“For God and Country.”
Is there a more manipulative phrase that has been given to the church?
It’s elevated groups of men with deceitful hearts to the place of a Holy God, and assisted in creating a formless entity to worship by incantation.
Most Americans will bristle at the thought. “We love our country, we don’t worship it.” But it’s a useful exercise to enquire into tradition.
Do you fly the flag of your country above the flag of your God?
Have you created a godlike figure, tall, discerning, and impeccable?
Do you follow its commandments even if contradictory to God’s?
Again, the quick answer is “No.” but enquire further.
What is that symbol you raise above the symbol of your God? What does that mean, to raise it above your God?
Is it possible that we’re putting our Country before God, contrary to His commands?
The godlike figure of Uncle Sam, demanding your money and body for his biddings. Does it not smack of omniscience and omnipresence? Is he not a Ceasar or Zeus of our time? Why is it so hard to believe Israel just freed from bondage, witness to the power of God, would quickly raise up an idol, but we wouldn’t… we couldn’t? Are all idols made of Gold?
What of stealing? What of killing? Taxes and war? Were there caveats to commands to not steal? Did it say of stealing, “…unless we can do better with your things, with your money?” Did it say, “…unless our interests overseas are threatened, you may call the destruction of the image of God collateral damage?”
Is it possible that the concept of “For God and Country” isn’t found in the one Book that was given to us by an Omnibenevolent being? Is it possible that mantras, sacraments, saints, sacred objects, icons, and hymns have a direct impact on your worship? Is it possible that these things are mimicked in the State? Where does that leave us? With our hand over our heart, reciting an oath to something other than God?
Should we feel obligated to God and Country, or just God?
When did Christianity move from, “No one can serve two masters,” to an obligation of, “Serve God and Country?”
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