Are they only bad if it's the bad guys that have them?
2007-01-02 08:39:19 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Having something that you believe in is not bad. It's when that faith is taken to an extreme that the problems start.
The Nazi's had patriotism but that wasn't a problem until they became fanatical. The same can be true about a faith in God. That faith can strengthen the society as a whole, but when it is driven by fanatics it can be a problem such as the Shiites in Islam.
2007-01-02 08:47:31 · answer #1 · answered by L Strunk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism and faith are both morally wrong, in my opinion.
They both rely upon supporting a conclusion as true, regardless ('my country is right' or 'my belief is right'). Regardless of the facts or evidence would be a fair way to expand that.
In a supposedly enlightened and intelligent age, they are the cause of much ignorance and used as tools for political control.
One should choose the right side based on the right reasons, and not for reasons such as faith or patriotism.
2007-01-02 08:45:20 · answer #2 · answered by Michael 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the second part of your question -
How about faith in Adolf Hitler?
How about faith in the Devil?
How about faith in a God that approves of Slavery?
How about faith in a religion that uses animal Sacrifice?
For the first part of your question -
How about patriotism for Saddam ?
How about patriotism for presidents who start illegal wars ?
How about patriotism like Archie Bunker had ?
How about patriotism for England during the Revolutionary War ?
In other words - blanket statements like faith and patriotism are right or wrong depending on their circumstances, the times and the people who implement them.
2007-01-02 08:45:52 · answer #3 · answered by Alan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism to an exaggerated extent could be bad but in general no - just because you disagree with your government doesn't mean you're unpatriotic.
Carl Sagan said 'real patriots ask questions' (of their government) and talks about how rationality and reason is the best way to help your country - thats in 'the demon haunted world' (and NO its not about satanism...). If poor Carl knew how much worse things were gonna get...
2007-01-02 08:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can also be bad if used as an excuse to force others to do what you want, even by so-called good people like Pentecostal and Southern Baptist leaders
2007-01-02 08:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by judy r 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, yes, and no
It can be bad if the idea behind them is bad.
Do you think that faith in the Muslim fundamentalism we see today in the Iraqi insurgency is good?
2007-01-02 08:43:37 · answer #6 · answered by southswell2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess patriotism can be okay, as long as it is not the same as nationalism which is actually a form of separatism. Any separatism is harmful.
2007-01-02 08:55:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both, but they are worth the risk.
When the bad guys have them, they are dangerous. Be careful when you decide who they are.
2007-01-02 08:54:21 · answer #8 · answered by campadrenalin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loyalty with out a moral compas is always bad.
2007-01-02 08:41:49 · answer #9 · answered by mike g 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
patriotism? no
nationalism? yes
Part of patriotism is being able to criticize and improve that which lacks in your society.
2007-01-02 08:43:14 · answer #10 · answered by Tofu Jesus 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋