In discussing my post on Hugo Chavez and Jesus, a friend of mine defended the term nationalism, saying that it merely meant “having loyalty and devotion for….” He went on to speak of his loyalty and devotion for the Tennessee Vols and for his family. My friend asked if there was anything wrong with that.
I responded:
“Obviously, loyalty and devotion can run on different levels. The difference between what you feel for the Vols and what you feel for your family is great. One is relatively superficial, while the other reaches to the core of your being. You would probably be willing to die for your family, but I doubt you’d be as quick to die for the Vols.
“But let’s follow that line of thinking. How would you feel about singing the Tennessee fight song and school song during a church service (Aren’t there some hymnals that have “Rocky Top” in them)? Have church members prepare care packages for the athletes? Have regular prayers for “our Vols”? Hang a University of Tennessee banner in the front of the auditorium? Does any of that seem out of place?
“What if you did the same with pictures of your family? Sang songs praising your family? Regularly asked all of the church members to pray prayers of thanks for your family, “the greatest family in the world”?
“Those sorts of things happen in churches around the United States, not out of loyalty and devotion to the Vols or your family, but out of nationalism. That’s the scary thing to me.”
What do you think? Would asking everyone in a congregation to share in a show of devotion for my family or for my sports team be out of place during a church service? If so, why do we not find similar displays of nationalism to be out of place?
Yesterday I discussed the meaning of the term “allegiance.” In its most literal form, it refers to lordship. A man can’t serve two lords. Nationalism and Christianity do not mix.
Believe it or not, I could hardly believe it myself. I heard a young preacher say, “I know the Cowboys play today, so I will make it short” I don’t believe he was kidding.
It is plain and simple…when nationalism occurs, the values and practices of the nation become ‘baptized’ as Christian and thereby cannot be wrong. This is a subtle but deadly form of idolatry.
Grace and peace,
Rex
I love this quote from “The Great Divorce,” by C.S. Lewis:
There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him. And the higher and mightier it is in the natural order, the more demonic it will be if it rebels. It’s not out of bad mice or bad fleas you make demons, but out of bad archangels. The false religion of lust is baser than the false religion of mother-love or patriotism or art: but lust is less likely to be made into a religion.
Interesting – something I’ve never really thought about. I’ve sung, “God Bless America” during church and felt it very appropriate. At the time, it was more of a thanks for what we have. My nephew, a Marine, has decided that he is willing to die for this country. However, if (maybe when, according to history) this country falters, my faith will not be altered. God is still my priority. Is that what you’re saying or have I totally misconstrued this article? I believe that our country was/is a gift, but just like any gift should be appreciated and cared for not worshiped. btw – I wouldn’t ask Carl Feril what his opinion on playing the Texas fight song would be!?! Thanks for this.
“Nationalism and Christianity do not mix.” Amen, brother. Preach it.
I would certainly be opposed to songs of worship to the vols. However, make it the Alabama Crimson Tide and then I would be all for it!!! :)
Good thoughts, Tim. As always.
We do have a song at our church called “Forever King” but it’s sung to the music of “Sweet Home, Alabama.” Had friends from the south visiting last year and the praise band opened with that song. They thought they’d died and gone to heaven!