NFL star Benjamin Watson believes America is not a Christian nation anymore

NFL star Benjamin Watson says, 'While many of America’s inhabitants are Christians, it should not be labeled a Christian country.' (Facebook/Benjamin Watson)

NFL star Benjamin Watson, who plays the tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, cannot help but shake his head because of the apparently declining level of morality in America, which he believes is not a Christian nation anymore like what many still believe.

"From my youth, I have subconsciously and rather naively believed the narrative that America was a Christian nation without truly unpacking this claim," he writes on his Facebook page. "As I've entered my adult life, becoming more aware and emotionally invested in the trajectory of my homeland, this faulty view has led to my current internal disillusionment with the moral decline of this so called Christian country."

Watson says his problem is not with America, but his flawed expectations of America. Even though many of America's people are Christians, he maintains that the United States could not be considered a Christian nation.

"There is no such thing [America as a Christian nation]. In truth, it has always been a nation whose spoken allegiance to God conflicted with its tangible observable deeds. Such a discrepancy is a warning to all of us as we struggle for consistency between our words and our actions," he says.

Watson cites abortion as an example. Because Americans "sanction the annual murder of one million innocent unborn" and have removed "all vestiges of biblical Christianity from its view," America cannot be called a Christian nation anymore even if it is "responsible for a great deal of goodwill throughout the world," he says.

The Christian athlete says American Christians should just focus on "present[ing] the truth before men with the hope of winning souls."

" My greatest challenge is for my anger to be righteous instead of selfish," Watson says. "We remember that as proud as we are to be American, we are eternally part of a global royal nation that spans race, creed and time."

related articles
NFL star Benjamin Watson defends NC\'s HB2, says to \'blur\' sexuality is to \'reject God\'s design\'
NFL star Benjamin Watson defends NC's HB2, says to 'blur' sexuality is to 'reject God's design'

NFL star Benjamin Watson defends NC's HB2, says to 'blur' sexuality is to 'reject God's design'

NFL star Benjamin Watson says Jesus is the only solution for racial divide: \'His blood is what unites us\'
NFL star Benjamin Watson says Jesus is the only solution for racial divide: 'His blood is what unites us'

NFL star Benjamin Watson says Jesus is the only solution for racial divide: 'His blood is what unites us'

NFL star Benjamin Watson says Cincinnati Zoo made the right decision in killing the gorilla Harambe
NFL star Benjamin Watson says Cincinnati Zoo made the right decision in killing the gorilla Harambe

NFL star Benjamin Watson says Cincinnati Zoo made the right decision in killing the gorilla Harambe

NFL star Benjamin Watson says he takes on the roles of \'priest, provider, protector\' for his five kids
NFL star Benjamin Watson says he takes on the roles of 'priest, provider, protector' for his five kids

NFL star Benjamin Watson says he takes on the roles of 'priest, provider, protector' for his five kids

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.