How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor

by Richard Mouw

Publisher:

IVP

, 2022

Overview

What does it mean to love our country?

Some Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.

Mouw grapples with sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace.

Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities. This guide helps us travel together on a shared national journey toward liberty and justice for all.

Key Features

• Sees patriotism as an expression of the heavenly citizenship
• Addresses patriotism within American churches and communities
• Encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood

Contents

• Wrestling Together
• "We the People"
• Human Bonds
• Where "Honor is Due"
• The Scope of Government
• Learning from Arguments
• Patriotism in Church
• Religion: A Public Topic?
• Hopes and Fears

Praise for How to Be a Patriotic Christian

Rich Mouw's reflection on Christian faith, patriotism, and citizenship is essential reading for our times from one of the wisest and kindest voices around.

John Inazu, Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis

Product Details

• Title: How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor
• Author: Richard Mouw
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 148
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Christianity and politics › United States; Patriotism › United States--Religious aspects--Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781514004036, 9781514004029, 1514004038, 151400402X
• Resource ID: LLS:HWBPTRTCLVNGHBR
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-07-17T17:55:48Z

About Richard Mouw

Richard J. Mouw is the former president of Fuller Theological Seminary and former director of the Institute of Faith and Public Life. He has authored over twenty books and served as an editor of Reformed Journal.