Patriotism and the Church

Over the long Independence Day weekend, many thoughtful Christian leaders have been posting words of wisdom to help us think carefully about patriotism.  When and how is it fitting, for example, for American Christians to express patriotism?  And when and how do we compromise our first allegiance to Christ the King by such expressions?

As followers of Jesus, we walk a complex path as citizens of two “empires”—the Kingdom of God, and also the particular country in which we now reside this side of heaven.  What does it look like navigate this intricate journey as individual Christians and as a church?

Pastor Kevin DeYoung makes a helpful point in his blog post, “Thank God for the Idea of America.”  He’s responding, it seems, to Christian voices that are very cautious, even negative, when it comes to American patriotism.  De Young states, “I understand the dangers of an unthinking ‘God and country’ mentality, let alone a gospel-less civil religion.  But I also think love of country—like love of family or love of work—is a proximate good.  Patriotism is not beneath the Christian, even for citizens of a superpower.”

Church historian Thomas Kidd takes another angle, encouraging Christians  to exercise discernment as they think back on our nation’s past and as they step forward in these times:  “The United States of Ambivalence:  Celebrating the Founding of Imperfect Liberty.”

John Piper has a couple of recent podcasts that, among other things, help all who profess to be Christians make sure that Jesus Christ is honored first and foremost in our lives:  “Should Patriotism Have a Place in the Church?”, and “How Would You Lead an Overly Patriotic Church?”

May the Lord grant us wisdom and courage as we grapple with these important issues.