Danny Linden has preached for the Northside church of Christ in Del Rio, TX, since January 2014. Previously, he participated in a preacher training program with Steven J. Wallace at the Indiana Ave. congregation in Lubbock, TX. He can be reached at danny@dannylinden.com.

In the minds of many, patriotism is as important as religious faith, or nearly so. While we certainly are blessed to live in America, where we enjoy freedoms that not everyone in the world possesses, patriotism can potentially take an improper place in our lives.

Defining Terms

There are three distinct terms that we’ll use in this discussion: patriotism, nationalism, and politics. Patriotism is defined as “love or devotion to one’s own country.” Nationalism takes this one step further: “a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country, often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries; placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interest as opposed to those other nations” (Merriam-Webster). Finally, politics is defined as “the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power” (Oxford Dictionary). Put in plain terms, we might say that patriotism is loving your country, nationalism is believing that your country is superior to others, and politics is actively working to advance an agenda in government.

Should a Christian Be Patriotic?

In the New Testament, the focus of the Christian’s relationship with his country is placed in his obedience to the government. Romans 13:1-7 is the primary passage to consider. Paul commands the Christians in Rome to be “subject to the governing authorities” and makes clear that Caesar’s authority came from God Himself (see vv. 1, 4). This is despite the fact that the current Caesar was Nero, who is infamous even today for his great wickedness and especially for his hatred of Christians. Nevertheless, God’s will remained that they be subject, pay their taxes and customs, and give the appropriate fear and honor due the position. Importantly, this was not just to avoid angering Caesar – verse 5 says, “you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” Their conscience would be satisfied when they obeyed Caesar because they would be obeying God as well. Of course this did not give them an excuse to ignore a command of God when Caesar required it. The chain of command is obvious, and God’s word supersedes any man. This exception isn’t noted in Romans 13, though, because it should be obvious to them. Paul was instructing them to do what was more difficult to stomach – obey a leader who was not righteous and did not wish them well. The same direction is given to us today. We may rarely agree with our leaders, and they may even enact laws that are not righteous, but we still have a duty to obey and honor them because of the positions God has placed them in.

We can add to our understanding of this subject by reading 1 Timothy 2:1-4. It is good and right to pray for our leaders, even publicly in the assembly. Many times we pray for the government not to interfere with our worship, but this passage is about more than that. Verse 1 explains the different types of prayers that we should offer for all men, including for “kings and all who are in authority” – supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks. I can honestly say I have not heard many prayers of thanksgiving about governmental leaders led in our worship services, if ever! Yet, Judges 21:25 shows the danger of anarchy: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” If you know your Bible, you know that this was not one of the highlights of Israel’s history. Though our leaders certainly have their faults, we ought to be thankful that we live in a land governed by laws, and God would have us pray for our leaders to have wisdom and discretion.

When we examine these passages, it becomes evident that to God, patriotism is less about barbecues, firecrackers, and flags (though obviously none of these things is sinful) and more about the proper recognition of authority. One might draw a comparison to the difference between worldly love and agape. Neither love nor patriotism, as the world understands them, are dismissed out of hand in the Bible, but they are given a deeper meaning with greater responsibility for those who would claim them.

The Problem with Nationalism

Going back to our earlier definition, nationalism is a more extreme form of patriotism. A nationalist does not merely love his country; he elevates it, sometimes inappropriately, beyond personal preference. One may possess this belief for many reasons, but for some, it is due to an inaccurate belief that America is God’s chosen nation. The attitude is certainly present in our larger culture. Consider what Mitt Romney said in an interview back in 2012: “God did not create this country to be a nation of followers. America must lead the world, or someone else will.”¹ This isn’t intended to be a comment specifically on Mr. Romney, as he is far from alone in this belief. It has gone by a variety of names: “manifest destiny” in the 19th century and “American exceptionalism” in more recent years. America’s place in the world is debated by men and women far more knowledgeable in these matters than I, but what is evident to me is that the Bible gives no reason to believe that God has chosen America as His special nation. Sadly, when some Christians proclaim that we as Americans are God’s chosen people or that we are a uniquely Christian nation, they have fallen victim to this type thinking. God’s chosen people are not a part of any one country. They are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). In other words, God’s chosen people are the church, the body of the saved.

May a Christian be Active in Politics?

Sometimes the question comes up whether a Christian is permitted to be active politically, whether that be voting, participating in demonstrations, or holding public office. Although the views of many are swayed by their own negative attitudes toward the government, we have already seen from Romans 13 that God has established government as a good and proper institution. With a few common-sense caveats, the Bible offers no condemnation for political participation. Our obedience and attitude are already regulated in Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2; beyond this, it is a matter of individual judgment whether we should be further involved and to what degree. No other part of God’s law has changed, though! We must avoid other pitfalls that are addressed elsewhere: violence, rebellious speech and actions, corruption, and even the elevation of politics into idolatry. With these guidelines, the Christian may safely be active in politics if he so chooses.

Endnotes

¹ Cox, Chris. (2012, September 11). NRA’s Chris Cox goes one on one with Governor Mitt Romney. Retrieved August 19, 2016, from http://dailycaller.com/2012/09/11/one-on-one-with-governor-mitt-romney/