Is Patriotism an Idol?

My “question of the week” is late coming, just getting back into routine after a weekend spent camping. But the question in the title has been resonating in the back of my mind since I read these blogs from Relevant and Sojourners before I left on Friday. A counter-argument, so to speak, was posted at SoJo this morning.

So I’m throwing the question out to you, the reader. Is patriotism an idol?

Some additional thoughts from past blog posts can be found here, here, and here. And for some humor, check out JesusNeedsNewPR’s Jesus Pictures of the Day.

Please keep the debate respectful.

5 thoughts on “Is Patriotism an Idol?

  • July 7, 2010 at 12:35 am
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    Thanks, Duane. I agree but there's arguably a large grey area before it gets to that point. I think both extremes are wrong. To me, and I thank my friend Dave for making this point on Facebook, is that patriotism is an expression of gratitude for the blessings I just happen to enjoy living in this country (He determines the times and exact places we should live…)

  • July 7, 2010 at 12:38 am
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    Huh, only one comment here and one on Facebook. There were 1400 comments (I kid you not) at the time I linked to Relevant. I guess being controversial is not one of my strengths, lol.

  • July 8, 2010 at 1:27 pm
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    I echo Duane's thoughts on this Frank.

    Mark Batterson refers to our society as "sophistocated idolators," meaning that most of the stuff we turn into idols are not all that bad…in the beginning…I think Patriotism fits right into that. It is a great thing until it supercedes God.

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