It is the 4th of July, a time when American patriotism is front and center, and rightly so.
However, I’m concerned that during the other 364 days of the year patriotism has become too cherished by American Christians.
Much has been written about the dangers of an American civil religion, and on the balance I agree, but that is not where I’m headed here. I’m more interested in the impulse than the outcome.
I’m not suggesting Christians shouldn’t love their country, but I do think the patriotism exhibited in the modern American church is born out of a political impulse rather than a Kingdom one. Patriotism (and nationalism) are encouraged by governments because they are necessary to the preservation of the state. They are necessary because if your government goes to war it needs you to be willing to fight, and if necessary, die for it. Continue reading “Patriotism In Perspective”