Saturday, April 10, 2010

Patriotism

Patriotism is a subtle form of paganism.

Rick Frueh circa A.D. 2010

6 comments:

JIBBS said...

Wow. Why did you choose the word "IS" rather than "CAN BE" or something like that?

Rick Frueh said...

Because I am convinced by Scripture that allegiance to a man or a nation or anything but Christ is idolatry. Nationalism, or patriotism, especially in America, has become a stumblingblock to the gospel and has misrepresented America as some righteous conduit for God.

Rick Frueh said...

I am of Denmark; I am of Kenya; I am of America...

Patriotism divides believers. I have no allegiance but to Christ, and my American citizenship is a result of providence, but it holds nothing for me. The American evangelical community continues to hold divided loyalties. One cannot serve two masters.

Obey the government - yes. Love a nation - no.

JIBBS said...

To me it's like saying:

Obey God- yes; love my wife- no.

I just don't see it as either/or. Has patriotism become an idol to many? Absolutely. But is it necessarily a subtle form of paganism? I don't think so. It's a matter of priority.

Anyway, I'd like to hear the argument from Scripture you alluded to if you have time.

Thanks!

Rick Frueh said...

Obey the government? Yes. (As long as they do not conflict with Scripture)

Love the government? Never.

Allegiance to the government? Never.

Illustration:

A believer in country X goes to war for his country against country Y. A believer in country Y goes to war for his country.

Believer X kills believer Y. From the New Testament, how can we conclude that is God's will? America was formed when men killed other men other unfair taxes. If some followed that recipe there would be violence today.

It all hinges on how we view the invisible kingdom of God. Is it of this world or completely seperate.

asterisktom said...

I disagree. I don't think it is subtle.