels captured something raw and genuine about race, grief, justice, and redemption—and they reminded me that storytelling is a spiritual act.
- All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
A gritty southern noir that confronts the darkness of racism and violence but still explores grace, identity, and moral clarity. - Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
A revenge story with heart, this novel explores fatherhood, loss, and the cost of hate. It’s a brutal yet redemptive journey through brokenness and reconciliation.
What I’m Reading Now
These two books speak directly into my current season—one through the lens of adaptive leadership, the other through a bold reimagining of a classic American story.
- Tempered Resilience by Tod Bolsinger
Leadership demands more than just strategy—it calls for inner resilience. Bolsinger provides a compelling reflection on how leaders are shaped through struggle and refined through surrender. - James by Percival Everett
A retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the enslaved Jim’s point of view, James reimagines the American story with sharp insight and literary brilliance.
Closing Invitation
That’s a glimpse of what has been shaping me so far this year. If any of these titles speak to your heart, I hope you’ll consider picking one up. More than that, I hope you’ll keep listening—beyond the noise of certainty, shame, fear, or comfort—and into the deep, courageous places where learning becomes transformation.
If you’re reading something that’s touching you this year, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep the conversation going.
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Are We Becoming Dinosaurs or Disciples?
Are we leading people toward Comfort—or the Future?
“The typical twentieth-century organization has not operated well in a rapidly changing environment… the standard organization of the twentieth century will likely become a dinosaur.”
— John P. Kotter, Leading Change
Change is no longer an occasional visitor—it’s the air we breathe. But for many churches, especially those shaped by twentieth-century structures and expectations, that reality feels more like a threat than a gift. We keep doing what we’ve always done, even when it no longer works. We manage ministries instead of reimagining them. We organize our governance around what made sense decades ago, not what fosters connection and growth today.
So we slowly fossilize—layer by layer, tradition by tradition—becoming institutions of preservation rather than communities of transformation. It’s not because we lack faith. Often, it’s because we’ve confused familiarity with faithfulness.
But the Gospel isn’t about preservation. It’s about resurrection. About movement. About the courage to leave old nets behind and follow Christ into an unknown future. If we want to be faithful in the twenty-first century, we need to face an uncomfortable question:
Are we becoming dinosaurs—or disciples?
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Swords into Plowshares: A Pastoral Reflection on Peace Amid Conflict
In the wake of distressing news from the Middle East, many of us are feeling grief, anger, and confusion. As a pastor, I write with a heavy heart, holding our collective sorrow and hope.
On June 21, 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. While opinions on this conflict vary, our shared humanity compels us to lament the violence and seek God’s guidance. We worship a relational, love-centered God who is present with all who suffer.
In this moment of crisis, we mourn with those who mourn, remembering that every casualty has a name, a family, a story precious to God. We also affirm that God’s heart is for reconciliation and peace, even when war seems to have the upper hand. As disciples of the Prince of Peace, how do we respond? With honesty, with compassion, and with a hope that refuses to let violence have the final word.
Even global faith leaders have reminded us that war is never a true solution. Pope Leo XIV recently implored, “Let diplomacy silence the weapons. Let nations chart their future with works of peace, not with violence and bloody conflicts!” He warned, “War does not solve problems, but rather it amplifies them… No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future.”
These words resonate deeply. They echo the cry of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus, calling us to break the cycles of hatred. In that spirit, let us gently explore the context of this conflict and seek a faithful, peace-rooted response.
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