Faith and Patriotism

In August 1914, the British army faced off against the Germans at Mons, Belgium.

Though outnumbered, the Brits unexpectedly triumphed over the Germans.

What made this victory possible?

Angels dressed as 15th century British knights, of course.

The Angels of Mons

The above story is known as the “Angels of Mons” and is a good example of how World War I mixed patriotism with faith.

To quote the American evangelist Billy Sunday, “Christianity and Patriotism are synonymous terms.” And not only that but “hell and traitors are [also] synonymous.” 

To be German was to be Christian, to be British was to be Christian, and to be American was to be Christian. 

But to be German was also to be a traitor, same with being British and American…

What’s clear to us now is that these soldiers weren’t so much fighting for a universal Christianity as they were their country’s version of the faith.

The American Church told its members that it was their responsibility to go to Europe, take up arms, and shoot and kill Germans. 

Why? 

Because the USA was fighting for God, and the Germans were against Him.

Naturally, the Germans saw things differently. 

(I’m not defending one country over another. I’m just trying to say that each nation used Christianity to mobilize people to fight in the name of a just, Christian cause.)

It makes you wonder, is it even possible to maintain a healthy faith and love of country at the same time?

Citizens of Heaven

I’m an American, grateful to have been born and raised there and honored to call myself one of the USA’s native sons.

But this patriotism doesn’t mean I blindly accept everything my country does.

Especially this decade, I’ve found quite a bit to be critical of.

As the philosopher Emma Goldman said:

“I for one cannot believe that love of one’s country must needs consist in blindness to its social faults, in deafness to its social discords, in inarticulation of its social wrongs.” 

Amen.

I love my country but my love for the teachings and person of Jesus is greater.

I hope it never happens, but if my country demanded that I do something contrary to the Way of Jesus, I'd resist it (only by God's grace).

I don’t say this to undermine patriotism. 

Each nation brings something diverse to the table, a diversity that echoes God’s creativity.

The problem arises when our patriotism (love of country) turns into nationalism (belief in a country’s supremacy).

Nationalism is another form of idolatry, meaning it’s incompatible with the Way of Jesus.

This idolatry was on full display in WWI, revealing “Christendom” for what it was - a bunch of countries ready to step on each other to get to the top (all while playing church in the process).

And in doing so, Christendom signed its death warrant.

More on that tomorrow. 

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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