QotD [Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος]

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"'American Christianity' perverts the life and mission of Jesus, because instead of forgiving enemies the state spends billions of dollars to kill them, instead of caring for the poor we villainize them, instead of accepting the foreigner we ban them, and instead of helping the oppressed we further alienate them. While it's clearly possible to be both an American and a Christian, we must realize that the goals of our country's government and those of Christ are rarely the same, and often directly contradict each other." -- Stephen Mattson, "When Patriotism Becomes Idolatry", 2018-01-23

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There are 4 comments on this entry. (Reply.)

There's something wrong with your link. Here's the correct one: https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/patriotism-becomes-idolatry/

There's since been research by a couple of sociologists sorting out what they call Christian Nationalists from Christians. As nearly as I can tell, Christian Nationalists use Christianity as a trademark and an excuse to go after power but have no interest in the actual religion.

https://www.amazon.com/Taking-America-Back-God-Nationalism/dp/0190057882

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Sometimes a spurious carriage return + space get inserted during post-by-email; this time it lsnded in the middle of the URL. Fixed now, thanks. Am off to read your link next.

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I think this part is very much worth posting:

When anyone or anything “attacks” or “disrespects” America or our “American Ideals,” sadly, many churches and faith communities will automatically revert to “Patriotism mode,” singing “God Bless America” while hardly giving a second thought to the countless lives—many of which are fellow believers in Christ, and all of which are made in the Divine image of God—being impacted by our state-sponsored violence and national policies.

All Christians are dual citizens, requiring us to choose which kingdom we’ll ultimately prioritize. Sometimes we must lay down a flag in order to carry a cross.

For the early church, sometimes being a good Christian meant being a bad Roman. So before accusing someone of being unpatriotic, ask which empire they’re serving.
Stephen Mattson, "When Patriotism Becomes Idolatry", 2018-01-23

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