an interesting thought...

from the Chicago Tribune news:

"A true patriot loves what his country stands for, not necessarily what his country does, and I will not shrink from holding America to her ideals."

This statement, in an editorial by Eric Zorn, belongs alongside other statements such as "A true patriot supports his country's troops, not necessarily every war they're sent to fight" and "A true patriot recognizes that standing up for our civil liberties is an act of protecting our freedom." How do we put these statements into a theological context? That's a tougher question. It's often hard for Christians in America to remember that our faith knows no national boundaries. Perhaps the appropriate point/lesson is that we should treat our religion and our country the same way: at times, both require trust, even blind obedience; at times, both require serious investigation, reflection, and (respectful) challenge. We should be committed. We should not wear blinders. A true Christian struggles often; yet the struggle is made easier when she recognizes the need not just to follow, but to regularly examine the path. This line of thinking also strongly reflects on why I love Christ, not necessarily what other Christians do. In the context of my church home, I examine the path I am on and the path of others, in order to stay committed to the ideals of my faith rather than the sinful actions that are sometimes displayed. We must hold ourselves to Christ's ideals; we must ask often what those ideals are, what our words and actions truly display, and what changes we must make in our daily Christian living.