How?
What's your faith and country?
2006-09-12 09:50:50 · 16 answers · asked by carl 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No.
My faith is in Jesus Christ. And my country is the USA. Would I lay down my life for my country? Yes. Would I lay down my life for Jesus- definitely.
2006-09-12 09:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by IN Atlanta 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Peter Jennings spoke quite a bit about the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism can spin into the stuff of zealotry, and nationalism accepts criticism of a nation, or the ideas of its people, or the placing of other nations on par with your own. The feeling that we must destroy all other nations in order to promote our own, or that we can have no tolerance for a way of life that we are unfamiliar with is a dangerous one. If this is patriotism, then it is not a religious virtue, it is a twisting of ideas to attain power.
My faith is in God, no matter what names he goes by. I think Jesus was very, very wise, but every example of him that I read spoke of him including those who the world scorned; outcasts, prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers. If he were here today, I think that he would be homeless by choice, and probably dirty, on the streets healing the drug dealers and the aids babies. I think that many, many people who swear everything in his name would be repulsed by the sight (and probably the smell) of him, and would turn away from him if he asked for their help.
I think that anyone who uses god as an excuse to exclude or to punish/destroy/harm anyone else has missed the point entirely.
My nation? Although there are many things of which I am not proud lately, I am an American.
2006-09-12 17:05:16 · answer #2 · answered by borealtroll 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Canadian, immigrated from Germany in 1961 with my family. Growing up in Hitlers regime I learned that patriotism means in essence to believe that all "others" are inferiour or bad unless they agree with OUR ideology.
So, NO! I don't consider patriotism to be a religious virtue.
As a Christian I believe that every citizen of our planet is my "neighbour", and I should treat them as I would have "them" treat me and my family.
Canada is a pretty tollerant country, not perfect but relatively "good". My greatest fear is that the "patriotism" of our neighbour to the South may spill over into Canada!
2006-09-12 17:11:43 · answer #3 · answered by fresch2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. In fact, patriotism should never override your religion. I will only follow the laws of this land as far as my religious convictions will allow. My faith is Christianity and my country is the United States.
2006-09-12 16:54:29 · answer #4 · answered by Cybeq 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bible based religions generally require adherents to support their rulers (government).
Those who claim their religion does not require patriotism do not follow the bible, or have never actually read it.
Constantine & King James did not promote a book that allowed individual freedom. Neither did Jewish rabbis or Muslim leaders.
2006-09-12 16:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Patriotism has NOTHING to do with any religious following.
2006-09-12 16:54:45 · answer #6 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism has nothing to do with religion. I am a Patriotic American Christian, but if I weren't a christian I would still be a Patriotic American. God Bless You.
2006-09-12 16:53:45 · answer #7 · answered by Blessed 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, I am not religious yet am very patriotic of my country. USA.
2006-09-12 16:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by John B 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am Christian and unlike liberals, I love the USA! I don't cheer when our troops die, dance in the streets when our country is attacked, or dishonor or great president unlike the liberals! However, my first loyalty is to Christ and the USA be damded if they do anything against Christ like legalize gay marraige!
2006-09-12 16:56:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. Religious virtue would teach being good to mankind, not just your own people. I am Catholic and American.
2006-09-12 16:54:53 · answer #10 · answered by Robin F 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋