tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post757312210998654642..comments2024-01-11T10:58:30.769-05:00Comments on Jesus community: nationalism: good or bad?Ted M. Gossardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-91115105777710683712009-11-16T17:34:46.083-05:002009-11-16T17:34:46.083-05:00Nannykim,
Thanks for sharing your perspective and...Nannykim, <br />Thanks for sharing your perspective and thoughts on this as well. <br /><br />I don't think the problem lies in being a part or citizen of a nation or living within certain boundaries or laws (provided their laws we can obey, of course). <br /><br />I think the problem lies when the nation has a commitment or devotion from us given to it which belongs to God only. I can't unquestioningly commit myself to America but as a Christian must seek to speak and live out the truth and reality of the kingdom of God in Jesus. I see that kingdom at odds in so many ways with typical national interests of the United States and how our country seeks to guard those interests.<br /><br />But I do appreciate your thought and it does add something for me to think about.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-47190950367124959802009-11-16T17:26:29.631-05:002009-11-16T17:26:29.631-05:00Diane,
Thanks for your sharing your perspective ...Diane, <br /><br />Thanks for your sharing your perspective on this. I think I agree on what you say about what we and the allies did after WWII.Ted M. Gossardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580691315315271791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-38867073242833330372009-11-16T14:39:45.868-05:002009-11-16T14:39:45.868-05:00I think there are a few good points to nationalism...I think there are a few good points to nationalism. My hubby is reading the true story called, "Infidel" by ayaan Hirsi Ali. She was brought up in Somalia. The problem with Samalia and also with many African nations is that there is not enough Nationalism--it is more centered in tribes and clans and because they don't have the bigger picture it leads to all kinds of in fighting. I think when tribes, clans, and various ethinic groups get a vision for a nation and for a nation of laws and checks and balances then much can be accomplished. She had come to the Netherlands and wondered why these pagons had such a safer, more respectful way of living. <br /><br />I don't know her conclusions--I am just saying that as I thought about it...I think there is some good when a group of people get a national view. I think if the ethnic groups in the USA had a bigger grasp of the USA there would be less in-fighting. I am talking about non-christians and christians. I know as Christians our true unity is in Christ...but for the well being of a certain land area and the people in it then the unity has to be around something else. Not sure I am saying this correctly. <br /><br />There are dangers to nationalism , but there can be advantages if it is handled well.nannykimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904490730187017812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20184070.post-778430670872305042009-11-16T13:37:16.255-05:002009-11-16T13:37:16.255-05:00I think as Christians we must always put Jesus fir...I think as Christians we must always put Jesus first. I love the United States very much and am culturally an American in a way that can never be eradicated, but "God's kingdom come, God's will be done," must be my first loyalty. Further, I don't see the two as opposed: When my country does God's will, it will prosper. But we have to remember that God is not our servant, meant to bless us and enable us no matter what we do. Instead, as a nation, we are God's servant and must do his will to prosper. That will often seems counterintuitive to nationalsim: waging forgiveness and peace--but when we do it, as we did after WWII, our nation prospers.Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12396312339372162866noreply@blogger.com