RE: Is Patriotism Biblical?
About confusing patriotism for righteousness, you missed my point entirely. Patriotism, as in the love for one's country, is not the same as a nation being generally righteous. Your article is about how Christians should be patriotic, not about whether the nation is righteous.
Further, you seem to be missing the fundamental point I'm making entirely. The point is that there is no connection to nations states and the Kingdom of God. There is no sense in which love for a nation is needed, or a benefit to a walk with Jesus.
What do you think Jesus would think about a drone strike on a Pakistani wedding party because there might be a suspected terrorist at the wedding?
I did read your article, but I don't think you are understanding my point at all. Take this quote, you say
"I am convinced that you didn't even read the article.... I never stated that we must support ungodly things. I even addressed the situation with Daniel."
This shows you are missing my point entirely because to support a state government that acts ungodly is to support ungodly things. I am trying to tell you that the state is ungodly!
I can tell this is a thought you don't like by the "high horse" comment and your assumption that I'm politically driven, but you're incorrect. Really, I'm talking about what the bible actually says. I'm not going to carpet bomb verses for you, but the "Nations" is a whole theme running through the Old Testament. God was working His plan of salvation out through Israel because of the promises to Abraham. Jesus fulfilled those promises, so now God doesn't deal with people as nations anymore. We are either "in Christ" of we aren't.
This isn't some pie in the sky idea. We are the people of God. We are the new Kingdom of Priests. That means our political allegiences are to our King.
I certainly do NOT think that American Christians are wasting their time praying. I totally believe in the power of prayer. You have again gotten angry because you misunderstood me. Again, it is Patriotism, which is a love of and support for one's country, that I am saying are not compatible with Christianity. No state could ever be good if run by men, unless the man is Jesus.
Fortunately for us, He Lives!
Garthfreeman, you didn't even read the article, and I didn't miss your point at all. I responded to each point individually. Next time read the actual post before responding. If you have a view you want to share, write your own article, don't hijack someone else's.
You've been answered point by point. So kindly, drop it.
I actually love discussing actual points, especially when the points are based on the actual subject of the article and scriptures are discussed. I'm not interested in opinions.
Well, you are still not getting my point. I did read the article and I explained how you have misinterpreted what I said.
If you don't want comments on your posts then what is the point? Are you just wanting a slap on the back? What good is that. You posted an article trying to encourage Christians to be patriotic. I think that is leading them into danger, and love of the state is love that should be diverted to Jesus. I'm sorry, but if you post in a public forum I don't see what the problem is. If you were standing on the street corner preaching about Allah I would confront you then as well.
You never addressed my point, the main one, which is that the state is evil and supporting an evil state is counter to the Kingdom of God.
Did you know that nobody likes to be told to drop it?
I don't think you like discussing points at all. In fact, I'm picking up a bit of hostility from you. Nevertheless, I did make points. My question about you reading the Old Testament was rhetorical: I gave you the benefit of the doubt without splashing a bunch of verses in your face.
You know, most of what we know or think we know is really just opinions.
Take care!
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