World Christianity and “Protestant America”: Historical Narratives and the Limits of Christian Pluralism Chandra Mallampalli
, World Christianity and “Protestant America”: Historical Narratives and the Limits of Christian Pluralism Chandra Mallampalli merica’s identity as a Protestant nation has long been a This mythology views the Gospel as necessarily producing a A topic of extensive research. Relationships between certain type of history, one that begins in either chaos or tyranny America’s “civil religion,” exceptionalism, and global mission and leads ultimately to a stable, powerful, and prosperous have sparked reflection across many disciplines.1 Into the world democracy. of the twenty-first century, two momentous yet paradoxical If the southward expansion of Christianity levels any cri- developments are casting new light upon America’s identity and tique at all of Protestant America, it is by delinking the Gospel mission. The first is the dramatic growth of Christianity in Africa, from grand narratives that are used to explain American progress.3 Latin America, and Asia. The second is the rise of America to a Liberalism, rational debate, free enterprise, and rule of law are status of unrivaled military and economic power. Demographi- cherished ideals of both America and the former British Empire. cally, the global South has created new Christian centers. But Within these histories such ideals have come to represent a even as this trend continues, America remains the world’s politi- Judeo-Christian imprint on modernity, a biblical way of respect- cal and economic center, whose religious heritage continues to ing persons, creating wealth, and holding states accountable to a sanction its political mission.2 higher law. Today, however, Christian congregations flourish in I use this paradox as an occasion to reflect upon historical places where these institutions are at best partially formed.
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