There’s a lot of confusion and more than a little controversy these days about patriotism. This is particularly the case when the word “nationalism” gets thrown around. And even more so when paired with “Christian.” Say “Christian nationalism” in public these days–and watch out!
We’re also in the midst of a cultural realignment. In recent years, a growing number of people — especially in academia and media — have pushed a harsh critique of America’s founding and history. As a result, expressions of patriotism are often met with suspicion or scorn. Sometimes it feels like you have to apologize for loving your country.
On a personal note, I find that tragic — and yes, very frustrating.
In a moment, I’ll lay out the biblical case for patriotism–or at least honor and loyalty. But please indulge me for a moment as I share my heart. I’m not advocating for a chest-thumping extreme nationalism that boasts with arrogant pride. I certainly am not endorsing any political party. This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about patriotism.
Yes, there are sins in America’s past and present. Of course! Show me a nation where that’s NOT the case!
It’s frustrating that too many people focus on all the bad in our country’s past and present, and ignore the good. People compare the United States to some vague notion they have of their ideal in their minds, but no such utopia exists. Nor has utopia ever existed after the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden!
You can’t compare the United States of America to perfection. You have to compare it with the other nation-states of this fallen world, past and present. When you do that, if your standards of comparison are in any way reasonable or fair, you’ll see that the United States comes out (at least on balance) quite well. Have there been sins? Sure. But think about all the good the United States has done, all that this country has achieved (and in a relatively short time), and all the blessings and prosperity it has offered its citizens (again, in comparison to other nations of the world).
Are there problems? Yes. But there are also blessings.
I really wish we could achieve some balance these days. But balance, nuance, and moderation have been tossed out the window in recent years, and it’s tearing our nation apart.
**See my article: “We Need Moderation in American Politics”**
Ingratitude, bitterness, and hate bring NO VALUE to the table. They only bring toxicity, polarization, and destruction.
If you hate people, you are part of the problem. And if you hate the country in which you live, same thing.
Once the people of a given nation-state lose their sense of patriotism and citizenship, the days of that nation-state are numbered. This is especially the case when people are given over to polarization and hatred. I’m a student of history, and trust me when I say that history bears this out.
Lest I be misunderstood, I’m not saying you have to agree with or endorse everything the government of your nation-state (the one in which you live) says or does. I’m saying you should value your country and not hate it. And your default position should be one of honor, loyalty, and gratitude — to your country (even if you are in disagreement with the civil authorities). If you can’t do that, then I personally believe you should move to a country in which you can do that. And if you can’t find such a country, then maybe the problem is you!
So, having vented my personal feelings on the matter, let me now step back and address this from a pastoral and more biblically grounded perspective…. 🙂
The Bible and the Nation-State
Let’s be clear: The Bible wasn’t written originally to Americans. It wasn’t written originally to Canadians, Brits, Koreans, or Nigerians either. It was written over approximately 1,500 years to people living in the ancient world. Now, the principles are timeless, but we must understand the historical context of the original authors and readers to get at those principles.
Having said that…
In the context of what we’re talking about…
The Bible assumes the existence of nation-states.
It speaks of kings and rulers. It refers to peoples and nations, languages and tribes. It condemns some nations for their actions and praises others. But nowhere in Scripture does God condemn the very concept of national identity or government itself.
In fact, it was God who intentionally spread the people all over the earth by giving them different languages, thus making the formation of tribes, nations, and cultures inevitable. See the Tower of Babel.
The New Testament makes clear that God ordains governments. This was already implicit in the Old Testament. The New Testament makes it explicit. See Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17. Civil government was a gift from God to the human race to help mitigate and deal with the consequences of living in this fallen world. It is a temporary institution in this fallen world until Jesus comes again and reigns Himself!
Citizenship, Honor, and Gratitude
As Christians, we’re ultimately citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). That’s our highest allegiance. But while we live on this earth, we also have responsibilities to the communities and countries in which God has placed us.
Jesus said to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). Peter urged believers to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Paul instructed the Roman Christians to pay taxes, obey laws, and give honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7). And remember—these instructions were given under a pagan, hostile empire.
If the early Christians were expected to honor Nero (who would later execute Paul), surely we can honor the leaders and laws of our own nation—provided they don’t require us to disobey God.
Now, the word “honor” means to value, so neither Paul nor Peter are saying we must agree with the civil authorities. We don’t have to agree with every law or politician. Nor are Peter or Paul saying we can’t speak out. Look at their lives. They both spoke up when they could.
To submit to the higher powers or honor the king (and, remember, in the ancient world, the king was the state) meant that we approach our nation and authorities with humility, respect, and gratitude.
Patriotism Isn’t Idolatry—Unless You Make It That
Some Christians today overcorrect. Because they’ve seen unwise expressions of extreme nationalism, they flinch at any patriotic sentiment. Remember: it’s possible to love your country without worshiping it.
We can be grateful for the blessings we’ve received through our nation. We can honor those who have served and sacrificed. We can participate in civic life. We can celebrate national holidays. And we can pray for our leaders and fellow citizens.
That’s not idolatry. That’s stewardship.
We’re not called to worship America. We’re not called to wrap the cross in red, white, and blue. But we are called to be faithful, grateful citizens who seek to be salt and light in the nation God has placed us.
So this Fourth of July weekend, wave your flag. Enjoy your cookout. Thank a veteran. Sing a hymn and maybe a patriotic song too.
Just make sure your highest praise—and your ultimate loyalty—go to the One who reigns above every nation. And may we always remember…
Every earthly kingdom will one day fall. But His kingdom will never end.
Thank you for Reading!
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Bravo Pastor, a much needed statement and well thought out.
Thank you so much for your writings, and bless you and your wonderful family this 4th of July and always,
Tom