Kevin DeYoung has written a insightful blog, Thinking Theologically About Memorial Day, that I found helpful when it comes to balancing being a citizen of Heaven while simultaneously being a responsible citizen of the United States of America.
About Dan Miller
Pastor Dan was part of the core group that started Grace Fellowship in 2003. Pastor Dan is our primary teaching pastor, leads the staff, and oversees the vision and strategy for our disciplemaking philosophy of ministry. Dan married Vicki in 1993. Together, they enjoy their seven children – Benjamin (married to Courtney), David, Alexa, Zachary (married to Ginna), Nathan, Ana, and Autumn, along with one grandchild - Lucy.
Thanks for posting this link. I disagree with #3 though. I see a huge difference from simply “obeying government authorities” and the the patriotic fervor which some people hold dear. To me, I see a greater allegiance for “this country and what it stands for” than I do to Christ. I’ve been to a Memorial Day church service with a 500 foot flag, and all the songs of Americana, and it was actually scary because if the excited frenzy that ensued. It saddened me to see how worked up and swept away people got “in this country” yet I’d never seen a service like that to spread the Gospel or proclaim Christ’s Lordship over ALL. Please don’t misunderstand me- I’m thankful for all those who have fought to protect my freedoms, but I personally have a conscientious objection to waving a banner of pride for this country with the same or greater fervor than the banner we should wave for Christ.
Taaryn, thanks for your comment. I agree that there are times in which a church can lose its balance in the effort to promote patriotism. While it is a tough balance to maintain, I believe there are two keys in balancing the worship of God with a patriotism for our Country. First, is the need to ask hard questions regarding why we are grateful for America. This is where personal reflection and examination is critical Second, do our personal expressions of being grateful find there way back to the grace of God in an expression of worship? If a church divorces the achievements of our Country from the grace of God then we can be sure that the balance of worship and patriotism is not being maintained. Rightly understood, true patriotism should find its roots in the worship of God. The situation you mention seem to me to be more of an expression of worship of a Country in the place of God. Idolatry has many faces.
I think true and appropriate patriotism wants what’s best for the nation – even (perhaps especially) when what’s best is for the nation to be confronted with its sins and asked to repent.
Just as we don’t love individuals by overlooking or glossing over their sin, we don’t truly love our country that way either. ‘My country right or wrong’ is not only not a Christian sentiment it’s not very patriotic either.
As to the author’s first point, the “worshiping throng” described in Rev 7:9 is showing that God has saved people from all nations, not just the Jews. I’m not comfortable with making this text a reason to hold onto earthly citizenship. It’s not talking about how a person lives within an earthly nation, but describing how we will live as a heavenly people.
I have trouble accepting all that the author states in his third point, also. I must not be part of “most Christians” because personally, I’ve never understood the 5th commandment to have anything to do with “all those in authority over you”. It seems clear to be talking about parents.
I like what Larry said.
For what it is worth, I left a comment on the above mentioned blog.
I am going to be preaching on this subject (Should a Christian be a Patriot?) tomorrow. It has been interesting reading what so many people think, but also sad. It has been sad in so many different ways. It has been sad especially in the fact that so many people are willing to throw this nation under the proverbial bus out of guilt. One person has even said that we should not say “God bless America,” because that is unfair to other countries. ????
I believe America is only what it is by the grace of our sovereign God. Since He has had a hand in it’s creation and influence, I see nothing wrong with giving God praise for what He has done, while at the same time calling American Christians back to the founding truths at the heart of our founding ideals.