I think many people respond to Islam this way because they cannot separate their concept of America apart from Christianity. In their effort to reclaim America as a "Christian Nation," many people think that this is right action to take. That being said, seems a little naive to think that this project has no undertones of Muslim agenda. I am uncomfortable with comparing our relationship with Muslims to other believers (1 John 4 is clearly speaking to a group of Christians), but yes they are created in God's image and he loves him.

Bring it on, I am thankful!

I am familiar with the book, but have not currently read it. Sorry I cannot engage more.

Being overweight, in and of itself, is not a sin. There are medical conditions and medications that produce the same affect as overeating. This is one of the major reasons people need to be careful at casting stones at overweight people. However, overeating as a result of turning to food for comfort, joy, pleasure and ultimately satisfaction in life is easily comparable to drunkenness and drug addiction. For some it is simply an issue of idolatry.

I am glad I didn't read that far before writing this post.

The inescapable question is always which one is the "trump card" when the two don't seem to match?

Somehow that is not surprising.

You surely have a better perspective on the album than I do having not listened to it. I do think it is interesting that this seems almost entirely antithetical to a song he wrote on his earlier album She Must and Shall Go Free. His song "The Church" reads:

I have come with one purpose
to capture for myself a bride
by my life she is lovely
by my death she’s justified

I have always been her husband
though many lovers she has known
so with water i will wash her
and by my word alone

so when you hear the sound of the water
you will know you’re not alone

(chorus)
‘cause i haven’t come for only you
but for my people to pursue
you cannot care for me with no regard for her
if you love me you will love the church

i have long pursued her
as a harlot and a whore
but she will feast upon me
she will drink and thirst no more

so when you taste my flesh and my blood
you will know you’re not alone

(chorus)
there is none that can replace her
though there are many who will try
and though some may be her bridesmaids
they can never be my bride

Now, I recognize that artist are free (and maybe prone) to change their minds. But starting with his first solo release and continuing on through Blackbird, Webb seems to be frustrated with the church. He writes like an agitated family member who both loves and hates his escapable Christian relatives. All this to say, I would (and could) be surprised if the intent of the record was to free Christians from the church. Do you think this current album could be a more direct and radical step toward reforming the community that is uncomfortably his home?

Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to listen to this album yet, but I have read several reviews. I think the title of the album is incredibly profound and wonderfully witty. Stockholm syndrome is the phenomenon of a captive falling in love with his or her captor. It doesn't take much contemplation to see how this applies to the church. The ironic thing is that Webb has a tendency to move toward "worldly" communication to describe his distaste for the churches love affair with the world.

You raise a good point. I think sometimes Christians shoot themselves in the foot with such battles. It is funny how "religious" people can get very upset over a phrase that is relatively devoid of any religious significance. The word "God" in America today can mean anything from the triune God of the Bible to a pantheistic force that sees incredibly drawn toward Oprah. I personally am not willing to fight over such ambiguity, and I don't think these battles reflect the focus and agenda of the Bible.

I do believe that America was founded by many men and women who were faithfully committed to the authority of the Bible. I think our constitution reflects a very basic biblical ethic. However, the nature of democracy, and a republic such as ours, is that government is a mirror of the people. Too often Christians scream at the reflection in the mirror, yet do little to change the face in front of it. Many are surprised when our government moves in directions that appear to go against the Bible, but why is there surprise when every major denomination in the country reports staggering losses in membership and attendance. I think Christians in America should exercise their right to vote and voice their political opinions. However, only when Americans come to a saving knowledge of the gospel and understand the Bible and God as their authority will any real change happen on a national political level. I would delight to see our federal government reflect more accurately a biblical ethic, but I don't know if it will ever happen because of conservative Christian lobbyists.