Sunday Stretch: Fourth of July Weekend 2025
Some helpful framing for preachers as Fourth of July approaches again ...
Hi Readers,
And a special welcome to all new subscribers joining from my event at the Baptist Women in Ministry luncheon, during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in St. Louis this past week. What a blessing to be with you all, and to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working among us!
With July 4 coming up in just a few days, I thought this might be a good chance to share with you again a post I wrote in 2023 for the Sunday prior to July 4, reflecting on Christian Nationalism with some inspiration from Frederick Douglass:
You might think that because I’ve spent the better part of at least eight years now researching, studying, teaching, and preaching about Christian Nationalism - that I would be overly ready and champing at the bit to preach on Fourth of July Weekend.
There’s so much that needs to be said about a country where Christians have unfortunately as of late been better associated with hatred, violence, and intolerance than they have with love, acceptance, and charity. But to tell you the truth, while I have spoken and preached so often on this topic over the past few years, each year again on Fourth of July I find myself overwhelmed and a little intimidated by the responsibility of finding something concise, measured, prophetic, and helpful to say on this holiday weekend in the church. Not to mention the truth that many people might actually be skipping church this weekend, anyway … nonetheless …
All that being said - I want you to know how important I continue to think it is to bear witness against Christian Nationalism in our churches, maybe even especially on this patriotic holiday. And I want you to also know how hard that can be - especially coming from a family with a long tradition of American military service - and especially when such a big part of me remains committed to working for justice, peace, love, and hope right here in this very country whose independence (well, at least for some citizens) we celebrate today.
You might notice that the title of today’s post makes allusion to the stirring piece written by Frederick Douglass, titled What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July? I encourage you to read the whole piece, spoken courageously by Douglass on July 5, 1852.
In his speech, Douglass called out the American church in particular, not only for its sins of commission in support of slavery in the South - but for its sins of omission, failing to actively support the abolitionist movement and refuse to rest until slavery was abolished in entire country, not only the North.
Douglass’ words inspire me anew each and every year as I think about how to approach the Fourth of July as a Christian, a pastor, and a preacher - in a time of growing Christian Nationalism and incitement to hatred and violence while claiming the support of Christianity.
(In 2023, I preached on Fourth of July weekend at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn., and I focused especially on these words from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians):
Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10
The call to Christian Nationalism is a clarion call to the same Theology of Glory that has long tempted people, even in the Bible, to a religion that lifts up human power, violence, war, and greed. This call says that only Christians can be strong and worthy of God’s love. But we worship Jesus, who came to save the world. We worship Jesus, who did God’s will by giving of himself, forgiving and serving even the one who would betray him, and then died on a Cross, crucified by the same union of religious and governmental power that the Christian Nationalists advocate for in America today.
On this Fourth of July, for American Christians then, we do well to remember important truths:
Jesus is not an American.
America is never in the Bible.
Americans are not God’s chosen people.
We can be proud of the times America has used its power for good, in support of freedom and against tyranny.
We must repent of America’s past sins, particularly in treatment of Black and Indigenous Americans, and in the dehumanization of anyone who was not a white, land-owning man, beginning in the Constitution.
God calls us not to national strength or hegemony but to faith, hope, and love - and a willingness to carry our own cross, to be weak so that God might be made strong.
I hope you all today have a blessed Fourth of July. As I mentioned, I have many military servicemembers in my extended family and my husband’s family - and I am thinking especially of them and their immediate families today. I am also thinking of you and your families, and the ways you have worked in service to this country, whether in national service or also as protesters and prophets, to call America to a better tomorrow.
This year (2025) I’m also thinking especially of all those who are facing the specter of war - whether as service-members in the Middle East after an American bombing attack on Iran, or as civilians living in places like Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond - as well as all those who carry with them, physically and mentally, the myriad wounds of war and the costs of violent nationalism and violent masculinity.
If you’d like to read more about my first-hand research on American Christian Nationalism, especially in the past 10 years - I invite you to read this book excerpt published in Religion News Service, from the first chapter of Red State Christians focusing on Christian Nationalism:
I also support the work of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, and urge you to check out the work of Kristin Du Mez , Robert P. Jones, Diana Butler Bass, Jemar Tisby, PhD- as well as look for Caleb E. Campbell’s 2024 book, Disarming Leviathan, which came out last year on July 4.
I cover new stories and new movements in Christian Nationalism and violent masculinity the second and fourth Friday of every month in my News with Nuance newsletter.
PRAYER
Dear God,
This week marks Independence Day in America, and yet we know each day how much we remain dependent on your love and care for us, and the love we have for one another. Help us to remember in the midst of national pride that you are the God of all people and all nations, and that your Kingdom is not of this world. Help us to work in this country for freedom and justice for all, to not shy away from sharing hard truths or moments that call for repentance and reparation - and also help us to remember that our hope and our pride is found most powerfully in the love we share for you and for one another.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
AMEN
This was a special FREE edition of the Sunday Stretch. We will return next week to usually scheduled posts with Bible readings, exegetical study, and discussion questions. Click below to share or subscribe to this post, or you can forward to a friend through you email. Thank you for taking time to read and share this newsletter; you all give me so much encouragement and hope!
An Invitation
A Community that prays for one another is transformed by the power of the Spirit. We’ve been praying for and with each other now for over two years! About once a quarter, I will re-start this space for prayer requests and praises. Please email with your own requests and I will share here with your permission!
Today is the third Sunday after Pentecost, so we re-started prayer requests three weeks ago. Please do send your requests to add here to the list!
For all preachers, faith leaders, and people of faith who speak boldly this week against Christian Nationalism and violent masculinity, and instead point to the way of Jesus and the way of the Cross.
We pray for all those in the world facing the specter of war and violent bombing attacks, including American servicemembers serving in the Middle East and beyond, as well as civilians living in Iran, Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and beyond. We pray that world leaders might turn away from hatred and retributive violence and instead prioritize peace, safety, and human life.
We pray especially for all those in Minnesota and beyond who mourn the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We also pray for continued healing for Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, after they too were victims of an attempted assassination. We pray for all those who were listed as potential targets of this politically-motivated shooting, and for all those who find themselves continually at risk of violence for their political beliefs and leadership positions in government. May all government leaders prioritize caution, care, and truth in condemning all violence, including violent and hate-filled rhetoric against political opponents.
Thank you for the blessings and support I’ve received as I have launched my new book and traveled to speak again. Please continue to expand this community of listening, understanding, and inspiration - and may my words be received with open hearts and new questions and opportunities for growth.
For all impacted across the U.S. and the world by strong summer storms and wildfires in Canada: grant them the assistance and the support they need to repair and rebuild, and provide shelter for all who are experiencing homelessness.
We pray for all those living and working outside in the midst of strong and deadly summer heatwaves. May they be given access to water and shade and cool places to sleep, as well as breaks throughout the work day - especially for farmworkers who often work without protections.
We pray for immigrants, migrants, and all those who are undocumented. May they be given sanctuary and support in America. May our churches find ways to resist the politics of demonization of immigrants. We pray today especially for all of those in Los Angeles.
For American federal government employees: may they continue to do their work with dignity and honesty and without the threat of political retribution. Also for aid workers and organizations who have been threatened and who have lost their funding access: that they may be given pathways forward to continue their work.
For brave faith leaders who dare to speak out against powerful political leaders
As we continue into Summer, we pray with deep sighs for the war and death and violence in the Holy Land. We continue to pray for an end to escalating violence in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and throughout the Middle East - as well as in Sudan and Yemen. May world leaders prioritize peace over power, and mercy over might. May those who cry out for justice and an end to war be protected and heard.
May all those who are providing aid and food, and seeking assistance in Gaza be protected in the midst of violence around food distribution.
For all immigrants and migrants around the world, far from home, seeking a new and safe homeland. Might they be embraced where they go, offered assistance and solidarity and friendship.
Be with all American lawmakers in this time of political upheavals and corruption by business leaders and wealthy individuals. Give them courage to speak truth and govern with care for humanity and life.
For so many loved ones of mine who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. May they have caring and high-quality care, rest as needed, and loving support of family and friends.
We also pray for all those who are caring for loved ones who are going through myriad health challenges, including mental health and addiction. Grant them rest and relief in the midst of difficult and tiring times.
For those who continue to live and fight in Ukraine, that the world will not turn away its attention from the plight of Ukrainians and their stand against authoritarian Russia.
For all those who don’t have a safe place to live or enough food to eat, that they might be first and receive what they need.
For all around the world who face persecution for their religious beliefs, especially for religious minorities in places where governments sanction religion-based violence
For Christians to be emboldened to speak out courageously against anti-semitism and to acknowledge how we have been complicit in anti-semitic actions and speech against our Jewish siblings
For governments and leaders to prioritize climate change solutions and not be only ruled by profit or big business
For journalists, who risk their lives and livelihood to write and report truth - even against the wishes of media ownership and administration
For all the concerns deep on our hearts, that you hear and know and acknowledge, we pray …
In the boundless joy of a Spirit-filled existence, to worship God with exuberance, excitement, love, and inclusion,
In Jesus’ name we pray,
AMEN
P.S. …
A Few Notes:
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