Patriotism is a complicated subject. Perhaps you have a settled understanding in your mind of the concept, but ask someone else and you may be surprised at the differing considerations. Some have told me it is a valuation of country that supersedes other priorities; others have insinuated that it concerns the people of the country more than the country itself. Some emphasize the kinds of feelings that accompany their patriotism, while others look at the ways it has been expressed by different people. Very few define its fundamentals or offer direct Scriptural support, without which it is left as too subjective a concept for me to be comfortable with. The most basic definition I can find is “love of one’s country,” and while this leaves much to be desired, it at least provides a stable starting point.
A country or nation is composed of parts or aspects that are subsequently used to define it. Such aspects as culture and government are subject to change over time; founding values are less subjective, but may not align with the majority of the modern populace. Some self-proclaimed patriots set themselves against their culture or government, declaring them at odds with the nation’s “defining values.” These figures are often judged as heroes or villains according to the context of their situations rather than the form of the claim itself, maintaining the ambiguity of its ethical status. If patriotism is founded in such values, then it comes into question whether loyalty to the nation is involved at all. If, on the other hand, a patriot is defined by his loyalty, then it must lose its moral status in favor of an ethical one.
The Bible does not seem to contain direct reference to the concept of patriotism. In relation to government, the Old Testament focuses on God’s Providence over the rise and fall of nations, with the people of Israel privileged as “chosen” to represent Him to the world (Job 12:23, Genesis 12:2-3). The New Testament seems to relegate consideration of political power to its function as the enactor of justice (Romans 13:3-4); however, foundational to this principle is the underlying concept of authority, as specified in Romans 13:1 – Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Theoretically, this encourages loyalty towards neither a nation nor its values, but rather toward the Ultimate Progenitor of authority. Alternatively, we might consider Christ’s declaration to Pilot in John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world.”
America has prided itself as a nation that prioritizes values over culture. Our founding principles put great emphasis on liberty to live according to conscience, within the context of a primarily Biblical culture. Over time, people of other nations were encouraged to enjoin themselves to this culture while retaining the compatible aspects of their own, resulting in what we’ve termed “the melting pot.” In theory, the underlying ethics from the nation’s origins provided a foundation for consistency in incorporation. But as society has gradually dispensed with these values, the culture has become more tumultuous, and national identity increasingly ambiguous. I wonder whether it isn’t better to focus our loyalties toward the Higher Kingdom, and have honor for the country be contingent upon its love for the Lord?
For now, I do not claim to be settled on this matter; I pray God may bring clarity to me, and extend grace in the meantime as I attempt to understand His will for patriotism.
Be honorable. TTT