On God's Side, October 24, 2013

In chapter 6, Wallis asks us where we find our primary identity: "in nation, culture, class, race, gender -- or first and foremost in God and a new international community of God's people?" How would you answer his question? Do you agree that, "Jesus' followers in the United States are called to be Christians first and Americans second"? Why or why not? What do you think of his critique of "American exceptionalism," and his suggestion that "If we're Christians, we critique America by our Christian principles -- not the other way around"? Towards the end of the chapter Wallis cites Paul's letter to the Romans and suggests that "our cultural conformity is an obstacle to our true worship of God." Would you agree? Why or why not?