Patriotism

There is a difference between patriotism and chauvinism (misguided patriotism).
Thoughtful patriots understand the complexities involved in our love relationship with our country. (Patriotism means love and care for one's own homeland, based on the Latin word “patria” meaning the land of one's fathers).Ongoing debate and differences of opinion are essential in the American system. To believe otherwise is to operate with a misguided understanding of patriotism, often referred to as chauvinism. Chauvinism is zealous and aggressive, believing that “God is on our side” and putting blind uncritical faith in one’s leaders. Chauvinist beliefs are once again gaining prominence in our society. In defense against this, thoughtful patriots must reclaim the vision on which America was founded.

Patriotism should not be based on the mistaken premise that America was founded as a Christian nation.
Although there are those who believe that our founding fathers intended for America to be a Christian nation, these viewpoints do not reflect the spirit of the founding fathers who were fearful of religious interference in the rule of law. Instead, they reflect the spirit of Cotton Mather and later thinkers who believed that Americans were people of “chosenness” and destiny. In reality, the founding fathers were rationalists and deists.

Patriotism holds America to the ideals on which it was founded.
Embodied in our country’s founding documents is the belief that our government is charged with the responsibility to serve the common good. These documents emphasize that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. Especially applicable to our situation today is the constitutional insistence on the separation of church and state. Although the vision of America enshrined in our founding documents is consistent with the biblical vision of peace and wholeness, it does not advocate a theocracy (a country ruled by God, or the people who say they speak for God) in America.

Patriotism is based on compassion rather than hatred.
Compassion, not hatred, is the hallmark of true patriotism (love, devotion, and care). It is the foundation on which we build the just society envisioned by our country’s founders. The stark reality is that there are two classes of people in the United States - - the haves and the have-nots. True patriots will strive to pay the price so that the underclass and all those who are denied access to the American dream of liberty and justice for all will share in it.

Patriotism affirms the diversity that is inherent in our unity.
America is a great experiment made up of diverse elements striving to live together in a reconciled and affirming manner. We are truly a pluralistic people, and we all add different gifts to the strengthening of our country. Yet we all share in a common underlying humanity and underlying dream. Sadly, this vision of a diverse yet unified America is not always reflected in reality. One measure of patriotism is a commitment to support the inclusion of all Americans in the promise of the American dream.

A true patriot has the courage to call our leaders to accountability.
Patriotism is about keeping the focus on the vision. When that vision is defiled, patriots are willing to stand in opposition to policies that are unjust and do not reflect the high ideals on which this country was founded. They will object to policies that are destructive of the common good. They address the devastating realities of our times by such actions as becoming informed about the founding vision of our country, working to elect wise and compassionate leaders, being prepared to sacrifice so that others might share in America’s promise, and if necessary, being willing to die for a cause that is just and honorable.