Is patriotism mandatory?

Patriot: A person who loves and zealously supports and defends their country.

Among evangelicals nowadays, patriotism has almost become a test of one's salvation. It's like it's now an official fruit of the Spirit.

We're told to be in subjection to the ruling authorities (Romans 13:1-5), which in the US would be the laws of the land, not a king or emperor. We're told to pray for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4). But where does it say to be zealous in defense of our country? I'm open-minded and would like to be shown scripture references if there are any.

As I recall, the only kingdom we've been called to defend is the kingdom of God. One might say it's our duty to support our country if we wish to live here and enjoy all its benefits, and I'd agree; but where in the New Testament are we called to patriotism as defined above? And why should our standing as a believer be called into questions if we don't "zealously support and defend our country?"

By the silence may I assume no one has come up with any scripture verses?

Yeah I don't think there are any verses. Actually, some governments are hostile toward people of faith because their loyalties often do not lie with the government. People who reject all authority other than what the Bible says are not useful to politicians. Now that Western culture is really changing with a bend toward fascism, I think the government will start asking people to accept sinful things more. Just to be clear, we are under absolutely no Biblical command to obey sinful commands from the government. As wickedness increases, Christians will find themselves more at odds with governments and may even become their enemies.

I honestly think that the rallying call to patriotism, using the Bible as an appeal to authority, was just a way for politicians to establish a voting base. By linking patriotism to being a "true Christian" many people will fall for the deception that they must be very patriotic or else be a bad Christian. Since no Christian wants to be a "bad Christian" many will conclude they must be patriotic. This might actually be an opening that can potentially usurp someone's morals and ethics through patriotism. We should always investigate what we are being patriotic towards.

I believe patriotism is an idol (or can be). You said it well. We're of the kingdom of God and that's all we need to defend. I agree with the Bible, of course, that we should pray for our governments and keep the laws as long as it doesn't go against Christian beliefs. Good post!!!

haha the US has kings? I thought they hated kings, thats why they have presidents.

Fixed it for you.

And there you have it. Same difference. If you are not undermining your country and its laws, and also exposing those who are, you can say you are a patriot. Definitions can vary. What you have today is traitors running the country and destroying it daily. And presenting themselves as patriots.

While the Bible is not explicit, we have the examples of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther as those who loved their country and their countrymen and also stood against their enemies.

What? You mean - as many [biblical] lines as the government has crossed [already], it is not [yet?] considered to be well-and-fully the enemy of Christians?

Just-what-exactly-and-how-much is it going to take for Christians to realize and understand the true nature of our reality?

Why do we (collectively) give a greater allegiance to the government than to God?

Nope, we aren't called to do that. The kingdom is not here yet.

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Israel zealously defended their country and still do. While America is far from perfect and in fact getting worse day by day, it is still something American's should defend. That goes for most other countries and their peoples.

The government and others may cross plenty of Biblical lines, but they aren't requiring others to do it as a law... at least where I'm from. I can't think of any examples so if you know some I'm definitely interested in knowing what they are.

Hi Nehemiah6.

I do believe a person should support their country if they choose to live in it. I suppose if a person wanted to mince words, that's a kind of patriotism.

But that's not really my point. What I'm talking about is the confusion that's crept into the church over what's patriotism and what's Christian. It's getting to the point where patriotism has become a test of faith. What if I don't support the US on some things? What if I don't rabidly defend the flag? What if I don't agree that the "God" in "for God and country" is necessarily the God I know and love? Should I be excommunicated? How about deprogrammed, would that be in order?

we should be patriots to Gods kingdom , the nation he’s creating for eternity and consider coming out of the worldly nations and thier rule over our hearts

the problem is the progression of evil has done this

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬ ‭

we need to come out of the world system of authority

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭18:4-5‬ ‭

and move into the kingdom of God the Jews were given the kingdom of the world but the gospel is a different kingdom

“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:36-37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our loyalty of our heart should be to the nation being gathered by the lord for eternity

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we should look into the kingdom of truth he spoke of the one above and not the one below

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Seeking those things above is helped along by looking into these few examples of where our affection is centered the nation above deserves our patriotism

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,

and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:22-

If you want to believe that it's your choice. I do believe the Kingdom has come in part, though it won't be fully realized until He comes.

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."—Colossians 1: 13-14

Is "the kingdom of his beloved Son" something different from the Kingdom of God?

I agree with you. No church or individual has the right to dictate to anyone as to what others regard as patriotism. Indeed the focus of the church should be strictly on Gospel truth and Bible truth. The most that any church or pastor should say is "Please vote according to your Christian beliefs, and if no candidate is satisfactory, then you should refrain from voting".

"Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it." ― Mark Twain

I certainly dont want to see the ruin of the country we live in that would stink for us (if you think Venezuela) so we best pray for it. Or a way to get the heck out of here before SHTF But God sets up and brings them down so you can pray and/or enjoy the wild ride coming I guess? I mean you are to love others and love of ones country isnt really love for the dirt you live upon but the people in that nation. Here in the U.S that really includes peoples of many nations living here. But I agree we have no lasting city here and each of the godless ones will likely fall to the same things we will all desire to flee from.

There will be a global government and that is the plan going on but they could be stopped if the people claiming Christ rally against America and speak out clearly.

For in order for this to work they must cater to all religions, and cultures, and ethnic groups.

The Christians could of stopped them and their plan thwarted if they would of all come together to speak out against them which would be heard in the world for the other nations would take notice.

But they love the different denominations for it keeps them fighting with each other so they do not come together to speak out so they will have some people be for them and divided among them.

And they love how many people claiming Christ are hypocritical enjoying the same things as the world for it turns some people away from Christianity.

And they laugh and rejoice how they pulled the wool over the Christians eyes, and lullabyed them to sleep, and made them think is was a Christian nation all the while it is an occult nation that allows all religions to be practiced there including Satanism, the occult, and the new age movement that will deceive the world.