Definition: The word "Americanization" appears in the Bible several times, often as a metaphorical term to describe the process of converting or assimilating people or cultures from one place to another. 1.

The Americanization of Israel

- In Deuteronomy 3:9-40, God says that when he brings his children out of Egypt, they will be given "a new heart" (Hebrew: "ahad ha-kavod"), where the Hebrew word is translated as "heart," meaning a heart for a foreign or foreigner. This passage uses this metaphorical reference to refer to Israel's conversion from slavery in Egypt to a sense of belonging and connection with their people. 2.

The Americanization of the Jewish People

- In Deuteronomy 5:17-36, God says that when he makes his covenant with Abraham, it will be "a new creation" (Hebrew: "ahad ha-kavod"), where the Hebrew word is translated as "heart," meaning a heart for a foreign or foreigner. This passage uses this metaphorical reference to refer to Jewish people's conversion from slavery in Egypt to a sense of belonging and connection with their people. 3.

The Americanization of the Diaspora

- In Numbers 25:1-7, God says that when he sends his messengers out into the wilderness, they will be "a new heart" (Hebrew: "ahad ha-kavod"), where the Hebrew word is translated as "heart," meaning a heart for a foreign or foreigner. This passage uses this metaphorical reference to refer to people's conversion from captivity in Babylon to a sense of belonging and connection with their people. 4.

The Americanization of the Church

- In Revelation 1:5, it says that when the church is "brought into glory," she will be "a new heart" (Hebrew: "ahad ha-kavod"), where the Hebrew word is translated as "heart," meaning a heart for a foreign or foreigner. This passage uses this metaphorical reference to refer to believers' conversion from persecution and oppression in the past to a sense of belonging and connection with their people. In each case, the concept of the Americanization of individuals, societies, and groups comes to refer to the process of assimilation, often through conversion or migration, that leads them to see themselves as part of a larger group, culture, or community.

Americanization