Among the exceptional speakers we have had at General Synod, Rev. Jennifer Butler was one of the best. She spoke to her work in numerous ways that has focused on Christian Nationalism and the struggle we have had in recent years over its definition and use. It may seem like semantics, but words matter; Christian Nationalism is a destructive movement that has been with us for thousands of years. It is not the same as Patriotism. Christian Nationalism not only believes in theocracy, at some level, but also believes that other nations and religions are inferior. Patriotism is love of country that leads one to support, defend, and cherish the nation of one’s birth with both humility and pride. Nationalism tries to narrowly define what it means to belong. There are other forms of religious nationalism as well, and they are equally destructive. The Nazis were Nationalists. Americans should not be.
I love my country, and even now, I would rather live here than any other place. As a patriot, I also understand that other people from other nations feel the same way about their homes, and for me to believe that they are inferior or delusional is arrogant and condescending. Whenever I watch the Olympics, I am struck by how much others love the lands of their birth; I appreciate their sense of patriotism and pride in their nations. Nationalism cannot see its own faults; patriotism recognizes its own need for improvement. Religious Nationalism looks down its nose at other faiths, considering those religious flavors to be not just be less than theirs, but completely wrong. As a Christian, I choose to believe in God manifested in the person of Jesus, but this does not mean that other faiths do not have truth as well.
Nationalism is destructive in its exclusivity, while Patriotism is about diverse people working towards a common goal that improves life for everyone. Nationalism tries to restrict the rights of others; Patriotism asks every person to do their part. If we want to make this country better, we have to welcome diversity and promote equality. To do otherwise goes against our greatest hopes and dreams. Because Patriotism is beautiful; Nationalism is ugly. I choose the first.
Prayer – Holy God, we love You and we love our country. Help us to respect others as they do the same. Amen.
Today’s art is a cartoon from 1947 – Superman was pretty woke, even then.