Patriotism and the Cross: A Theology of Nationalism

Every follower of Christ has a coterminous sense of citizenship--(s)he is at the same time a citizen of a country (or countries) on earth but also has a heavenly allegiance through faith in Jesus Christ. How then should Christians live in light of these tensions? What does the Bible teach about issues of nationality nationalism and patriotism? Designed around seven chapters this book investigates the issue of national identity for the follower of Christ. Specifically this book delves into more than the binary of whether a Christian can be patriotic or not. Or whether a Christian can be nationalistic or not. What should a Christian do in light of differing political conditions around them because in this situation Christians still need to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations? As a result answers are proffered by the author based on Old and New Testament examples on national identity free trade and supranational groupings secessionist agitation and independence referendums as well as transnational linkages that connect followers of Christ around the globe. This book ends with sixteen conclusions on how Christians should live in the modern world with respect to nationalism and patriotism.