I do not believe in Christian nationalism. But I do believe that faithful Christians can be patriotic citizens. On Independence Day, many Christians will assemble to celebrate our great country. To properly love one’s homeland is by no means immoral. So, I offer a few ways faithful Christians can demonstrate love of country.
Celebrate the principles that make the USA exceptional. The founding documents of the United States are remarkable. Notions we take for granted today – human liberty and equality – were so radical in 1776 that they provoked the Revolutionary War. There is a reason it was called revolutionary. Our mode of self-government and the inalienable rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution should be celebrated and preserved for succeeding generations. The United States has been the model of democracy throughout the world. There is a reason that millions of people want to make the USA their home.
Confess national sins and injustice. National repentance is always in order (2 Chronicles 7:14). We must not forget the dark periods of our history, those times we failed to live according to our most basic principles. We must tell the stories of the oppressed. We must remember the evil of slavery and the oppression of Native Americans. We should honor those courageous voices that have challenged us to be faithful to our national creeds.
Pursue liberty and justice for all. The struggle for justice never ends. We must do more than acknowledge past injustices, we must recognize continuing systemic injustices. We must be diligent in the struggle for liberty and justice so that every citizen has equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Love your neighbor. We don’t always agree. Our national debate has always been passionate. Our political opponents are not our enemies, they are our fellow citizens. We must protect their freedoms by promoting a civility in which everyone sits at a common table to continue the national conversation. In the words of Jesus, we must “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). We are a national family and we should seek unity in spite of differences.
Resist the temptation of nationalism. The problem with nationalism is that it too often fails to consider the legitimate needs and interest of other nations and peoples. Nationalism often promotes myths that become political propaganda used to oppress others. A great nation must always understand the limits of power. Patriotism should never become idolatry.
Pray daily for all those in authority. Prayer acknowledges that God is the only sovereign ruler in the earth. Prayer promotes peace and goodwill. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on the earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6: 10).
The founders of our nation understood that the USA was an experiment; they set in order a system of government that would strive to form “a more perfect union.” They understood all too well the demons associated with human power and appealed to the better angels of human nature. Some were profoundly devoted to Christ, some were committed to the principles of the Enlightenment. Most were a complicated mixture of the two. But they found a way to make it work. Even though I am aware of the dark periods of our history, those seasons in which the demons prevailed; I celebrate the hope of our founders – that the better angels will prevail.
