Ethno-nationalism,also known as Ethnic Nationalism, is a form of nationalism wherein the nation or country is defined in terms of ethnicity (or race). The central theme of ethnic nationalists is that political nations are defined by a shared heritage, which usually includes a common language, faith, culture, and ethnic ancestry; and tends to be exclusive.
In contrast, Civic Nationalism is based on political membership and tends to be inclusive. Thus, the various countries of the world differ on how they define their version of nationalism.
Herodotus was the first who stated the main characteristics of ethnicity, with his famous account of what defines Greek identity. He lists kinship, “of the same blood,” language, “speaking the same language,” cults and customs, “of the same habits of life.”
William Finck informs us that, “Ethnic nationalism is the only valid form of nationalism, and civic nationalism is entirely artificial, unnatural, and can only be enforced by tyranny. It is empiricism and not nationalism at all.”
The biggest error of the Reformers was that they had no Covenant in their theology. They all came from their former church of Rome – the Catholic Church. The word “catholic” means universal. The Bible has never taught universalism; just look at what happened at the Tower of Babel. We can only unite under God’s Law. The Catholic Church has no Covenant and neither do the protestant churches today. The Reformers missed the key element of the Bible because of their time in the pagan Roman church. And even Protestantism, as good as it was, remained catholic.
Perhaps the reason the Reformers missed the racial context of Scripture was that in their day the Christian church was White. Historically speaking, there never was a multi-racial church. Christianity had been exclusively White up until about the fifteenth century, so the idea of applying the gospel to all races simply was not in the forefront of the minds of the early Reformers – it seems to have been an oversight. The Reformers were imperfect and many of them disagreed in doctrine and church-political relationships. But they made a good start and we owe them our appreciation. Many of them died for their faith.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
It is my intention to present a series of sermons on the Protestant Reformation. 2017 marks the 500-year anniversary of the launch of that Reformation (and we are still within that year). I feel small when compared to these giants of the Reformation period.
This lesson could be considered the sequel to my other lesson, “The Handmaiden of God’s Word.” In this sermon, we want to take notice of the time in Israel’s history when God gave them a song.
Perhaps we should begin with this question. What is the music of your church: classic, blended or “let it rock?”Some churches use religious rock, others use Jesus jazz, or holy ho-down. For many, the question of church music is of little consequence since the mantra of most church leaders has become: “Lighten up: our MTV culture demands new methods and new music!” Other churches, perhaps a bit more conservative, but unwilling to alienate anybody; build a church with a little bit of everything, attempting to be inclusive. They ought to be called the Schizophrenic Church. Well, here at our church we just keep it simple and use traditional hymns.
Does God really care what kind of music we sing? Our unequivocal answer – He cares! From the ancient Israelite nation, to the 21st century church, God’s concern for His people’s music has not changed. From Scripture and church history, we find that God’s people have always guarded their music carefully.
What about music in the Bible – is there a doctrine on music?
Music plays a major role in most people’s lives – as much as what we eat, wear, or in our personal relationships. As seen in this passage, it certainly played a major role in Israel; and, it still does.
Music should be addressed from a biblical perspective as well as any other doctrine of the church: the Godhead, the covenant, the church, redemption, sanctification, etc. Did you know there are about 600 references to music in the Bible? That is more references than many of the other doctrines that we teach on a regular basis.
