Render Unto Ceasar What is God’s

Thomas Nelson has published a new Bible titled, “The American Patriot’s Bible”.  The idea is to target “the spiritual needs of those who love our country” – and by “our country” they mean America.  Here’s the publisher’s description.

Product Description

THE ONE BIBLE THAT SHOWS HOW ‘A LIGHT FROM ABOVE’ SHAPED OUR NATION. Never has a version of the Bible targeted the spiritual needs of those who love our country more than The American Patriot’s Bible. This extremely unique Bible shows how the history of the United States connects the people and events of the Bible to our lives in a modern world. The story of the United States is wonderfully woven into the teachings of the Bible and includes a beautiful full-color family record section, memorable images from our nation’s history and hundreds of enlightening articles which complement the New King James Version Bible text.

As a Canadian, I’m more than a little queasy at the idea of a Bible dedicated to the position that God has been particularly concerned with shaping the history of the United States.  But if I’m honest, I’ll admit that I have had similar thoughts about my country.  A belief in providence does get one looking for God’s hand in human affairs and when we going looking for the hand of God, we usually assume he’s on our side.  The fact is that there are deep links between a sense of providential guidance and American nationalism, going all the way back to the May Flower.  The ideas of America as a “City Set Upon a Hill” and as “The New Zion” are there in the embryonic America long before the Revolution. So it is not surprising that “The American Patriot’s Bible” is going to be purchased by thousands upon thousands of American Christians.

But those are social and historical concerns, not theological ones. 

Is this kind of Bible inappropriate on theological grounds?

If it is inappropriate, what are the proper limits for thematic bibles?

Greg Boyd has a two part review of the bible up at the Out of Ur blog (Part 1, Part 2) and it is not particularly kind.  Scot Mcknight airs his beef as well as posting a few links to other commentators.