Guest shiloh357 Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Couldn't patriotism and nationalism be considered loving the world??? It could be considered loving the world if you want to pervert patriotism that way. I have seen people pervert self-esteem as idolatrous self-love. We are not to love ourselves inordinately, but there is nothing wrong with a healthy dose of self-esteem. As long as we do not esteem ourselves too much, we are fine. It is no different here. Loving the world in the sense that John was speaking has to do with being consumed with gaining worldy treasure at the expense of God Himself. It is clear from even cursory reading of the passage. We are not to be so in love with the world that it becomes a subsitute for God. None of us can completely sever ourselves from the world if we want a place to sleep and food to eat. With that understanding, there is nothing wrong with wanting a nice house or a nice car, or to desire a good paying job. As long as those things do not consume us, we are fine. In the same vein, one can be a proud American, or whatever, without sacrificing once ounce of allegiance to God. Patriotism in its proper place is good and healthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nebula Posted January 28, 2004 Group: Royal Member Followers: 10 Topic Count: 5,823 Topics Per Day: 0.75 Content Count: 45,870 Content Per Day: 5.94 Reputation: 1,897 Days Won: 83 Joined: 03/22/2003 Status: Offline Birthday: 11/19/1970 Author Share Posted January 28, 2004 What concerns me is that the Christian Right has become VERY outspoken regarding world politics, presidential elections and affairs of the state. and you think we should leave all of this for the unchristian left to decide without challenge??? If you don't want christians to have any opinions you can stop anytime you wish. well i agree with you yod. i believe it is our God given responsibility to stand up for what is right, and stand against what is wrong. Truth be told, this topic is worthy of its own thread - "How should Christians participate in a Democratic society?" - or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest idolsmasher Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Within context, "the world" is a spiritual term and not a physical one. Get it? I think I do! I was not speaking in literal terms but spiritual terms as in fervent patriotism and nationalism which equates God with country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest idolsmasher Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Truth be told, this topic is worthy of its own thread - "How should Christians participate in a Democratic society?" - or something like that. I think you're right about that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LadyC Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 by the way, we are a democratic REPUBLIC... not a true democracy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nebula Posted January 28, 2004 Group: Royal Member Followers: 10 Topic Count: 5,823 Topics Per Day: 0.75 Content Count: 45,870 Content Per Day: 5.94 Reputation: 1,897 Days Won: 83 Joined: 03/22/2003 Status: Offline Birthday: 11/19/1970 Author Share Posted January 28, 2004 Technicalities! Technicalities! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nebula Posted January 28, 2004 Group: Royal Member Followers: 10 Topic Count: 5,823 Topics Per Day: 0.75 Content Count: 45,870 Content Per Day: 5.94 Reputation: 1,897 Days Won: 83 Joined: 03/22/2003 Status: Offline Birthday: 11/19/1970 Author Share Posted January 28, 2004 Nebula -- I look forward to your topic. God Bless! ps.............I promise to be on my best behavior You mean you want me to start it???? I'm not the one who brought the debate up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nebula Posted January 28, 2004 Group: Royal Member Followers: 10 Topic Count: 5,823 Topics Per Day: 0.75 Content Count: 45,870 Content Per Day: 5.94 Reputation: 1,897 Days Won: 83 Joined: 03/22/2003 Status: Offline Birthday: 11/19/1970 Author Share Posted January 28, 2004 Within context, "the world" is a spiritual term and not a physical one. Get it? I think I do! I was not speaking in literal terms but spiritual terms as in fervent patriotism and nationalism which equates God with country. I love my God . . . I love my country . . . I love my family . . . I love my job . . . I love my cat . . . I love my hair (well, at least most times) . . . I love ice cream . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LadyC Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Technicalities! Technicalities! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest yod Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 LadyC with all due respect I'm going to agree with River on this one. We aren't persecuted here. Harrassed, yes...but persecution? That word should be reserved for those who have given blood. And I support VOM also. It the national duty of all Texans to LOVE Texas! The tone of this thread reminds me of that famous quote; "all that it takes for evil men to rule is for good men to do nothing" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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