Today, I came across a perplexing article from Religion News Network that claimed “How Great is Our God” has become a popular anthem for the Christian nationalist movement. You can read the article here. When I read articles like this, they frustrate and discourage me. Let me explain why.
First, everyone has their definition of “Christian nationalism.” This loaded term is bandied about in academia, on the Internet, and in socio-political conversations. It means different things to different people, and attempts to define it only raise more questions and confusion. (If you want to know my understanding of the term, click here).
Is a patriotic Christian living in the U.S. who believes her country should adhere to the Judeo-Christian values of the American founding a “Christian nationalist”? If so, why is that a bad thing?
Now, if we’re talking about a guy who wants to impose the Bible by force of law and make people become Christians against their will…okay, I get the opposition. I too oppose that. I support religious freedom, and that includes the freedom of people to reject Christ and to not live their lives according to biblical orthodoxy. (Note that I’m talking about civic religious freedom as in a person’s relationship with the country. I’m not saying God is okay with whatever choices a person makes).
I am a Christian. I am also a U.S. citizen. I love God. I also love the United States. While God is Number One, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to love my country. If you’re going to say it does, then do you love your family? or your friends? I love a lot of people and things. That’s okay — so long as God is Number One.
To my non-Christian readers, I have as much right to vote, speak out, and play in the proverbial public policy sandbox as any other citizen of any other affiliation. You don’t get to label, ostracize, marginalize, and dismiss people of faith simply because they have faith.
And, therefore, I say…
So what if patriotic Christians in America love the song “How Great is Our God”?
I could keep going on that line of thought, but let me switch to another reason that this frustrates me.
As more news sites, influencers, and everyday people pick up on this alleged claim — that “How Great is Our God” is popular with “Christian nationalists” — you’re going to see self-conscious worship leaders and pastors distance themselves from the song because they don’t want to be associated with the “Christian nationalist” movement. And that really (to steal a phrase from one of my friends) “frosts my cookies”!
Let me be blunt…
“How Great is Our God” is an incredible song. Written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves and Ed Cash, the song was made famous by Tomlin himself. It was released in 2006 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. It’s been a hugely popular worship song in churches ever since. And deservedly so.
The song is simple and yet deeply moving. And it’s not the least bit political! It’s all about how great God is! The song has nothing to do with America or politics or any of that. It’s about God being great!
It’s a worship song, and it’s altogether fitting and proper for Christians to sing it as part of their corporate worship to God.
Yet now…some Christians will think twice before singing it because they don’t want to be associated with “Christian nationalism,” an ill-defined concept that’s become a boogeyman in many media and social circles. So frustrating. And so sad.
To be clear, I want to express my complete disapproval of anyone who would try to politicize or weaponize worship music. At the same time, I encourage all pastors and worship leaders reading this to not be swayed by fears and anxieties when people do politicize or twist worship songs.
And don’t apologize for having “How Great is Our God” in your worship set.
If we have to apologize for singing about how great God is, then all I can think of is this warning from the prophet Isaiah…
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20, KJV)
For more of my writing, check out…
