Episode 277: Christian Nationalism, Part One--Defining Terms

Coming right on the heels of the celebration of Memorial Day, plenty of Americans feel especially patriotic. And if patriotism is a love for one's country and a commitment to see it do well, care for its people, and grow beyond its shortcomings, that can just be another form of the broad commandment to "love your neighbor."  But in this new series, pastors Sarah, Erica, and Steve look at what happens when patriotism is exchanged for nationalism--the idea that one's own country can do no wrong, or that your country's success must come at the expense of others. Even more potentially disastrous is the phenomenon of so-called "Christian" nationalism, that tries to equate God's kingdom with one country, or which tries to marry Christianity to a country's civil government--often to the harm of both Christian witness and the functioning of society at large.  As we begin this series, we start with defining terms, so that we can sift through the differences between a healthy appreciation for one's own country and an unhealthy idolatry of nation.  This is an important conversation to have, and it's worth exploring together--so join us for this series here on Crazy Faith Talk!