Patriotism and Catholicism

[narrowpath]

I am reminded of something Lewis said.

we must be careful not to fall into a “catholicism and” style of thinking. Here, catholicism and patriotism. we may soon be (even unconciously) treating patriotism as a VERY important part of our religion. Then, it may become even a means in catholicism. Soon, catholicism (christanity in general) may become the means, patriotism the end. Then, patriotism is our idol. Satan has fooled us. This may extreme, but Satan has been known to fool people over their entire lives, ever so slowly…

It happened in the sixties with Christianity and peace.

 

[latinmasslover]

Do any of you have a conflict between Catholicism (our faith) and patriotism for a country whose revolution and much of its founding was fueled by vehement anti-Catholicism?

Patriotism for a country that is *currently *anti-Catholic is where my issue lies.

 

[Lujack]

Patriotism for a country that is *currently *anti-Catholic is where my issue lies.

While I’m not sure I agree with that statement, true patriotism has never been that “My country right or wrong” junk from Stephen Decatur. True patriotism has always been about the ideals of what a country can be, so one’s feeling on the current head of state should not necessarily hamper one’s patriotism.

 

[latinmasslover]

While I’m not sure I agree with that statement, true patriotism has never been that “My country right or wrong” junk from Stephen Decatur. True patriotism has always been about the ideals of what a country can be, so one’s feeling on the current head of state should not necessarily hamper one’s patriotism.

I totally agree here. What I meant was that it’s hard to say (for a lame example): America is great! Saying that I would be saying that she is, without the abuses. What she truly is and what she should be. On the other hand, many will interpret my statement as condoning the abuses (which they call “rights”).

 

[ChristIsLord]

what is patriotism today anyway? is it blindly backing your country no matter how far off track you think it is? it is backing your country in a war you feel is pointless? or is patriotism the exact opposite? patriotism is different things to different people anyway.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

I believe that St. Thomas taught that love of one’s country was a duty for all Catholics. And there is much to love in this country, to be sure.

Very true.

Patriotism for a country that is *currently *anti-Catholic is where my issue lies.

One of the early Fathers, and I’m pretty sure it was Tertullian, spoke of how the Christians prayed for the empire and its soldiers. That same empire and its soldiers would intermittently persecute the Church. The evils of one’s country do not obliterate the goods for which one ought to be thankful.

 

[DavidPalm]

One of the early Fathers, and I’m pretty sure it was Tertullian, spoke of how the Christians prayed for the empire and its soldiers. That same empire and its soldiers would intermittently persecute the Church. The evils of one’s country do not obliterate the goods for which one ought to be thankful.

Correct. Here it is:

We pray for life prolonged; for security to the empire; for protection to the imperial house; for brave armies, a faithful senate, a virtuous people, the world at rest, whatever, as man or Caesar, an emperor would wish (Apology 30).

 

[latinmasslover]

The evils of one’s country do not obliterate the goods for which one ought to be thankful.

In total agreement.