Do We Really Only Have Two Options for American Christianity?

An X post from @doeofthedawn is making the rounds with a sharp claim about American Christianity. The account, which posts as "Doe, Christian Rock Music," says believers are stuck with only two options. After about 90,859 views, 382 likes, and 50 replies as of this writing, people are arguing in the comments. The question is simple: do we really only have two options forward for American Christianity?

Here is what @doeofthedawn wrote: "We are stuck between two main options in Christianity. Either we have 1) Religious Nationalists idolizing America and Americana, forgetting that their citizenship is ultimately in Heaven, or 2) Clueless ding dongs who behave as if the entire world is one big trampoline park."

You can read the original on X here.

@phillbennetzen replied, "It's a shame you think these two ends of the spectrum are the only options." @grizzlybearwins pushed back on the first category: "We don't idolize America, you liar. We want to be good stewards of our inheritance"

My Reply: There Is a Third Way

I answered on X. Here is my reply, word for word:

@doeofthedawn We have a third: Christian Fundamentalism and Conservative Evangelicalism which has historically been neither of these two, and get back to reaching lost Americans with the gospel, making disciples, building Christian families, and building local churches.

You can see that reply here.

That is the heart of it. Bible believing Christianity has never been forced to choose between wrapping the cross in the flag and turning the church into a carnival. For generations, Bible believing Christians preached Christ, planted churches, raised families, and took the gospel to lost people without making America their god and without making the world their playground.

What the Bible Actually Says

Yes, our citizenship is in heaven. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). No honest Christian should turn the United States into an idol. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3).

But heaven's citizenship does not cancel earth's responsibility. Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). He also said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Paul told Timothy, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2). That is not trampoline park Christianity. That is the Great Commission.

And a church that refuses to make disciples, build Christian homes, and strengthen local congregations has already lost the plot. "And ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8). "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

So No, We Are Not Stuck With Two Options

Option one, America worship, is wrong. Option two, soft, silly, worldly Christianity, is wrong. The way forward is the old path: Bible believing preaching, soul winning, discipleship, Christian families, and strong local churches. That is not a meme category. That is New Testament Christianity.

In my view, that trampoline park brand of church is what worship entertainment in the style of Brandon Lake serves up as "Christianity" for lustful women and metrosexual beta boys.

Source: @doeofthedawn on X. My reply: @BroSpencer. Cover image: AI generated illustration of a trampoline park beside a crusader with an American flag; not an actual photo.

Recommended Reading

Want to go deeper on false paths and true doctrine? Get my book Handbook of Modern Heretics on Amazon.