Is Patriotism a violation of the First Commandment?

That is odd. While the flag (and the military and the state itself) is most certainly a symbol of idolatry, I don't see how it follows that patriotism is a violation of the first amendment.

 

I have seen giddyup achieve much, but confusing Amendment and Commandment as the basis for a thread is pretty awesome.

Five stars!

 

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

Absolutely revolutionary comment then....and is today. I wish the Church in America paid greater attention to it.

There is absolutely an equation between the Cross and the Flag in America's Church...that bugs the ever living dog crap out of me.

 

Amen, but that's how some confuse amendments and commandments. :grin:

(It's okay, giddy -- it's a very thin to non-existent line for some. But just think of all the ever-living dog crap that you're driving out of MadMax... kind of like an exorcism!)

 

This is precisely why I don't believe in God. I choose the United States over him.

 

You must spread dog crap around before giving more to B-Bob.

 

This article is terrible and does not deserve a thread

God says to obey the law of land as long as they do not conflict with God's higher laws

It also says to act as those who will be judged under the law of liberty

Patriotism is quite the flexible word. Pending on what they are patriotic about.

Patriots who do go out and about and are constantly voicing out about freedom, constitution and liberty are not the same to the 'lets give big brother more power and give up more rights' or North Korean Patriotism.

Yeah, a form of patriotism can be considered idolatry- as vice-versa you can be patriotic and perfectly fine. It's a very versatile term.


I'll give you an example concerning the early Christians who were fed to animals and slaughtered in Rome for being christians and refusing to denounce that. Patriotism: a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government. They can be considered patriots.
American Patriot: A defender of the constitution giving man rights to things such as following whatever religion you want and voicing whatever words you want. It's not against God to be passionate about that. Nor is it a sin to say God Bless those rights he has given us. Saying God bless is already saying God is greater. Saying God bless America acknowledges God is greater than America.

 

@Realjad: The Bible also says that no servant can serve two masters. Now, you could argue that it's solely referring to God and money, but I'd argue it's a general idea, especially since the West has used Christianity explicitly to weaken the bonds of other peoples to their king. Because the day may come when you have to choose between serving your country and serving God.

 

I really do not understand the complexity of the first commandment. Translate from Hebrew to Greek to English and people get all kinds of confused. The same thing happens in all religions which explains why you have fanatics blowing up innocent people to have 72 virgins.

Simply trade out "idol" with "priorities" . "Do not have any other priorities over me". This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and ... even religion. Not a hard concept.

 

Is the first commandment a violation of patriotism?

 

EPIC FAIL

 

This thread is lame... that said no

 

No, especially considering what part of the Bible it was written in. I would posit, though, that the Gospel (in addition to being an allegory for Caesar's death), partially intended to depict patriotism as a pre-text for coercing sinful and oppressive behavior; which is not as relevant or accurate now as contemporary governments are more rationally and equitably formed and administered than they were back then.

 

Must resist urge to bash religion.

 

When did this happen?

 

When I didn't use the word "all."