Submitted by MasterMind on
By Brian Orchard
Patriotism, simply defined, is devotion to one’s country. In some nations this devotion is expressed more passionately and openly than in others. But loyalty to one’s homeland is a natural and common emotion. Such patriotic feeling often lies quietly within the breast of a population and may not have a highly visible expression until times of national tragedy or threat. For example, America’s patriotism sat lightly on the sleeves of a citizenry that had come to feel complacently secure within its borders, but it gained massive public display following the national threat perceived by 9/11.
A few social commentators are beginning to record what they observe to be a growing trend of antipatriotism, especially in some of the major Western nations. In his essay “Americans Without Americanness” (prepared for the Bradley Symposium: “Who Are We Today? American Character and Identity in the 21st Century”), the Manhattan Institute’s John McWhorter wrote: “Among a vast proportion of Americans, one of the very defining traits of being an American is to lack pride in being one. One either has no conscious sense of American identity or, if one is given to lending the issue more attention, is ashamed of being American.” The French reaction against the result of the recent presidential election there also indicates changing attitudes toward national political interests. People appear to be becoming less accepting of the constituted political processes that play a part in defining their respective countries.
While antipatriotism is not the approach of the majority, it raises some questions regarding the value and the future of patriotism. Is national devotion something that should be shared by all sectors of the population? Is it healthy that it should become the exclusive domain of particular groups within the community, such as the military, or conservative or fundamentalist elements? To take it further, should those who claim allegiance to God be patriotic?
A patriot is one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests. This love naturally includes a large emotional element—feelings that are expressed or inspired by love for one’s country. Patriotism has traditionally combined heartfelt passion with practical, hands-on contributions to national authority and interest.
Our fathers knew a different kind of patriotism than is evident today. The more formal conduct of a past generation has given way to freedom of expression, generating many changing attitudes, not only at the personal level but also nationally. The earlier formality reflected an overall sense of responsibility and duty, which focused outward toward community and country rather than toward meeting personal needs or the desire for personal comfort. Patriotism generated conduct and behavior that supported the authority and interests of the nation instead of more personal, selfish interests.
Today’s informality bespeaks great changes in the national psyche. Unfortunately, this attitude also seems evident among many who seek positions of authority, making support for that authority even more difficult. We could therefore be forgiven for concluding that patriotism has little bearing on today’s generation. It is becoming a nice sentiment rather than something of substance.
Patriotism of the past contained an element that is worthy of consideration. Love of country generally embraced God as the One who gave us our nations and all the benefits we enjoyed. But we have progressively separated God from country. Patriotism without love toward God is more likely to be devoid of altruism, allowing self-love to overshadow responsibility and duty. Citizens who express reverence and respect toward God would live by a code that guides social and domestic conduct. With such a base, patriotism would gain direction and substance.
The Bible is such a code. It is a book that outlines a way of life that is not controlled or formulated by interest groups, religious denominations or any other man-made factors. Jesus Christ did not teach against patriotism; rather, He gave it context and direction. He taught that His followers were to be subject to the authority of their country. That authority is to be respected and its laws obeyed so long as they do not conflict with His laws. Whatever is Caesar’s is to be paid to Caesar (Matthew 22:21). Jesus’ disciples were to appreciate and respect the national interest in the context of God’s greater purpose.
The apostle Paul reminded the early church to appreciate the physical while maintaining a focus that is beyond the present. He said the church should “pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7, English Standard Version). He also spoke of a spiritual “country” that is beyond this physical realm and said the church should “desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16, ESV). The Bible calls that heavenly country the kingdom of God, and Jesus told His followers to seek first that kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Patriotism is not wrong when it is given this direction.
If patriotism could be channeled first toward God and His “country,” then the result would be greater love and respect for our physical country, and a body of citizens who would be more unified, living more peacefully and experiencing a more positive physical life.
http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/ethics-and-morality/ethics-of-patriotism/2918.aspx