We are witnessing a shift from gratitude to contempt. Just about every country in all of history has found some shared, unique goods to love. These goods were something to be proud of and around which to unite. Above all, they were cause for thanksgiving. A love for country was a way to love one’s neighbor. It stirred a citizen or subject to service and even sacrifice.
Can this love be blown out of proportion and disordered to become a sin? Yes. Does that negate the benefits and blessings of having a country? No. Are earthly kingdoms imperfect and bound to rise and fall? Yes. Does that mean the Christian is forbidden to love his nation, to exhibit the kind of grateful loyalty and pride that we call patriotism? Absolutely not.
In the case of the United States, we have a “goodly heritage.” While there is plenty of sin that mars our history, there is also much to praise in our past. And while we suffer many problems ranging from failed military adventurism to the disintegration of the family, we still have countless blessings to enjoy, foster, and protect—so much so that we take them for granted. Ironically, most people around the world would love to live in America while many of America’s own citizens walk around ashamed of it.
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St. Jude's Anglican Church
We are a parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church. We have been worshiping together in the greater Richmond area for over a decade. We’d love to have you join us for Christian worship in the rich Anglican tradition.
