Religion and Patriotism

The two terms mentioned above are frequently considered together. Like God and Country. For many individuals, they are closely associated. Both can have positive effects on a person's well-being when present in appropriate amounts. They can be like food and water to humans. However, excessive levels of either may lead to negative outcomes, similar to how too much water can result in drowning or too much food can contribute to obesity and related health issues.

Religion can be many things to many people. For some, religion needs the strict structure that can only be provided by the confirmation of others within the confines of an established organization following a proscribed doctrine. For others it can be observed casually and may mean nothing more than a peaceful coexistence with others and inner peace. It can and should be personal and shared with others if they are of like mind.

Patriotism is a love of country which can be a birthplace or adopted home. You can hold a fondness for any country with which you have a connection. You can have a sense of patriotism or affinity for more than one country. Patriotism, while personal, is often a shared experience. The nation’s flag, national anthem, patriotic songs, national symbols, etc., all inspire a unique feeling within.

Neither religion nor patriotism are exclusive to a political party. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents can share similar feelings and commitment. Neither is a contest. The measure of one’s religiosity or patriotism has nothing to do with how loudly you profess either. The size of your flag, the size of your Bible, the number of religious or patriotic bumper stickers, the size of your crucifix or menorah, the wearing of patriotic or religious tee shirts, doesn’t garner you some advanced status in society. It certainly doesn’t buy you a righteousness to win your point of view in a discussion. Displaying the American flag or referencing the Bible does not automatically validate your argument.

Too often we see individuals, without fact or evidence backing an opinion, use one or both of our subject items to make their point. They seem to feel that their interpretation of religious doctrine or the fact that they have more national pride than the next person, should be accepted as all the evidence they need to prove a point or justify any action taken. They want to use patriotism and religion as their trump card (no pun intended) to reject all contrary opinions or arguments. Taking this one step further, free speech is sacrosanct, except when it contradicts their beliefs. Contradictions should be crushed under the weight of their undeniable rights guaranteed by their patriotic fervor or perceived level of holiness.

There can be too much reliance on religion or patriotism, especially when the underlying justification or argument is weak. It is a tool often used in place of any effort to better understand an issue. Don’t bother me with facts when I have God and Country on my side.

The statement "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" is a famous quote from the 18th-century English writer Samuel Johnson. It is not an indictment of patriotism itself but a criticism of those who exploit the guise of patriotism for personal gain. It calls out the fallacy of blindly accepting claims of patriotic virtue and calls for a valid evaluation of the motivation behind such claims. The quote can easily be paraphrased to substitute the word religion for patriotism and likewise is used to distract and gain some perceived moral authority. It can also be used to excuse bad outcomes by blaming divine will.

Neither patriotism nor religion are bad when used appropriately. Patriotism, true patriotism, involves a willingness to challenge the government when it is wrong.

Leo Tolstoy: "To destroy governmental violence, only one thing is needed: It is that people should understand that the feeling of patriotism, which alone supports that instrument of violence, is a rude, harmful, disgraceful, and bad feeling, and, above all, is immoral".

C.S. Lewis: "Love of country becomes a demon when country becomes a god, that is, when our loyalty becomes unquestioning and uncritical".