Specialty bible are virtually always bad. My wife and I read through the NIV Couples bible. The devotionals were rarely on topic of the passage they were connected to and at least several times directly contradicted the passage. We would do better to just teach people to read and then let them make their own connections to the text.

oh geez!

reverend!

Preach it!

Good review. Just about everything about this Bible is extremely problematic at best and idolatrous at worse. It deserves to fail commercially, but probably won't because of how culturally and nationalistically compromised segments of the American evangelical church have become. Two words might sum it up: wrong kingdom.

The other two questions are, what sort of person comes up with this stuff, and what on earth was the publisher thinking of (other than dollar signs)?

Writing critically about the Patriot's Bible has to feel a little like shooting fish in a barrel. So, I guess my question is, with all of the ridiculous study bibles available what gets you so worked up about this one? Did the Green study bible cause you to generate a two-post review? Or is there something about American Patriotism in general that gets you a little worked up even when not being (badly) eisegeted out of the scriptures?

With God On Our Side

Oh my name it is nothin'
My age it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I's taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And that land that I live in
Has God on its side.

Oh the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh the country was young
With God on its side.

Oh the Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I's made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side.

Oh the First World War, boys
It closed out its fate
The reason for fighting
I never got straight
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don't count the dead
When God's on your side.

When the Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side.

I've learned to hate Russians
All through my whole life
If another war starts
It's them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side.

But now we got weapons
Of the chemical dust
If fire them we're forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God's on your side.

In a many dark hour
I've been thinkin' about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can't think for you
You'll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.

So now as I'm leavin'
I'm weary as Hell
The confusion I'm feelin'
Ain't no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And fall to the floor
If God's on our side
He'll stop the next war.

Copyright ©1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music

Even though I am not a strict pacifist, I am appalled by the blatant connection between nationalism and Christianity that this volume makes. This seems to be what happens when the New Humanity teaching of the NT is taking out of our theology. This Bible seems to completely neglect Paul's idea that those who have been united with Christ are themselves a new people group. It is abundantly clear that allegiance to Christ completely trumps all other allegiances.

Are there are any notes on Phil 3.20, Eph 4.24 or Col 3.10?

I take it you won't be selling that Bible in the WHC bookstore...?

nice BD song BZ

Nothing short of an utter abomination.

The American Patriot's Bible is in no way making a statement that God only blesses America, that Jesus was a patriot, that America should sanction Christianity as a national religion, that the U.S. government has always acted "Christian" in its policies, that patriotism supersedes God, or that it supports African slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, imperialism, expansionism or war for the sake of war. This is a wonderful bible that includes a "compendium" of articles that celebrate great moments in American history through inspirational stories of faith by some really great Americans throughout history. I encourage everyone to "not judge this book by its cover or its title" and investigate it for yourself.

this is atrocious. thanks for making us aware. nice Bob Dylan song Brian. one of my favorite.

Disturbing in the extreme. Thanks for the review.

You may be interested in this: the only Christian nation is the Kingdom of God

http://mattstone.blogs.com/christian/2009/05/the-only-christian-nation-is-the-kingdom-of-god.html

Huh. I guess I would have expected more of a crap storm of controversy over this post by now.

I think comparisons to other study bibles are apt--they collectively show a trend towards commodification, faith-branding, and spiritual narcissism. I suppose Christians know better than to blantantly re-write the Bible...but by creating a forced context from which one understands Scripture, study bibles like this can profoundly corrupt one's understanding of Scripture.

The Patriot's Bible is perhaps one of the most odious study bibles (second only to, perhaps, the Schofield Bible) because of the idolatrous nature of nationalism. Environmentalism may indeed be an idol for many (and while I affirm the intention behind it, I find the Green Bible to be a mistake) it does not make the same sort of claims of allegiance that patriotism does.

The US--and other nations--use religious language like "freedom" and "liberty" and "sacrifice" etc. in ways that are often anti-thetical to the Christian use of these words. Nationalism is a systematic competitor to faith in Christ. It poses a much greater threat to allegiance in Christ than almost any other force or principality or power.

The same cannot be said of a "teenager's bible" or a "green" bible or a "purpose driven" bible.

I love my nation, I am a patriot. I wonder how I would react if another country, say Italy, or Russia, produced a Patriot's Bible written to extol the virtues of their country and their patriotic leaders in amongst the Scripture. Could be I would find it a bit offensive.

Sam you said, "The American Patriot's Bible is in no way making a statement that God only blesses America, that Jesus was a patriot, that America should sanction Christianity as a national religion, that the U.S. government has always acted "Christian" in its policies, that patriotism supersedes God, or that it supports African slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, imperialism, expansionism or war for the sake of war. This is a wonderful bible that includes a "compendium" of articles that celebrate great moments in American history through inspirational stories of faith by some really great Americans throughout history. I encourage everyone to "not judge this book by its cover or its title" and investigate it for yourself."

Greg Boyd is not judging the Patriots Bible by its cover. He is judging it by its content. There is no need for a study bible that focuses on Nationalism. The Kingdom of God is not of this world. American is of this world and cannot represent the Kingdom of God. Nothing about American can even be compared to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are distinct and unique from America. The Kingdom of Heaven is comprised of people from every nation. Everyone in the Kingdom of Heaven exceed their countries boundaries. They are strangers and pilgrams to the country they live in. Each citizen abides by the law of love and does not engage in Nationalism.

I'm certain scripture does teach that God honors those who honor Him first and foremost. Whether this is of a national level or a personal level, He chooses who and how and when to bless. There are those among us as evangelicals, who believe America is the nation it is today, because of the faith of our fathers. How far we depart from that faith may determine whether the blessing of God remains on our nation as a whole or not. Those who choose to ignore this, are those who are saying in their hearts, "there is no God". I am a member of the Kingdom of God, and a citizen of His "nation", not just America. This bible isn't claiming, nor is Dr. Lee driving us toward a nationalistic religion, that America should be a Christian ruled nation. He is simply pointing out that we began with strong roots, much influence from the Holy Word, and men willing to put their lives on the front line to create a nation where men and women could live free. In spite of the history of slavery, we should remind ourselves that our nation came away from that after much debate and a civil war, and discovered the light, also echoed in the bible, that God created all men equal. I think Boyd and a few others are taking opportunistic cheap shots in order to promote themselves. And that's not being very Christlike, is it?

I took a look at it last night while at Borders. It's pretty bad, but not as heretical as Greg Boyd makes it out to be. A lot of it is just reporting on what scripture different presidents - from Washington to Obama - have used from time to time. So while tasteless, you also have to remember where Boyd is coming from and his recent history in the church. As a side note, I'm always suspicious any time someone uses ellipses in scripture - it's a pretty good bet that if you read the whole versus it says something entirely different.

I'm waiting for the Russian edition Patriot Bible to come out so I get it for my friends Igor and Dmitri.

And here's what Blind Man at the Gate thinks about the whole thing: http://www.brianzahnd.com/index.php?app=blog&p=237

Actually Sam did not say that Chris, Don White Jr. did.

Sam said, "Nothing short of an utter abomination."

It is important to make sure you know which comments you are resonding to.

Sam

Alison, your comment that "you also have to remember where Boyd is coming from and his recent history in the church" suggests you are not looking at Boyd's criticism (which is, from my reading, based in Scripture in word and spirit) but him as a person. That's misled. What is "his recent history in the church"? Calling Christ-followers to follow Jesus instead of political leaders? Offering rebuke to the Body for not acting like Christ? Thanks for your recent history in the church, Greg.

Don White Jr., your comments that the Patriot's Bible is referencing 'great moments in American history' and the 'heroes' associated suggests that you did not actually read Boyd's comments. He explicitly references how these are not 'great moments' since they involve all sorts of sin and horrific behaviour. A hero would be someone who lays down their life for another person. Crossing the ocean in a boat and then killing people does not seem heroic to me. What do I know? I just a Canadian (second to my Kingdom status, of course).

"Crossing the ocean in a boat and then killing people does not seem heroic to me..." Really? My father was a liberator of Nordenhausen, a concentration camp in North Germany where Jews died under the harsh treatment of the Germans in order to build their V rockets. He walked into a central area with 5,000 bodies laying on the ground, about 3,000 of them dead, the rest in terrible shape and dying. There are just causes in this horrible world which not only require a proper response, but even the sword if necessary to stop those oppressing and dehumanizing others. If you can suggest another way to accomplish the solution to Hitler, I'd love to hear it. My dad was a hero, received a purple heart and fought through three major campaigns in Europe from D-day to the end of the war. When we ended the Japanese war, he in California preparing to be part of the plans to land in Japan. If he were alive today, he would slap your face.

I agree that Bart's end statement is a bit too black and white. There are many like Dave's father that have fought to protect life. At the same time there are conflicts where the US has been involved that has not primarily been about protecting life. (Dave I think it would be inappropriate to hurt people that disagree with you as well.) The problem that many others have already stated, is not that many of the positive things mentioned in the Patriot's bible happened, but that the Patriot's bible doesn't mention many of the negative things that also happened in the name of America. And tying America to scripture in the way that it seems to be doing, serves to further confuse the current American civil religious problem that we already have. I sat through a service last evening at a church that seemed to submit God to America, without once asking America to submit to God. I am all for honoring the work and sacrifice that soldiers that made, but that sacrifice is for a country, not directly for God. There have been about 1 million soldiers that have died in all US wars. But by some estimates more than 70 million Christians have died directly for their faith.

I'm just saying that it's helpful to know someone's background when you read their opinions. Not that I disagree with Boyd, I was attempting to explain him to some who might disagree. Sorry to not be clear on that.

Dave Douglas said, "He is simply pointing out that we began with ... men willing to put their lives on the front line to create a nation where men and women could live free."

I am willing to die for freedom, i am not so willing to kill for it.

Dave, my comments are not directed at your father or any other person who has served in the military. Each person acts as they have understanding and believes is appropriate. Where things get murky is combining the call of Jesus with the call of the nation. They are not the same nor can they be intertwined. Are there reasons that nations will fight and kill? Yes. Are there instances of one nation seeking to protect people in another? Yes. Does that meet the standard of heroic and noble in this world? Absolutely. However, there is no principle in the life and teaching of Jesus that suggests the kingdom of God endorses such actions. When Peter took up the sword in Gethsemane, didn't Jesus rebuke him and restore the servant's ear? The first 300 years of the church were strictly pacificist! We can't somehow wear two disparate hats, one of which involves me telling you that God loves you and you should follow him but then the other justifies me killing you. That's completely inconsistent. Again, let me repeat, not all people have come to this position. I believe that God will honour the intentions and correct the decisions made with the information available (and, boy, am I sure going to get a lot of correction). What would hitting those we disagree with solve? Especially as Christ-followers? People as supposed to know we follow Jesus by the love we show, even when we disagree.

The suggestion that the only way to defeat Hitler was by violence is a common response. And maybe, if we're thinking of a non-Christian perspective, it has some legitimacy (though, I think, it is flawed). But as Christ-followers, instead of insisting that worldly violence be met with Christian violence (since Jesus taught the way of peace, violence should not be an option for his people), what could have happened if Christians took peaceful, loving action? Maybe if we had lived the life we claim, Hitler never would have risen to power in the first place. Is this easy or natural? Nope. But neither is the life Jesus wants us to live. It's counter to our instincts and the ways of this world. As Matt said, I'm willing to die for my faith but I'm never willing to kill for it.

One book that helped me think about this discussion differently was John Howard Yoder's "What Would You Do?" I have now found another I need to get called "What About Hitler?: Wrestling With Jesus's Call To Nonviolence In An Evil World" by Robert Brimlow. Oh, and, of course, Gregory Boyd's "The Myth Of A Christian Nation" was great. And while the quality of the movie is poor, some of the discussion is riveting in "Prince Of Peace, God Of War", which you can watch online for free. http://www.themovieblog.com/2008/10/download-prince-of-peace-god-of-war-for-free

The nationalism of The Patriot's Bible is an easy target. Enshrining the Declaration of Independence as giving ". . .the first irrevocable pledge of the fulfillment of the prophecies announced …at the birth of the Savior…" borders on heresy. But the Declaration is an important secular document in that it spells out limits to a ruler's power. That's why I respect it.

Also, the New Testament simply does not require non-violence from governments. Paul recognized that a ruler had the authority of the sword. This justifies neither expansionist war nor indiscriminate capital punishment; but there is no command to pacifism on the part of nations. I wish there were, because I've wrestled with this issue a lot (probably for the same reasons Pastor Boyd has, as a reaction against jingoistic Christianity). The New Testament position seems to be that a government may defend its people from oppression; that a ruler may use the death penalty; but that the individual believer must not retaliate with violence. How do we work that out? I'm not sure. After years of reading and thinking, I'm still not sure. I wish I were.

Mr Boyd employs a tactic that is all too common these days. He makes a solid point, that is hard to argue with, then follows it up by taking a dubious stance. The assumption being that because the piece started with a salient point, everything that follows must be equally valid.

In this case, the unarguable point is that this bible is downright embarassing in its attempts to link quotes of the nation's founders with biblical directives. From there, though, Boyd goes into much more debatable territory.

The fact is that just as God has called individuals into particular ministries and callings, it is very possible that He does the same with nations. Boyd's argument to this seems to be that our nation has a long list of sins. But does A prove that B is correct?

Let's take an individual calling that is indisputable. David was clearly called by God to defeat Goliath and then become King. We know this because God told Samuel that He would tell him which son of Jesse was The One. Samuel met all the other sons, and didn't hear from God until he saw David.

As we all know, David had many failures. He committed adultery and arranged to have his girlfriend's husband killed. He trusted a bit too much in his army and thousands of people died as a result. Does those sins mean that he never was trusted by God for a particular purpose? Of course not!

Likewise, God has blessed the US, not because of anything special we did, but because He wanted to use us. It is my suspicion that He has called us to protect and bring freedom to people of other countries. Although I cannot prove this, you can't prove the opposite. We'll have to wait till we see Him in person to get the final answer on that one. But Boyd's leap in logic from "The Patriotic Bible's assemblers draw unsubstantiated connections between Founding Father quotes and biblical principles" to "because the US has allowed some terrible things to occur, it is impossible that the US has been called by God to carry out any particular mission" is just as lacking in logic as that of the ones who assembled this particular bible. Boyd points out their faulty reasoning and methods without realizing he is employing the same kind of leaps in logic.

Rob Dunbar, great comments. I fully agree.

James Williams, also interesting comments. However, I completely disagree when you wrote, "It is my suspicion that He has called us to protect and bring freedom to people of other countries. Although I cannot prove this, you can't prove the opposite." I agree that the necessary conditions between the U.S. doing bad things representing that God could not use the state does not stand up. However, I think the opposite can be proven in another way.

Were nation states God's idea or plan? No. Did He use one group/nation of people to fulfill many of His purposes for a time? Yes, obviously, Israel. Did God let Israel choose various bad ideas for human leadership when they would not simply follow Him (e.g. judges, kings, etc.)? Yes. He used the forms of leadership His people insisted upon over the course of Israel's history until Jesus came.

Then He started a new people grouping - the Body of Christ, fully inclusive and without divisions. At that point, we have no record of revelation that God intended to use a 'nation' again. He didn't need to because His kingdom was now in effect, which was not of this world. I do not know of any revelation that God has sent that He wants to use any specific nation for a specific purpose. Since the pattern we find in Scripture is that God is direct and clear with His plans (if He has specific plans for a person or group), we should expect to see that continue. In its absence, as well as the absence of any other examples of nations (instead of His Body) being used, I believe it demonstrates that God has no such specific plans. Maybe I'm way off and, like you referenced, He'll tell me one day. Until then, I think we Christ-followers should get off our duffs and take responsibility for what needs doing to help spread peace and love.

Rob Dunbar, great comments. I fully agree.

James Williams, also interesting comments. However, I completely disagree when you wrote, "It is my suspicion that He has called us to protect and bring freedom to people of other countries. Although I cannot prove this, you can't prove the opposite." I agree that the necessary conditions between the U.S. doing bad things representing that God could not use the state does not stand up. However, I think the opposite can be proven in another way.

Were nation states God's idea or plan? No. Did He use one group/nation of people to fulfill many of His purposes for a time? Yes, obviously, Israel. Did God let Israel choose various bad ideas for human leadership when they would not simply follow Him (e.g. judges, kings, etc.)? Yes. He used the forms of leadership His people insisted upon over the course of Israel's history until Jesus came.

Then He started a new people grouping - the Body of Christ, fully inclusive and without divisions. At that point, we have no record of revelation that God intended to use a 'nation' again. He didn't need to because His kingdom was now in effect, which was not of this world. I do not know of any revelation that God has sent that He wants to use any specific nation for a specific purpose. Since the pattern we find in Scripture is that God is direct and clear with His plans (if He has specific plans for a person or group), we should expect to see that continue. In its absence, as well as the absence of any other examples of nations (instead of His Body) being used, I believe it demonstrates that God has no such specific plans. Maybe I'm way off and, like you referenced, He'll tell me one day. Until then, I think we Christ-followers should get off our duffs and take responsibility for what needs doing to help spread peace and love.

The Top Ten things you would never find on a Canadian Christian's bookshelf:

#10. The Canadian Patriot Bible...

The problem with having two posts on one topic is that comments don't carry from one post to another. Here's what I wrote at the end of the second post:

I share the concern over "nationalizing" the gospel. The evangelical church in America has become far too comfortable with an almost jingoistic expression of faith that seeks worldly power and conflates America with the Kingdom of God.

At the same time, one can love both Jesus and one's country. In fact, God tells the Jewish exiles to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon, of all places, and to pray for its prosperity (Jer. 29:7).

If we're looking at Jesus' example, let's remember that he came with a very specific and unique mission in salvation history as the sacrificial lamb of God. Let's also remember that he's coming again in power and glory with the hosts of heaven to wage violent war, and that he will tread the winepress of the fury of God's wrath. He didn't condemn the centurion for his job, but rather commended his life and faith. As he prepares to leave his disciples, Jesus commands them to sell their cloaks, if necessary, in order to buy swords (Luke 22:35-36). When soldiers asked John the Baptist what fruits they should produce in keeping with repentance, he told them to be good soldiers, not to quit being soldiers. The apostle Paul tells us that the government wields the sword as an agent of God's wrath, and commands us to pray for the king.

While it seems clear that The American Patriot's Bible goes too far in its simple nationalism, I think some of the comments ("since Jesus taught the way of peace, violence should not be an option for his people") have gone just as far in the opposite direction, implying that pacifism is the only Christian response to evil and aggression.

Let's hope it is not exported to other countries; it would not be very well received.

Sense the days of Marcinon no truer words have come out the mouth of an heretic.

By that I mean I agree with Boyd 100% on this subject but that doesn't change the fact that he's still an heretic under the curse of God. Even Marcion was right in calling the church to start recognizing which books were apart of the canon of Scripture.

Since the days of Marcinon no truer words have come out the mouth of an heretic.

By that I mean I agree with Boyd 100% on this subject but that doesn't change the fact that he's still an heretic under the curse of God. Even Marcion was right in calling the church to start recognizing which books were apart of the canon of Scripture.

sorry typo

Yeah, sorry about that typo, Greg. You heretic. Joseph, what is Boyd's heresy? And how did you develop so perfectly? We're all heretics until Jesus returns, my sinful brother.

"implying that pacifism is the only Christian response to evil and aggression."

Imply?
I'm not implying, I'm saying that we are not to be aggressors.
We are called to be lambs led to slaughter.
I have yet to see lambs pick up the sword and say, "oh no you don't!" when taken to the butchers.
And by the by, do you also have a literal suit of armor, full cuirass, along with a good solid yard of fine steel hanging from your hip, or was that just a metaphorical statement made by Paul when he was talking about donning the full armor of G-d?
Me thinks you have done a poor job of trying to reconcile the commands of pacifism to the desire to live.
We are not of this world order.
We walk through it, we talk through it, and we eat our way across it.
But we are most certainly not part of it.
We are part of G-d's world, and that world has yet to make it's descent, so suck it up, and get used to the idea that we are going to die someday.
Maybe quietly, maybe violently, but in the end each and every one of us is going to teeter on the edge of the abyss and fall in to that deep sleep.

So you have a choice as a follower of G-d.
You can be the example everyone talks about emulating, or you can be the one that serves as a warning to others.
Your choice, but choose wisely.

Sheerakhan,

If you'd like to have a reasonable discussion about what it means to be in the world but not of it, I'd be glad to, but your response is full of sneering, pride, and condescension -- something I hope we can agree is inappropriate for Jesus' followers.

The problem with this book is that it is based on an oxymoronic premise. The definition of patriotism, according to the Random House dictionary (dictionary.com) is:

–noun
devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.

As defined here, patriotism goes against our Lord's teaching because it puts love and devotion to country over the Lord's instruction in John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another"

The idea that the believer's penultimate allegiance is to God and not any worldly institution is further expressed by Jesus in John 18:36:

My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm"

further, Paul writes in Ephesians 2:18-22:

for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit

Therefore, for the believers, patriotism (as defined) is anathema because it necessitates being devoted to a worldly entity. However, this can, if we are not careful, lead us to the same question the Pharisees sought to trick Jesus with in Matthew 22:15-22,

Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. "Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? "Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.

Our Lord, in His response, makes the distinction between patriotism and civic duty (which I think is where we get hung up all too ofter in discussions such as this).

As believers, we are not of this world. We are commanded to live as aliens, yet we are to submit ourselves to the rule of law in the place where we live but always being mindful of who it is we ultimately answer to. This point is made clear for us again by Paul in Ephesians 6 (which for brevity's sake I will let you read for yourself).

Finally, Paul admonishes us not to beome entangled in worldy affairs in 2 Timothy 2:4

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier

A wonderful discussion, my brothers and sisters. I realize that some of you may not agree with what I say, but I implore you in your responses, to speak the truth in love and respect, and remember that there is only one truth and that is the Word of God.

Be Blessed!

wow, i felt like i was reading "The Onion"... just disturbing

The same sword-wielding authority that Paul extols is the same authority that, as tradition has it anyway, whacked off Paul's head.

Why doesn't anyone ever address that?

"If you'd like to have a reasonable discussion about what it means to be in the world but not of it, I'd be glad to, but your response is full of sneering, pride, and condescension -- something I hope we can agree is inappropriate for Jesus' followers."

You, Jeff, should learn the difference between proud sneering, and anger.

Oh I'm proud, and arrogant, that I will admit and I'm sure Marshall and Url will attest to the fact that I do have my moments...but this subject of nationalism and faith in Christ...touches my nerves in a very unpleasant way.

I recommend you reread my post again, but this time in the context of anger.

Sheerakhan,

I will admit that I'm discouraged that my attempt to open a discussion on Christian faith, nationalism, and pacifism was met with such pride and hostility.

Proverbs 26:5 having failed me, I now retreat to Proverbs 26:4, leaving you in possession of the battlefield and your pride.

Jeff, your comments immediately struck me as proud and condescending. When you start by suggesting that someone else is unreasonable and needs to change what they say before you will engage in discussion, you are the one with the issue (either alone or with them as well). This is a logical fallacy in which you negate the other person's position and propose that no discussion can take place - when it is really that you won't engage. Checkmate.

Christians are commanded to place God above country. This Bible flies in the face of that.

Further, patriotism has been redefined in the U.S. as belonging only to conservatives. If I've seen liberals defined as traitors and treasonists once, I've seen it a thousand times.

I suspect the proper title ought to be "The American GOP Bible."

Bart,

I tried to open a discussion by interacting with a position that has been staked out. I offered Bible verses to work through. My offer was met with (by Sheerakhan's admission) pride and (in my estimation) hostility and condescension.

I've not asked anyone to change what they say, simply how they say it. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that a discussion on a Christian blog be framed by grace, humility, peace-seeking, and assuming the best about others. And now I'm criticized for suggesting that it's not okay to simply say "Well, I'm just a proud, defensive person, and you have to deal with that."

Grace and peace to you.

ALL Americans NOW know that America WAS FOUNDED on Godly principals.

The American Patriot’s Bible clearly states the facts on just how God has been and will continue to be a part of this great nation. So many are fearful of this bible and I simply cannot understand why.

Our schools and History classes at all levels should read and understand the TRUE facts of our nation. Understand the strength of the great men who formed this nation and just where this strength was obtained. The American Patriot’s Bible clearly shows this.

The American Patriot’s Bible offers the true facts of over 300 different people, places and times in America when Godly principals and a Godly foundation were part of decisions and strength which formed this great country.

9/11 was not that long ago when this country was shocked with the disaster of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. On that day and many weeks which followed churches across America were standing room only. The United Stated Flag was completely sold out; you could not purchase one anywhere in the United States. WHY? Because everyone turned to God during this time of need.

The American Patriot’s Bible is God’s word, God’s involvement in the great men who made this nation what it is today.

Everyone should have a copy. Our history has included God, not just for the United Stated of America but for the world.

ALL Americans NOW know that America WAS FOUNDED on Godly principals.

The American Patriot’s Bible clearly states the facts on just how God has been and will continue to be a part of this great nation. So many are fearful of this bible and I simply cannot understand why.

Our schools and History classes at all levels should read and understand the TRUE facts of our nation. Understand the strength of the great men who formed this nation and just where this strength was obtained. The American Patriot’s Bible clearly shows this.

The American Patriot’s Bible offers the true facts of over 300 different people, places and times in America when Godly principals and a Godly foundation were part of decisions and strength which formed this great country.

9/11 was not that long ago when this country was shocked with the disaster of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. On that day and many weeks which followed churches across America were standing room only. The United Stated Flag was completely sold out; you could not purchase one anywhere in the United States. WHY? Because everyone turned to God during this time of need.

The American Patriot’s Bible is God’s word, God’s involvement in the great men who made this nation what it is today.

Everyone should have a copy. Our history has included God, not just for the United Stated of America but for the world.

To be a patriot and a Christian (believer) is so much better than to be a heathen, reveler, wife beater, drunk, drug addict, murderer, adulterer and much more as Paul wrote. Oh that we could get back to the 50's when all this political and spiritual mess was gone. Too bad our politicians can't have any common sense. I have the Patriots Bible and enjoyed it tremendously and to be reminded of the history of how this nation evolved spiritually.

If there is only one reason that God's providential will guided this country it is May 14, 1948. It is God's will that His people have been returned to their homeland and I am grateful that His truth embodied in this country through the hearts of Christian leaders is what played a major part in their return. God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who do not.

Saying that this Bible that reflects this truth is tantamount to calling evil, good and good evil.

My goodness. Mormons (who believe the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were inspired in the same sense that the Bible was) may actually be tempted to buy a Bible version not (yet) authorized by their church.

Latayne C. Scott
The Mormon Mirage: A Former Member Looks at the Mormon Church Today;
Latter-day Cipher

A terrific review of a terrible book. God help us if anyone takes the ideas in that edition of the Bible, seriously. What a tragic thing to do to the Biblical text.

It is almost impossible to think of a worse abuse we could put the bible through. ... wait a minute... I have an idea... how about a bible that justifies deviant sexual practices? We could highlight Jacob sleeping with prostitutes and (unknowingly) sleeping with his daughter-in-law. We could highlight David's adultery and even thought the text says it was wrong... hey... he kept his kingdom didn't he?! So lets make it alright after all. We could highlight Solomon's multiple wives and recommend that as the way to go today. We could highlight David and Jonathan's close friendship and justify bisexual activity when you are already married. We could find something in the close friendship of John and Jesus, and really put the cat among the pigeons!

But of course, we would be distorting every single one of the verses and stories I just alluded to... JUST LIKE THIS PATRIOTIC BIBLE DOES.

Brilliant response Greg. Gutsy and honest. Keep safe though mate! Some God-fearing patriot might feel it is his divine right to shoot you!

Reading through the comments here, I am struck by the diverse opinions of all. May I add my review to these comments?

I believe that The American Patriot’s Bible speaks specifically to those of us who recognize that the character of America has changed. We have become compliant to the loss of the values that built this country and now seek a rebirth of those values.

You have related that these are simply stories of imperfect individuals who went on to do Godless acts of injustice and you imply that we should not even give it a second look. You then go on to point out Biblical stories which demonstrate sinful men and women who were nonetheless held up as examples of those who led Godly lives. However, the underlying truth is not that these people were exceptional, but were nevertheless loved and blessed by God. Would God really do that? Of course! After all, where in the world would He ever find a perfect person to bless? Think about it.

Of course, these founders, like us, were marred individuals. But that did not stop them from striving to establish an existence that would allow them to live above their human nature. The task before them was daunting. In their struggle to get it right, there were moments of divine enlightenment as they prayed and sought God’s will. Their deep-seated belief in God directed them to seek His wisdom. We all seek those moments, and it is encouraging to see that they were allowed a view into the heart of God as they sought to establish the foundation on which America was built. It is important to know that God still imparts divine wisdom into the plans of man when invited.

One thing I know - God speaks when we listen. And these men and women listened. The hopes and plans they had for this country led them to seek Him and God blessed them and our country for their efforts. I feel sure it pleased Him to see into their humble hearts and recognize the deep desire to do what was right in His sight. There is no doubt that God did speak to and through many of our Founding Fathers in spite of their imperfections.

How amazing that our country was formed with this divine intervention. God does have a plan and He will bless those who seek Him. The purpose of this Bible is to prove that, even in spite of our human will, God will continue to guide and provide divine direction to those who truly seek Him.

The universal injustice of which you speak is born of the evil that exists in the hearts of man, not God. This evil has woven world events countless times over the centuries to enslave, bind, control, and destroy mankind. This Bible tells the stories of America's founders who tried with all their being to overcome the evils of this world. The facts are, yes, many of the same people who stood up for the principles of God, also fell from time to time, many of them in unimaginable ways. But isn't it true that even though God has spoken His truth to us many times, we too have failed and fallen? Isn't it also true that God sees beyond all our failures and allows us to rise up time and again to hear Him and follow?

This Bible speaks to those who still seek Divine direction. It encourages all Americans that we might still succeed and again come to be God’s light to the world as He intended.

Those who know this truth will understand. Those who do not understand – well, they will not.

The unique combination of a history book and a bible in one volume, the American Patriot’s Bible New King James Version, is a great resource for the history enthusiast. This bible is focused on a frequently “untapped” audience; the history enthusiast. Having a BS in history, I greatly appreciated the merging of American history with the bible. Often it is the case that the faith of our nation’s founding fathers is overlooked by modern liberal education. There is no doubt about it, Christianity has been a "part" of our nation's history. Keep in mind that this bible should not be considered a traditional study bible, because the focus of the additional study helps concerns how scripture relates to American history. Keep it in proper context- consider this to be a specialty bible- and nothing more. There are many specialty bibles available on the market- this simply is another, and there is no need to take offense and look for an underlying meaning. There is no right wing conspiracy to be found here in this bible.

God Bless Dr. Lee who authored this bible and the truth it teaches a secular world.

Leave it to a bunch of southern Baptists to turn the Bible into some unique blessing on this country. So ridiculous, bordering on stupidity, the Bible is a Hebrew, Semetic collection of books, nothing in it has any blessings for the USA since we did not exist. These fundamentalists need to go to real seminaries and not schools that simply regurgitate this kind of American centric garbage. Happy Independence Day everyone, for the simple secular reason of our Independence from the British Crown.

Just wondering how many of you commenting are for or against war in general. No doubt there have been causes the U.S. has undertook that were not for the greater good. However, as the Bible states, he that provides not for his family is worse than an infidel (unbeliever). I believe this includes their safety and protection. If someone breaks into my home, do i commit the sin of murder or the sin of not protecting my family. I will tell you here and now that i have ZERO problems protecting my family. In the same way, i believe one of the responsibilities of our president and leaders is to protect the family. That is you and me. This will, at times, involve military action. Not with the intent to take life, but to protect it. While true that we are to turn the other cheek as Christians & Jesus did speak of peace, He also said that He came not to bring peace but a sword...Christianity is a dividing line and it causes conflict. The cross is an offense to some. There will never be true peace until the Kingdom of God is established on the new heaven & earth & Satan & all of his followers are cast into the lake of fire forever. Only then there will be true peace. King David, a great military leader & warrior, was called a man after God's own heart...surely all military advances aren't seen as evil by God. To everything there is a season & a CAUSE to fight for...our problem today is that there is no more cause to fight for. Passive Christians make for weak faith & no cultural impact.

One thing that makes America unique from all other nations is that we were founded on a creed (see the preamble to the Constitution). America has been & should be different from all other nations. We weren't founded on race or wealth or conquest. America has been a Christian nation from its foundation & when we cease to be so, we will be no more.

The American Creed
‘We Hold These Truths . . .’
July 3, 2009
The great British intellectual G. K. Chesterton wrote that “America is the only nation in the world that is founded on [a] creed.”
Think about that for a moment. Other nations were founded on the basis of race, or by the power of kings or emperors who accumulated lands and the peasants who inhabited those lands.
But America was—and is to this day—different. It was founded on a shared belief. Or, as Chesterton said, on a creed.
And what is that creed that sets us apart? It is the eloquent, profound, and simple statement penned by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
I’ll never forget when I graduated from Brown University during the Korean War. I couldn’t wait to become a Marine officer, to give my life if necessary, to defend that creed. To defend the idea that our rights come from God Himself and are not subject to whims of governments or tyrants. That humans ought to be free to pursue their most treasured hopes and aspirations.
Perhaps some 230 years later, we take these words for granted. But in 1776, they were earth-shaking—indeed, revolutionary.
Yet today, they are in danger of being forgotten altogether. According to Gallup, 66 percent of American adults have no idea that the words, “We hold these truths . . .” come from the Declaration of Independence. Even worse, only 45 percent of college seniors know that the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are proclaimed in the Declaration.
As America grows more and more diverse culturally, religiously, ethnically, it is critical that we re-embrace the American creed.
America has always been a “melting pot.” But what is the pot that holds our multicultural stew together? Chesterton said the pot’s “original shape was traced on the lines of Jeffersonian democracy.” A democracy founded on those self-evident truths expressed in the Declaration of Independence. And as Chesterton remarked, “The pot must not melt.”
Abraham Lincoln understood this so very well. For him, the notion that all men are created equal was “the electric cord in that Declaration that links the hearts of patriotic and liberty-loving men together, that will link those patriotic hearts as long as the love of freedom exists in the minds of men throughout the world.”
So tomorrow, go to the Fourth of July parade. Go to the neighborhood barbecue and enjoy the hot dogs and apple pie.
But here’s an idea for you. Why not take time out at the picnic to read the Declaration of Independence aloud with your friends and your neighbors.
Listen—and thrill—to those words that bind us together as a nation of freedom-loving people: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
These are the words Americans live for and, if necessary, die for.

Mr. Boyd,
It's sad for you to spent all that money for a Christian education to sound so ignorant. But, what can I expect from some liberal origin where a state takes months to fight over officals at tax payers expense only to allow fradulents to win. Our puplic schools and govnernment have taken God out of our history, suppresses Christmas and Christians and all you can be is negative!! If you don't understand the purpose of the book, then you're closer to many of the athiest advocate than a Christian. Let's put all you nuts in a fox hole for a day fighting for this country under fire and see if you understand the message. Too many of you living in this country enjoying freedom at the expense of others. Mr. Boyd, I suggest you spend your time helping people and supporting our veterans than trying to justifying your earnings behind a keyboard.

Mr. Boyd,
It's sad for you to spent all that money for a Christian education to sound so ignorant. But, what can I expect from some liberal origin where a state takes months to fight over officals at tax payers expense only to allow fradulents to win. Our puplic schools and govnernment have taken God out of our history, suppresses Christmas and Christians and all you can be is negative!! If you don't understand the purpose of the book, then you're closer to many of the athiest advocates than a Christian. Let's put all you nuts in a fox hole for a day fighting for this country under fire and see if you understand the message. Too many of you living in this country enjoying freedom at the expense of others. Mr. Boyd, I suggest you spend your time helping people and supporting our veterans than trying to justifying your earnings behind a keyboard.

Dr. Boyd,

Thank you for your review, which I found very helpful. Moreover, thank you for staying above the fray of name-calling and other petty hostilities that so many of this article's commentators have reduced themselves to. Your article presents a controversial theme, no doubt, but it most certainly does so with a Christ-like attitude. Much thanks.

Ugh. Just saw this. Thank GOD I didn't know about it before July 4th--it would have really set me off when I had to give the opening prayer at church on the 5th.

This Bible is pure idolatry, in the name of God but for the purpose of making money off of misguided patriotism.

The United States is a great place, and God has blessed us with A LOT of wealth and power in the world. But we have turned our country into a false god and we have turned the Constitution, the Declaration, and The Wealth of Nations into a trinity of false scriptures.

May God deliver us from our idolatry and replace it with a spirit of humility and charity!

If only I could get a copy of the American Patriots Bible without the section glorifying Obama. Bummer.

What was sacrosanct 50 years ago when our country was strong and respected, was our nation's belief was that Jesus Christ was our Savior, that we were a Christian country founded upon these principles. Now this country is a mess, thanks to allowing every mention of God's name as bad.

This Bible is a great reminder to all of us that we WERE, and we USED TO BE a nation that called upon God to help us. Jesus told us to profess God, and if we didn't our blessings would stop (Matthew 10:33). This Bible reminds us that God does love us, He stands with us when we stand with Him, but pulls away when we decide we no longer need Him. God's chosen people weren't saints, but he blessed them when they chose to bless Him. Quit apologizing and turn to Jesus Christ. >

I scanned over the article which I found quite interesting. Unfortunately though is a lack of understanding of what the history of our nation began from. If you look at history in context to what our nation began from then you will find the reason why the Puritans and Pilgrims first came to this land. Basically it was to escape a repressive English Government that wanted to not only control but force its people to worship as the king wanted. The first colonist's wish was to have a relationship with mother England but without the burden of being controlled by them. As far as the notion that during the American revolution that it was victory of violence against our christian English brothers is a bit much. Just remember that much of what we fought against was a professional English army which the king used to suppress and tax the American colonists. Taxation without representation. Boston tea party. To say that it was violence is true but it was war to prevent the domination over our nation. We wanted to be free of such oppression, which is why we fought. Maybe this Bible has flaws but you need to look at the bigger picture because history is repeating itself right now in America. Big Government, oppression, Taxes, wild spending, a hate crimes bill, Control over the media. Instead of directing your views on this Bible you should instead look at your own hearts and make sure you know who our enemy really is. The devil goes around to devour who he may. The True church needs to rise up against the satanic liberal church in this nation. The truth of the gospel must be preached. Our religious heritage from our founding fathers must be told. Our nation's roots come from those brave men and women who first came to settle in Jamestown. They brought with them the beginnings of what our nation should be. Our Godly heritage in America must be preserved for future generations.

I'm Canadian. I guess I'll have to wait for them to come out with the fur trader's bible (which will be in French and English) and celebrate all the bronze medals we win in the Olympics.

As far as I can tell from my reading of scripture, all men are sinners and fall short of God's glory - including George Washington. Yes, there were Christians involved in the founding of this nation, but not all of the founders were Christian in the sense that they recognized the divinity of Jesus, repented their sins and sought to make Him Lord in their lives. This has never been nor will it ever be a "Christian Nation." A careful reading of the Gospels should make it clear that there can be no such thing. An individual can be a "Christian" or "follower of the way" but not a nation. Our relationship with Christ is individual. All such individuals become part of the body of Christ, His church. No government entity, organization or group can be or become a "Christian."

So many Americans have confused our society's values and their own politics with what is supposed to be a faith walk taken in "trembling and fear" lest we be swayed by false prophets or pseudo-gospels. Jesus told us to render to God that which is His and to Caesar that which is Caesar's.

There is nothing wrong with being patriotic, but patriotism is not Christianity. Nor do you have to be a Republican to be a Christian. The one has nothing to do with the other. The more we muddy that water, the more we move away from our first love. The more extreme one group of Christians becomes on the right; the more extreme another group become to the left. One group condones the torture of terrorists and another allows sexual sinners to teach heresy from the pulpit. It has to be Jesus Christ, only Jesus Christ, and Him crucified without additions or we find ourselves fulfilling John the apostle's fears for us. declaring that which is sin to be no sin and that which is no sin to be the greatest sin.

The tears of Jesus fall regularly on His church.

Barry,

The very fact that you credit Dr. Lee with authoring this Bible should be a major red flag.

The editor, publisher and any purchasers need to repent. This is Sacralism out of control.

Thank you for recognizing and exposing this evil.

John A.
Protoprotestant

From an American living in a nationalistic religious "To be a .. is to be a Muslim") country for the past 23 years--- stop wasting time, money and emotional energy on fear-based (e.g., God will remove His Blessing on the USA if we don't get back to our roots) or anger-based (e.g., these so-called Patriots are heretics or bigots,)

Start seeking God about where He'd have you 100% active in His Kingdom (every tribe, tongue, people group, gender, ability.) Seek a new Pentecost in your own life and in your community.

For example:
At the present time in my country of residence and service there are less than 3,000 believers in Jesus the Messiah while the population exceeds 70 million.

While Bibles are now available in the national language, believers are terrorized by actual or threatened imprisonment and baseless courtcases to dissuade sharing the Word. The constitution of this secular Muslim state supposedly guarantees freedom of religious choice but in actual practice this doesn't happen much--both the reigning political parties as well as the powerful secular military have singled out Christians as "threats to national security and well-being". Seekers and new believers are warned off of opening Bibles to read for themselves. School books teach that those who share the Good News are terrorists and insurgents.

Close friends of mine have been taken into prison after having their homes raided by the ppoice looking for Bibles and "Christian " propaganda.

I am not surprised. After all Jesus said this would happen to those who follow Him.

What Is disturbing to me in relation to the debates in the US among Christians, Republican, Democrat or in-between is that the governments of this world (America and the U.K. being two of the most powerful influences here) tacitly back this persecution. They either keeping silent about it--I've given testimony about these facts as well as the brutualization of abandoned children with disabilities housed in state institutions more than once at the US Embassy here during the Bush years as well as the Clinton years and never heard or seen any statements decrying the injustices. Or worse, they aid the forces of oppression by telling Americans who move here that they should NOT share their faith or give anyone a Bible since it's against the law (a blatant lie but one the American authorities here choose to perpetrate).

I pray that judgement on the USA will not fall--for whatever reason--but that Christians will start obeying Christ's last command to go into all the world and preach the Good News, making disciples and teaching everyone everywhere what He taught His students and friends.

We are only visiting this planet and have only one life to live here. One day we will stand before the Throne of God--then wood,hay,stubble-like stuff will not survive the heat. Go for the Gold!

The American Patriot's Bible is in no way making a statement that God only blesses America, that Jesus was a patriot, that America should sanction Christianity as a national religion, that the U.S. government has always acted "Christian" in its policies, that patriotism supersedes God, or that it supports African slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, imperialism, expansionism or war for the sake of war. This is a wonderful bible that includes a "compendium" of articles that celebrate great moments in American history through inspirational stories of faith by some really great Americans throughout history. I encourage everyone to "not judge this book by its cover or its title" and investigate it for yourself.

...just taking a look (the Book is now available on PCH). Find it interesting that so many are willing to slam a version of God's Word which shows links to the FACT that many Christians were Founding Fathers and that a number of those who are deemed "deists" by today's revisionist historians (and that's what the kids learn in public school if they learn anything about the FF's faith) -- were, indeed true believers. I suggest all of you, those for and those against, this Book: get involved and attend The Truth Project in-home classes, which will show you just how far from the God-inspired founding of this nation we have come. Sinners? You bet - we all are, they all were. But the reason this nation has prospered, IMHO, is that we were indeed founded on Biblical principles. The reason we are now floundering, decaying, and going under financially, spiritually, and otherwise - is that we've allowed godless people in all walks of life to draw us away from our founding principles. Everyone needs Jesus Christ; all Americans need to know “It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” [Patrick Henry ~ May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]

God has chose the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to rule the world with an iron fist, anyone who says otherwise is a communist and a traitor. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!

Horrendous. Another example of how American nationalism often equates to Christianity. Syncretistic non-sense!