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Patriotism - is it Christian
Topic Started: Saturday, 9. June 2012, 14:48 (531 Views)
PJD

On balance I am slightly inclined towards Clare's responses.

PJD
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Deleted User
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Mairtin poses a very good question. I think patriotism is compatible with Christianity but as others have pointed out it needs to be kept under control in a way that ensures that love of one's own country does not lead to disdain or hatred of other races. But at the risk of going off topic are we Catholics not especially guilty of this latter fault when it is applied to religion. For example, One True Church, orders not valid, no dissent , special investigations etc , etc,etc

John
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Eileenanne

John,

The difference is that while it is fine to think all nations, all races, all peoples are equal, it is quite wrong to think all religions are equal. The fact of the matter is that there IS only one true Church. The others vary from good in parts to completely wrong. Falsehood and truth can never be equal.

Eileenanne
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Thanks Eileenanne. And where is the difference exactly between that and the extreme nationalist mantras?

John
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Eileenanne

John Sweeney
Monday, 11. June 2012, 23:37
Thanks Eileenanne. And where is the difference exactly between that and the extreme nationalist mantras?

John
We should love all people whether they share our nationality or not. However, we must also love and embrace the Truth and shun falsehood. Since onle the Church founded by Jesus teaches the whole Truth it can never be equal to other religions. Genuine love of our neighbour will not blind us to the fact that some of his beliefs may be errors.

Eileenanne
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Mairtin
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Rose of York
Sunday, 10. June 2012, 14:31
Queen of the United Kingdom, not only England. The Kingdom comsists of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Calling her Queen of England is as daft as saying the Pope is head of Christianity in Italy.
Waht about describing him as Bishop of Rome?
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Mairtin
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Gerard
Sunday, 10. June 2012, 22:09
I think this thread, short as it is so far, amply demonstrates the incompatability of patriotism and christianity.
Funny, the discussion on royal titles reminds me a lot of the sort of thing that seems to occupy some of our hierarchy. But then again, perhaps that just reinforces your point :wh:
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K.T.B.

Eileenanne
Monday, 11. June 2012, 22:49
John,

The difference is that while it is fine to think all nations, all races, all peoples are equal, it is quite wrong to think all religions are equal. The fact of the matter is that there IS only one true Church. The others vary from good in parts to completely wrong. Falsehood and truth can never be equal.

Eileenanne
I think that the knowledge that we belong to the One True Church can lead to pridefulness- it has in my life, anyway. I try and counter this be remembering that as Catholics we are called not to put ourselves above others, but to serve, especially the poor and those in need, even if we have high status in our own society.
Edited by K.T.B., Tuesday, 12. June 2012, 10:18.
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Rose of York
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Affection for what one considers to be good in one's country is fine, and I am all for gratitude to people who served in any capacity, military or civilian, in an effort to protect freedom in one's own country, or helping people who were oppressed elsewhere. When conflict ceases, Christians must forgive.

Lincolnshire villages close to wartime airbases set a good example. Graves of German and British airmen who were killed during bombing raids on the airfields are treated with equal respect. Whatever one's views on Nazism, all people have souls and need our prayers.

I had a neighbour who was involved in undercover operations in a Commando unit during World War II. In his final years he was very frail and eventually confused, with apparent dementia. He received daily companionship and practical support from another man who served in the same war - in the German Army. Both took the attitude that the war ended a long time ago, and nothing is gained from hatred of the former enemy. The former British soldier was a childless widower with no living relations. When he died, his German friend spread the word, and urged people to attend the funeral.
Keep the Faith!

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valleyboy

"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel" - Samuel Johnson.
Liberal, ecumenical, universal and it's my church too.
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