Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"Separating king and country is difficult for modern American Christians to comprehend because too often we incorporate nationalism and patriotism into much of our religious expression, and even our faith. It's not uncommon for churches to celebrate the Fourth of July, adorn their sanctuaries with American flags, and incorporate America and American nationalism into songs of worship. But for the very first followers of Jesus, these types of ideals and symbols would be alarming and even considered blasphemous.

"The challenge for Christians is to simultaneously honor the virtues of sacrifice, service and freedom without idolizing the sin of nationalism, to celebrate bravery without romanticizing violence, and to realize that our salvation comes from the Prince of Peace and not the wars of men."

-- Stephen Mattson, "When Patriotism Becomes Idolatry", 2018-01-23