Patriotism,in the sense of love of one’s country,can beperfectly compatiblewith Bible-believing Christianity. But every Christian needs to remember that we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom and that we look for the city which has foundations whose architect and maker is God.
Is patriotism good for Christians?
But the trouble with linking patriotism and faith too closely is it can lead us to believe that the essence of being a good Christian is being a good citizen. The focus of our discipleship then becomes not spiritual but national, and we begin to view the nation as God’s primary way of accomplishing his goals.
What is your own concept of patriotism?
My own concept of patriotism used to be rather narrow: Love my country, be a good citizen and enjoy patriotic music. But the subject is much broader than that. Perhaps no human being’s subjective opinion about patriotism is really that important. But, for anyone who believes in God and that He created the heavens and the earth ( Genesis 1:1
What is an example of patriotism in the Bible?
Before long, Christ’s own countrymen killed Him. Perhaps the most dramatic example of true patriotism is that of the prophet Jeremiah. Incredibly, although he deeply loved his country and countrymen, he was branded as unpatriotic. God chose Jeremiah to bring His messages of warning primarily to the nation of Judah.
Are allegiance to God and loyalty to your country incompatible?
Allegiance to God and allegiance to your country are not inherently incompatible. Sometimes Christians talk like you should have no loyalty for your country, as if love for your country was always a bad thing. To be sure, this must never be ultimate loyalty. We must always obey God rather than men.
What is the relationship between rulers and citizens in Romans?
The relationship between rulers and citizens seems clear in Romans. The ruler is "God’s servant for your good" (v. 4). Thus, to be unpatriotic is to oppose God. This extreme point of view fails to take into account the historical context of Paul’s letter to the Romans and reads into it certain American assumptions.
What does it mean to have a flag in worship?
Surely this is appropriate for all citizens. However, displaying a flag in a worship service implies that there is something inherently Christian about patriotism. And that is a disputed point.
What does Paul say about civil government?
People who hold this view take seriously Paul’s teaching on the Christian’s relationship to civil government in Romans 13. "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities," Paul writes, "for there is no authority except that which God has established" (v. 1).
Who said God and country are allies?
God and Country as Allies. Evangelist Billy Sunday said, " Christianity and Patriotism are synonymous terms, and hell and traitors are synonymous.". Many Christians see God’s goals and the country’s goals as one and the same.
Why is patriotism so divisive?
Much of the divisiveness comes not so much from patriotism itself but from its abuse. Patriotism should not be a club to browbeat others into conformity with a political view or as a tool of emotional manipulation. It shouldn’t be a means to justify bad proposals or condone evil action-nor as a method of wrapping oneself in the flag to excuse mistakes and wrongdoing.
What did Nehemiah do for his native land?
Nehemiah showed concern for his native land, so much so that he mourned, wept, prayed and fasted for it ( Nehemiah 1:4. Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, American King James Version ×. ).
How did Moses demonstrate patriotism?
They demonstrated their patriotism by love of country and caring for the welfare of the people. For instance,Moses pleaded with God not to destroy the Israelite nation after one of its many rebellions against Him ( Deuteronomy 9:6-29.
How do people express patriotism?
Some people express their patriotism in public ways—displaying their nation’s flag, celebrating national holidays, singing their national anthem, cheering a candidate— and usually expect everyone else to do some flagwaving. Other people are more private and may think of such exuberance as superficial, childish or pretentious. If they are law-abiding citizens, pay their taxes and contribute to their community—if, for example, they occasionally donate blood-they may think they are patriotic enough. Some would ask: If I love people, obey the laws and pay my taxes, do I really need to love my government?
What is the love of a country?
For the patriot, love of country is like love of family-involving caring, devotion and affection. A nationalist may claim to love his country primarily because it is the best country in the world. Ideally a patriot has more of an unconditional love for his country because it too is his "family," even though it is not perfect or the most powerful or the "best." Just as family members feel a willing obligation to help each other, patriotism includes sense of responsibility to assist one’s country.
What does it mean to be a patriot?
A patriot is generally defined as one who loves, supports and defends his fatherland, the country of his nativity or residence. Patriotism represents the qualities and conduct of a patriot.
What is the difference between a nationalist and a patriot?
Patriots are devoted to causes greater than themselves. A nationalist, on the other hand, usually identifies with causes as extensions of himself. A nationalist – sometimes called a superpatriot—can be fanatical. The nationalist usually views contrary opinions and other cultures as threats.
What does Storge mean by "rag doll"?
This is what he means by storge, a little kid who has a rag doll that is just rags is what it is. They wouldn’t part with it for anything. That is a little kind of patriotism that is probably very, very good, very admissible. At least C.S. Lewis makes a case that it is.
What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven before you are an earthly patriot?
We are citizens of heaven before we are earthly patriots, which means that there are bound to be conflicts between the way Christ our King calls us to live and the ways our beloved homeland expects us to live from time to time.
What does Paul say about his brothers?
Paul himself said in Romans 9:3 that he had a special burden for “my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” It doesn’t seem to me that he would have written like that if it weren’t appropriate for him to feel some kind of special affection for his fellow Jews, a kind of patriotism for his ethnicity of Jewishness.
How many books does John Piper have?
He is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Providence . The Strong Murder the Weak Every Day in America. John Piper Jul 21, 2021. To the Praise of the Glory of Grace.
What does Galatians 6:10 mean?
For example, in Galatians 6:10 it says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” It is as though there is this specialness about those who are close to you, who have a similar deep bond to you. We have a kind of affection for them that is different from the world.
Do we have to be very careful about exalting our racial or ethnic or cultural patriotism?
So, we have got to be very careful about exalting our racial or ethnic or cultural patriotism or at-homeness, our slippers, to the point where we begin to demonize and actually hurt others.
Is patriotism a good thing?
I think, yes, there is such a thing, a good thing, as patriotism. With regard to nations, it seems like Romans 13:1, in calling us to be subject to the powers that wield the sword, implies that in some sense a country identity or a nation state identity has the right to use that sword to defend itself against aggression and, thus, in some sense preserve its right to exist and exist as it exists. And so, I think that implies that there is a proper place for patriotism at the national level.
What did Daniel Terris write about the American character?
Daniel Terris wrote in the Los Angeles Times that Americans worry that something essential to the American character will be lost if we dilute our national feeling with too much commitment to the international. Global citizenship and patriotism need not compete. One is bound to enrich the other.
Why do liberals use God in public discourse?
The liberal use of God in public discourse may happen because public figures believe in God. But it is also expected of them. Presidents, regardless of party and personal faith, typically end speeches with “and God bless America.”.
What does Paul say about the governing authority?
Paul says in Romans 13, “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are established by God.”. Peter advises, “Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (I Peter 2:17).
Why should we use our citizenship?
We should use our citizenship as American s to work for a global community where terrorism, poverty, exploitation and violence become less common phenomena and where peacemaking, justice and reconciliation are seen as the only long-term solutions to international conflict.
What is Caesar’s and unto God’s?
When the answer was, “Caesar’s, ” he replied, “Then render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.”. The point Jesus makes is that we are created in God’s image. While we can and should pay our taxes, our fundamental allegiance is to the Lord, not any nation-state.
Why is traveling to other countries important?
Doing so will likely transform our values and priorities. Traveling to other lands and studying and experiencing other cultures will often help us realize our own limitations and failings. In short, it can make us humble, teachable, and appreciative.
Why is it so hard to be in Christ’s image?
Why? Because arrogance, pride and self-righteousness make it hard to be in Christ’s image. But, from a pragmatic standpoint as well, we should recognize that American engagement in the world needs to take into account the interests of others. Self-righteousness, even among friends and allies, can become tiresome and unproductive.
What does Jesus mean when he says "Go ahead and give to Caesar what belongs to him"?
When Jesus says, “Go ahead and give to Caesar what belongs to him,” he is effectively saying, “You can support nations that do not formally worship the one true God.” Or to put it a different way: True religion is not bound with only one country. This means—as we see in Revelation 7 and Isaiah 49 and Psalm 87 and Matthew 28 and Acts 1 and a hundred other places—the church will be transcultural and transnational.
Why did Josephus call his fellow countrymen cowards?
According to Josephus, “He called his fellow countrymen cowards for being willing to pay tribute to the Romans and for putting up with mortal masters in place of God.”. Like the Zealots, he believed allegiance to God and allegiance to any earthly government were fundamentally incompatible.
What did Jesus say about Caesar?
By telling the people to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” he was saying there are duties to government that do not infringe on your ultimate duty to God.
Why do we pray for the just cause?
We should pray for the just cause to triumph over the evil one. We are not moral relativists. We do not believe just because all people are sinners and all nations are sinful that no person or no nation can be more righteous or more wicked than another. God may be on America’s side in some (not all) her endeavors.
What is the fifth commandment?
But most Christians have understood the fifth commandment to be about honoring not only your parents, but all those in authority over you. Moreover, Jesus shows it’s possible to honor God and honor Caesar.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
1. Being a Christian does not remove ethnic and national identities. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free, but this does not mean men cease to be male or Jews cease to be Jewish. The worshiping throng gathered around the throne is not a bland mess of Esperanto Christians in matching khaki pants and white polos.
Where did Christianity originate?
Christianity started in the Middle East and quickly spread to North Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. The Church was always meant to be international. Today, there are more Anglicans in church in Nigeria than in England, more Presbyterians in South Korea than in the United States.