Ok so these two vices work against each other: Religion can divide a nation, it can also united different nations (opposed to nationalism). Nationalism in fact is the "religion of the state" with it's own values and laws and therefore is obviously opposed to religion.
So if you had to choose, which would you support? Your church or your country?
2006-08-17 07:26:42 · 18 answers · asked by Joquius 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oh and by "church" I mean the general religious institute associated with your faith, whatever it may be.
2006-08-17 07:33:56 · update #1
And nationalism can integrated religion, but where can we find states with a single religion?
2006-08-17 07:37:14 · update #2
MY COUNTRY
2006-08-17 07:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by guilty 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think I would call both of them a vice. Religion can divide a nation, yes. Nationalism can unite a nation but divide the world. Religion can divide the world, divide a nation, but unite people. Manifestly, it depends upon the religion. If the religion - which fundamentally is a system of religious beliefs, attitudes and practices centering around the worship of something or someone - is the one divinely revealed by God, I would choose this over my country. It is natural to love one's country but that, sadly, often translates to "my country, right or wrong." And that would seem to be wrong.
2006-08-17 07:38:27 · answer #2 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since several of todays religions have been around for thousands of years, it would seem that humans have shown more support for faith over ideology.
Personally, I would adhere to my faith, my religion.
The Roman Empire lasted only a few hundred years (44 BCE
Yet, Judaism (starting with the patriarchal period, beginning with Abraham) started around 1800 BCE and while not the biggest religious group (it is 12th), it still is going strong.
At least from a moral, ethical standpoint, religion has a lot more to offer that some government run by humans.
2006-08-17 07:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by docscholl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both concepts are to unite men and societies. Religion to unite people of similar beliefs while Nationalism unites inhabitants of a given land with geographical boundaries. Religion if followed in true sense lets a man imbibe good values and gives him great deal of peace and happiness. Nationalism gives sense of pride and unites people to achieve what was not possible for those divided. History is replete with examples where both these concepts have lead to wars,conflicts, bloodshed, destruction of valuable resources and brought untold suffering to people. There is today concept of a Secular State where in religion is the personal belief of its people and state will have nothing to do with religion. This concept is workable in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society and is prevalent in many nations. Therefore my choice is both ie a Secular State.
2006-08-17 07:53:39 · answer #4 · answered by openpsychy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im a christian first off so you would expect me to say my church. But im not sure that thats the best way to put it either. I go to church to Worship God and to spend time in fellowship with other believers ...but before all of that comes my personal relationship with Jesus. When religion gets in teh way and becomes all about the rituals and begins tearing things apart..like a country then thats not something i want to take part in. I serve God and because i do certain things fall into place like the way i act or beileve about certain things ...but in the end i follow God and then the church
2006-08-17 07:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by my_jelly_bellys 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Church -- but, thankfully, I seriously doubt I'll ever have to make this choice.
There have been lots of people in other countries, though, who have chosen their faith in Christ over the government's official banning of religion -- often at the cost of their freedom and even their lives.
2006-08-17 07:31:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think religion and nationalism necessarily have to be in conflict. Indeed, the values and laws of nationalism could also incorporate religious values.
2006-08-17 07:34:54 · answer #7 · answered by Sick Puppy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I think some people would prefer "Religious Nationalism", which I think is VERY scary. Since I'm not religious I would support my country IF I agreed with whatever it is I'm supposed to support. I don't believe in blind allegiance.
2006-08-17 07:33:58 · answer #8 · answered by carpediem 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The order should be
God
Christ
Country
If the country is against the other two then I am against the country
2006-08-17 08:21:40 · answer #9 · answered by Grandreal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would support God, as revealed in the Bible, over country. I don't have an answer between country and church.
2006-08-17 07:34:18 · answer #10 · answered by Guvo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does supporting your country include raising taxes to a point where government spending is fully supported?
2006-08-17 07:33:10 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋