Can you be Christian and patriotic?

Question

(A reposting of the fantastic question by Thrasymachus that got taken down).

Given this nation's extremely terrible history of supporting dictatorships and leaders who allowed all sorts of human rights violations, when it served their purpose, and given our nation's trampling of the poor in the pursuit of money for a few limited corporation leaders, and given the disastrous handling of the earth and other nations such as Iraq by the current administration,
can a Christian reconcile their faith and the path they must walk with American patriotism?

Answer 1

It's weird how this issue triggers exactly the same sort of responses the second time around. Except this time we get a funny from a guy who thinks the US Constitution is trinitarian instead of a guy ranting about albigensians being murdered in the middle ages. It's kind of discouraging.

As for the second invitation to leave the country: thanks, I already accepted.

For me, this question is really, how should we as Christians respond to systematic institutional evil? What do we do when we're surrounded by extraordinary violence, worship of money, pervavise corruption? Answering this question requires some understanding of the dynamics of evil as well as the reasons people refuse to admit its presence. It also requires an honest assessment of the demands Jesus makes on his followers, and the kind of universe Jesus lived in, the kind of universe his words and life create for his followers.

I don't have the definitive answer to this question, because I haven't been able to come to conclusions about many of those issues. But at a more basic level, there are some simple realities that I think can't be denied:

1. Jesus was not violent and he didn't advocate violence in his followers. His message was above all that the greatest victory comes through the greatest nonviolence. So: Jesus' followers should strive to live a nonviolent lifestyle.

2. Jesus was not rich and didn't advocate money-seeking in his followers. He warned strongly about the dangers of wealth, though he never went so far as to condemn it categorically. So: be satisfied with what you have; don't seek wealth; share generously; live simply.

3. Jesus placed his father above every idol, every principality and power, every institution. He was not 'patriotic' with regard to either Israel or Rome; and in the end both Israel and Rome conspired to crucify him. But even so, he was no firebrand advocating revolution either -- recall his nonviolence. The same is true of his followers: they should withdraw their patriotic allegiance from their nations and transfer that allegiance to God. This implies that they should also open their eyes to the realities of what the powers of this world are and do -- and resist them.

I wish I could learn these lessons myself. In 1976 during the bicentennial celebrations, Dorothy Day was asked if she had a message to give America.

Her one word reply: 'Repent.'

Answer 2

Most Definately!
Patriotism comes from pride in being an American. Being an American means many things like our rights and freedoms and priviledges. No country is perfect. If you live in American and were born in America, you are an American and you have every right to be patriotic about a place where you can be involved in helping to fix the screwed up things about this place. You can acutually speak up about what things need to be fixed where as in many other countries you can be jailed for such a thing. This country was founded on Christian principles. Unfortunately those principles have been blurred through the years but this is still a Christian Nation and any Nation that embraces Jesus as the Christ is worthy of your Patriotism. So go 'head on and pledge your allegiance and God Bless America. One day this country will become something we all can be proud of.

Answer 3

Wow, right out of the liberal play book. America and Americans are the most generous people in the world, with their time and resources. Have we made diplomatic mistakes? Sure, what country hasn't? What country is the first in when a natural disaster strikes in any country? We are. Trampling the poor?? Please, spare me the sacrosanct idea that those who are well off got there by stepping on the little guy. That is simply not true. And, ask a citizen of Iraq or a soldier who has fought there whether it was worth the effort and if it is a disaster. Stop listening to the liberal talking points and engage your brain in some facts.
I am patriotic. I believe in the American ideals of freedom, justice and rights given by God. Ideals set forth by our founding fathers and protected by brave men and women who shed their blood so you could freely spew this dribble. If you can find a better place to live, go, please, we will help you pack.

Answer 4

If you can find a way to link the definition of the word patriotism to "helping the poor" I might say yes. But as the world stands I would say no.

Answer 5

Huh?
This country ws founded on Biblical principles by Godly men who wanted freedoms they did not have in England.
I am amazed at how people do not know this - study some history... read George Washington's writings, or Madison's, or John Adams. 90% of the Constitution's signers were believing, practicing Christians. Our laws are based on Biblical laws - our government is in three parts because the founders believed in a triune God.
We love our country BECAUSE it is founded and based on Godly principles and faith - you know, In God We Trust... One Nation Under God We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are CREATED equal, endowed by their Creator.

Patriotism in the USA and being a Christian are completely intertwined. You are way off track.
Stop being negative and learn about the great things of your country.

Answer 6

AS THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT DRAWS HIGH IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT. NOT IMPOSSIBLE JUST MORE DIFFICULT. NOT LIKE 200 YEARS AGO WHEN TYRANNY AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATIONS WERE THE LAW, WHEN THE DECISION WAS THAT OF FREEDOM TO WORSHIP GOD OUR FATHER WAS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR, THE MOTIVATING FACTOR. NOW ITS THE RICH GET RICHER AND THE DOORWAY TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER IS BEING PROPED OPEN BY EVERY PUPPET ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. BUT, ALAS, THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS AND THE SCENARIO AS WE SEE IT , IS TO BE EXPECTED. HOPE THIS HELPS TO CLEAR UP THE CLOUDS.


GOD BLESS

Answer 7

I personally cant. Its not anything to do with my church or up bringing, Im just not patriotic. I certainly dont want us blown up and I dont dis soldiers but I dont find this country very christian or moral. Im moving to NZ next year, I think I'll be happier there.

Answer 8

I am a Christian and a Patriot.

I also bear arms with a unrestricted concealed carry pistol permit. I fly the flag and served 12 years in the US Army only to leave to become a cop.

Answer 9

We are told to in the Bible to remain faithful where God has put us. That means we are to be patriotic, and pray for our leadership whether you agree with them or not. Unless they are clearly breaking Gods laws.

Answer 10

Your country is run by Christians. Your laws are based on Christian values. I don't see how you can be one without being the other.