Since nationalism to a great extent is just like a religious feeling
There are similarities, and the most "patriotic" Americans, by the standard flag-waving definition, also tend to be more religious. I live in the bible belt, and there are "patriotic" yard signs all over.
My problem is this: "Patriotism" is national pride. And pride is a sin, one of the "7 Deadly Sins," as I know from watching the movie Seven.
One of the consistent themes of the Bible, both OT and new, is humility. Moses was "the most humble man in all of Egypt"
1 Corinthians 2:6
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
Mark 12:38
As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.
religiousleft.bmgbiz.net
Patriotism and Christianity have become so closely tied in this country that an outside observer might think that patriotism is a Christian value and not the sin of pride (imho). |
