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Is Patriotism Christian? Sermon for Christ the King Sunday- 20th November 2005 The Sovereign Lord, the Good Shepherd says 'I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.' Ezekiel Ch. 34. v.13. Following Remembrance ceremonies last week which in some ways went with a greater flourish than before- I was prompted to reflect on the theme: to what extent can patriotism be Christian? As an ardent Scot who sometimes sheds a tear at the sound of the bagpipes-or worse at the sound of the Northumbrian pipes- I may or may not be well equipped to pronounce on the subject of patriotism. Before I go any further- please - abandon hope all ye who expect definitive answers- I merely offer three pointers. The triple anniversaries of VE/VJ + 60 Years and Trafalgar's bicentenary have been reason for renewed emphasis on Remembrance in 2005. I'd venture to suggest that at a time when people perceive religious divisions and variety to be a source of conflict- Remembrance is a safe, and certainly generally accepted and approved area of convergeance, for all faiths - and none. This makes it the more important that Christians examine how far they can go with patriotism. I am not saying that Christians cannot be loyal citizens, but I believe we need to ask ourselves about the implications of that with which we are involved. What better place to start with than the hymn ' I vow to thee my country…' (number 295 Hymns Ancient and Modern New Standard) The moving tune by Gustav Holst is enough to lift anyone's spirits to thoughts of a higher cause. No wonder that, over the years, and in the wake of world wars hearts have swollen with pride if not tears as the banners went forward and as congregations advanced into ' I vow to thee my country all earthly things above….' This amidst poppies symbolic of bloodshed, evoking memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice- is a very heady and inspiring, if not spiritual experience. On the other hand, some Christians have reacted against the strong wording ' all earthly things above'. Yes, our country above wife, husband, fiancé, parents, children, friends. Might 'all earthly things above' mean above God as well? Does this mean that the nation is being exalted to a place that is really God's? That is not the church's intention though there are dangers I believe: for instance, if , for some, Remembrance is the only time in the year that they engage in religious activity they might interpret it as nation-centred rather than God-centred. But a proper sense of commitment to one's country need not lead to idolatry. After all, on Remembrance Sunday the union jack is laid upon the altar, as a sign of our nation being laid on the altar, that is offered- to that Power that One who is higher still. We remember that this Sunday's theme is Christ - the king, whose kingdom is not of this world. That connects directly with the second verse of the hymn. And there's another country, I've heard of long ago. I'd hasten to add, that though the tradition is from long ago in one sense, against the millions of years of life on this planet- the tradition of Jesus and His kingdom is in fact, not so remote and 'long ago': also- that his kingdom can be a present experience. When the hymn speaks of 'another country' ( the heavenly country), this is not fanciful but much in line with St Paul's words: 'our citizenship is in heaven, and from heaven we await a Saviour…' (Philippians 3.20). Again, in the hymn (I vow to thee..) this country is Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know. I ask this morning- do you love the heavenly country- do you know that country- are you beginning to be acquainted with her ways, or are you caught up with other gods, other priorities, which are not gods at all- but distract you from the One who loves you most? Remembrance day ceremonies- for those who seek the heavenly country- are the most glorious occasion for looking to these greater realities, through the window of life laid down. But for those whose hearts swell with pride on the basis of self-made Britishness- Remembrance becomes the most pompous and evil idolatry, the last thing for us to pass on to our children. In conclusion - I believe these things to be important for us: 1. A proper pride in our country: pride in its constructive values, an appreciation of its traditions. Note for example that St Paul claimed and valued his Roman citizenship. (Acts 25.11) He made his appeal under Roman justice. Roman law is still the basis for justice today. 2. A proper caution about earthly power claiming loyalty that is only due to God in heaven. Some Roman emperors sought to be worshipped as God. The history books suggest that even Good Queen Bess- Elizabeth the First, expected almost that loyalty. The recent set-to in parliament over 90 days arrest for terrorist suspects expresses an underlying fear- is the government taking too much power to itself? At what point is a government or ruler claiming too much of its people practically or spiritually? 3. The third guideline is - God is to come before home and country. This applies to all those of Abrahamic faith, Jews, Moslems and Christians. Land and nation are not top priority. (What a challenge to all three faiths!!) God provides for his flock, He is the source. So- God comes before Israel, Northumberland and Scotland too!
Remember Abraham, bidden in Genesis 12: Abraham had to let go one set of loyalties - because of a higher, heavenly one; that in time lead him to the earthly place where he was called to be. |
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