Introduction
In "Letter to the American Church," Eric Metaxas presents a compelling argument for Christians to become more politically active and vocal about their beliefs. The book serves as a wake-up call for those who feel silenced by the current political and media landscape in America. Metaxas draws parallels between the present-day American church and the German church during the rise of Nazi Germany, urging readers to learn from history and take a stand for their faith.
The State of the Church
Separation of Church and State
Metaxas begins by addressing the common misunderstanding of the separation of church and state. He argues that this principle was originally intended to protect the church from state interference, not to silence religious voices in public discourse. However, in today's culture, the church is often portrayed as an enemy of love and freedom, leading many Christians to feel hesitant about expressing their beliefs in the public sphere.
The Church's Purpose
The author emphasizes that the American church was never meant to be silent on important issues. He encourages Christians to embrace their role in shaping society and to stop being afraid of taking political stances. Metaxas believes that the church has a responsibility to speak truth and influence the world around it, rather than retreating into a private sphere of faith.
Historical Context
Martin Luther's Influence
To understand the current state of the church, Metaxas delves into history, focusing on two influential figures. The first is Martin Luther, the famous Protestant reformer. Luther's crisis of faith regarding works versus faith led to a revolutionary understanding of salvation through faith alone. This teaching transformed the church but may have had unintended consequences that continue to affect Christians today.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Warning
The second historical figure Metaxas highlights is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor who stood against the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer's writings serve as a warning to future churches about the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice and becoming too closely aligned with nationalist ideologies.
Bonhoeffer's Sermon
A Prophetic Message
Metaxas recounts a powerful sermon delivered by Bonhoeffer in 1932 at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. In this sermon, Bonhoeffer criticized the Lutheran church for its mindless adherence to traditions and its growing alignment with German nationalism. He called for a return to a direct connection with God through faith and Scripture, rather than relying on allegiance to Luther or the state.
Warning Against Silence
Bonhoeffer's sermon also served as a prophetic warning against the dangers of church silence in the face of injustice. He argued that remaining neutral in matters that affected the lives of God's children was tantamount to consent. This message would prove to be tragically relevant in the years to come as the Nazi regime carried out its genocidal plans.
The Spiral of Silence
The Danger of Inaction
Metaxas emphasizes the importance of learning from the mistakes of the German church during the Nazi era. He argues that there is no such thing as true neutrality and that silence in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. The author explains how silence begets more silence, creating a spiral that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
The Power of Speaking Up
On the flip side, Metaxas points out that when one strong voice stands up, it can inspire others to follow suit. This underscores the importance of individual Christians finding the courage to speak out against injustice and in support of their beliefs.
Faith Mistakes
Misinterpretation of Romans 13
Metaxas identifies two major mistakes of faith that have contributed to the American church's culture of silence. The first is a misunderstanding of Romans 13, where Paul calls for submission to governing authorities. The author argues that this passage was intended to describe godly rulers and does not apply to governments that act contrary to God's will.
Misunderstanding of Faith Alone
The second mistake stems from Martin Luther's teaching on salvation through faith alone. Metaxas suggests that this concept has been misinterpreted by many modern Christians as an excuse to avoid taking action in the world. He argues that true faith, as described in the book of James, is inherently active and should lead to good works.
Redefining Faith
The author challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of faith. He argues that faith is not merely a verbal profession of belief or regular church attendance. Instead, true faith requires action and should permeate every aspect of a Christian's life. If one truly believes in the core tenets of Christianity, Metaxas contends, it should be impossible to remain silent on important issues.
False Idols
Evangelism as an Idol
Metaxas identifies several false beliefs that have become idols in the modern church, contributing to its silence. One such idol is the idea that evangelism is the primary role of Christians. While sharing the gospel is important, the author argues that it should not come at the expense of other aspects of Christian living and engagement with society.
The Idol of Political Neutrality
Another false idol Metaxas addresses is the belief that Christians should avoid being political. This fear of engaging in political discourse has led many Christians to pride themselves on their silence in the face of political adversity. The author draws parallels to the German church's inaction during the rise of Nazism, warning of the potential consequences of such silence.
Truth vs. Facts
The Challenge of Anti-Christian Movements
Metaxas acknowledges that the American church faces active opposition from various anti-Christian movements in media, education, and government. These forces often portray the church as backward, racist, and hateful, leading many Christians to focus on appearing loving rather than living out God's love in a radical and potentially controversial way.
Jesus as a Truth-Teller
The author reminds readers that Jesus was not merely a non-judgmental figure but a revolutionary truth-teller. He encourages Christians to follow Christ's example by speaking truth boldly, even when it may be unpopular or challenging to those around them.
Distinguishing Truth from Facts
Metaxas warns against getting caught up in arguments based on isolated facts taken out of context. He encourages readers to focus on deeper truths rooted in God's word and to share these truths through both speech and action. The author emphasizes that Christian love involves speaking truth, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
Real Faith in Action
Learning from History
Metaxas stresses the importance of learning from the mistakes of the German church in the 1930s. He argues that the American church today has no excuse for failing to do better, given our knowledge of history and its consequences.
Speaking Up and Disobeying Unjust Authority
The author calls on Christians to speak up and be witnesses of Christ's love and forgiveness while also working to shape the world for the better. He clarifies that when Paul called for submission to governing authorities, it was not meant to supersede obedience to God. Christians have the right and responsibility to disobey government mandates that violate God's commands.
Mature Faith and Christian Identity
Metaxas calls for a mature faith that goes beyond simply following rules or observing traditions. He argues that Christianity should be a Christian's entire identity, permeating every aspect of their life. The author challenges readers to live out their faith wholeheartedly in all contexts, whether at school, work, or with friends and family.
Speaking Truth in Love
Finally, Metaxas emphasizes the importance of speaking truth as an act of love. He argues that failing to tell someone what is right and good out of fear of hurting their feelings is a form of false love. True Christian love involves sharing God's truth, even when it may be challenging or unpopular.
The Call to Action
Breaking the Silence
Metaxas concludes by urging American Christians to break the invisible barrier of silence that has held them back. He assures readers that the consequences of speaking up are manageable with God's help and that the potential cost of remaining silent is far greater.
Assessing Personal Faith
The author challenges individual Christians to assess their faith and ask themselves whether they are merely going through the motions of religious observance or truly living out their beliefs wholeheartedly. He encourages readers to embrace a faith that is active, engaged, and unafraid to speak truth in all areas of life.
Shaping Society
Metaxas calls on the American church to take an active role in shaping society, rather than retreating from public discourse. He argues that Christians have a responsibility to bring their values and beliefs into the public square, influencing culture and politics for the better.
Standing Against Injustice
Drawing on the lessons of history, particularly the failure of the German church during the Nazi era, Metaxas urges American Christians to be vigilant against injustice and to speak out against policies or ideologies that contradict their faith.
Embracing Controversy
The author encourages Christians to be willing to embrace controversy when necessary, following the example of Jesus who was not afraid to challenge the status quo. He argues that true Christian love may sometimes require taking unpopular stances or speaking uncomfortable truths.
Balancing Grace and Truth
While calling for bold action, Metaxas also reminds readers of the importance of balancing truth with grace. He encourages Christians to speak and act in ways that reflect God's love, even when confronting difficult issues or opposing viewpoints.
Building Unity
The author emphasizes the importance of unity within the Christian community. He calls on believers to support and encourage one another in their efforts to live out their faith more fully and engage more actively in society.
Praying for Guidance
Throughout the book, Metaxas underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance through prayer. He encourages readers to rely on divine wisdom and strength as they navigate the challenges of living out their faith in an increasingly secular society.
Educating the Next Generation
The author stresses the importance of educating young Christians about their faith and its implications for all areas of life. He calls on parents, church leaders, and educators to instill a robust, active faith in the next generation.
Engaging in Civil Discourse
While encouraging Christians to speak boldly, Metaxas also emphasizes the importance of engaging in respectful, civil discourse. He urges readers to model Christ-like behavior in their interactions with those who hold different views.
Supporting Christian Leaders
The author calls on Christians to support and encourage leaders within the church who are willing to take bold stands for truth and justice. He argues that these voices need the backing of the broader Christian community to be effective.
Using Media and Technology
Metaxas encourages Christians to leverage modern media and technology to spread their message and engage in public discourse. He sees these tools as powerful means of breaking the silence and reaching a wider audience with Christian perspectives.
Participating in the Political Process
The author urges Christians to actively participate in the political process, including voting, running for office, and engaging with elected officials. He argues that political engagement is a crucial way for Christians to influence society and protect religious freedom.
Serving the Community
Metaxas reminds readers that active faith should also be expressed through service to others. He encourages Christians to engage in community service and outreach as a tangible expression of their beliefs.
Defending Religious Freedom
The author emphasizes the importance of defending religious freedom, not just for Christians but for all faiths. He argues that this fundamental right is crucial for the health of society and the ability of the church to fulfill its mission.
Preparing for Persecution
While calling for bold action, Metaxas also prepares readers for the possibility of facing opposition or even persecution for their beliefs. He encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In "Letter to the American Church," Eric Metaxas delivers a powerful call to action for American Christians. He challenges readers to break free from the culture of silence that has taken hold in many churches and to embrace a more active, engaged faith. By drawing parallels with the German church's failure during the Nazi era, Metaxas underscores the urgency of his message and the potential consequences of inaction.
The author calls for a reevaluation of what it means to be a Christian in today's world, urging believers to live out their faith in all areas of life, including the political sphere. He challenges common misconceptions about the separation of church and state and encourages Christians to view their faith as an integral part of their identity that should inform their actions and decisions in every context.
Metaxas's message is one of courage, conviction, and active engagement. He calls on Christians to speak truth boldly, even when it may be unpopular or controversial, while also emphasizing the importance of speaking and acting in love. The book serves as both a warning and an inspiration, urging American Christians to learn from history and to take seriously their role in shaping society.
Ultimately, "Letter to the American Church" is a rallying cry for Christians to live out their faith more fully and to engage more actively in the world around them. Metaxas challenges readers to move beyond comfortable, private faith and to embrace a Christianity that is willing to stand up for truth, justice, and the values they hold dear. In doing so, he offers a vision of a more engaged, influential church that can play a vital role in shaping the future of America and beyond.