Hey Mike,

Can you be patriotic and a Christian? I'm not sure what I think about it. Just thought you could share your thoughts with me.

Thank you for your site,

John

Good question John. I guess it depends on what you mean by "patriotism". If you simply mean an affection for your country - for it's people, it's places, it's nobler ideals, etc., then there's nothing wrong with patriotism.

But if you mean an unwavering, unquestioning devotion to a nation-state, a "my country right or wrong" attitude, or even just swearing of obedience and allegiance to a country or a government, then no, I don't think a Christian can be patriotic. We have a higher allegiance to Christ and his kingdom and cannot serve two masters. To declare that "Jesus is Lord" carries with it the obvious implication that "Caesar is not". As Christians we are not called to be devoted to a nation or a political ideal, but to the values of the kingdom of God, and to serve as a prophetic voice to all rulers and nations, calling them to likewise live up to these values.

As Peter says, we are strangers and aliens in this world. Our citizenship is in a different kingdom.

Hey there Mike. My name is Jeremy. I'm the one in this video on the far right with the camo shirt playing guitar. I assume that you know we were being completely satirical with this song. It's funny how many people will see this video and not only think we are serious but agree with the content.