Patriotism
Patriotism is the most natural of human conditions. We are born as citizens of a country. It gave birth to us. It is as if our native country is our mother. Who does not love their mother?
Certain things should stir us; the flag of our country, the national anthem of our country or in the case of the USA, our pledge of allegiance.
Our citizenship is a very large part of our identity. Who can disrespect himself or herself?
So, patriotism should be a natural expression.
Theology
No, I do not mean faith. Now, your individual faith might have its own source of belief, some collection of writings that you believe to be true. The sum total of these writings constitutes your theology.
For the purpose of defining the source of the theological concepts set forth herein, it is the Bible in its original text. Why original text? Simply because there are many versions of the Bible. Some are quite accurate, some are paraphrases. In other words some author might have said, “I think such and such a scripture verse means “this”. Other versions have extensive translation teams and other interpretation teams. These tend to be quite accurate.
The author has spent much time in seminary. That does not make him right. It just means that he has spent a lot of money and studied a very many hours to earn good grades to prepare him for life. His theological perspectives promote, inspire and define his sense of patriotism.
The Important Things of Life
Who would not want to have a prosperous life? One that is blessed. There is a section of scripture that begins in Deuteronomy 28:1 and continues through verse 14. You have to translate this into your own modern setting. Scripture allows you to do this. Scripture does not allow you to distort it. Read these verses carefully. Meditate upon them. They are absolutely true.
So, whether we are talking about how to maintain your peace, manage your stress, maintain your integrity, honor your parents, love your spouse, earn the respect of your children, deserve the favor of your employer, or respect of your employees, there are just some important things in life that you have to know and abide by.
Theology defines this path and inspires patriotism. Your theology should answer the most important questions you might have.
In the coming articles we will discuss the important things of life.