(Note: This series was written five years ago when I was a Sophomore in college, January 2003. It does not necessarily represent where I am at today, but that’s not to say it’s maybe more where I would like to be.)

Imagine for a moment that you discovered the text of scripture apart from the society in which you live. To imagine this is impossible almost because your culture and society has shaped the way you see scripture and interpret it and react to it. My premise is this Christianity in America is not Christianity. Those are strong words and I would hesitate to hold fully to it amongst a group of biblical scholars who would argue the theological and doctrinal nuances of the scripture and what “America”* believes. I am not saying that Christians in America are not “saved” in that their “belief” and faith in Christ our genuine and true. My main point is that Christians in America live lives that are so sparse of the fruit of the Spirit that we should be ashamed of ourselves.

*I will use the term “America” for the course of this series, but with the understanding that I am speaking specifically about the USA, or rather, what is commonly referred to in this country as “America.” Though, you should be aware, America is much more than this country, it includes two continents and a great many people who do not align themselves with the values of this country.