We had a great discussion in class today. We are studying American church history since we live in America (I really think that is the only reason). Dr. Bingham shared with us that the Puritans that settled Massachusetts in the 1630s viewed themselves as the New Israel. When they read the Old Testament they believed that they were seeing a mirror of themselves. The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, the Puritans were persecuted for the faith in England. The Israelites exited Egypt across the Red Sea, the Puritans crossed the Atlantic Ocean. The Israelites drove out the Canaanites, the Puritans saw it as their mission to drive out the Native Americans.

The Puritans believed that they were the closest to God. Therefore they believed that no other nation in the world was in such a direct relationship with God and no other nation had the supremacy that that relationship afforded them.

American Christianity has stemmed from the Puritan faith since they were the first to bring it to this land mass on which we sit. Consequently, if you start looking around, there is evidence all over of American Christianity believing itself to be superior. (ex. "...one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all...") In addition, you see signs everywhere quoting verses that were directed towards the Israel of old that are being applied to America. What is it in Americans that causes them to believe that America has the corner on the relationship with God?