@fmf saidI imagine that similar sentiments occur among all people who are religious. I particularly imagine that many Iranians, Iraqis, and Saudis have feelings about their own countries which are home to many holy sites. I imagine that Jews and Hindus also have these sorts of feelings...
You say the notion of seeing oneself as living in "God's country" is something couched in "poetic, personal language".
Do you not think it reveals a kind of Christian narcissism and not-very-Christian jingoism too, by which I mean, out there in the real world of what is said from pulpits and by purveyors of retail religion [i.e. putting romanticism and poetry aside]?
With ...[text shortened]... logy on the table is concerned, isn't it rather akin to the counting of angels on the head of a pin?
I think that these feelings certainly can have a dark, jingoistic side, right... But I think it is more common that these sentiments are just normal, fine expressions that just esteem their own country and show affection to it.
Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.
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I don't get the elevating consumerism part, by the way. I do not think that nationalism and consumerism go together that well. I also do not think that most religions promote consumerism. Quite the opposite, religion oftne promotes poverty and introspection.
-Removed-If some Iranian Muslims referred to their country as 'God's country' with a smile... I would not argue the point.
Good for them. Good for them.
I will take it to mean that it is beautiful and blessed, and that an abundance of good things are happening there, and I will not doubt the narrative.
I think this is a satisfactorily libearl response, Dive. Do I pass your smell test?
@philokalia saidYou mentioned earlier that American Christians feel blessed by God because of the "amazing" prosperity of their country. This prosperity plays itself out in terms of materialism, consumerism and even military power, does it not?
I don't get the elevating consumerism part, by the way.
@philokalia saidRegardless of whether it has a dark side, it's still a kind of Christian narcissism, though, don't you think? You know... people with their own 'personal Jesus' living in a country that they believe, more or less, has its own 'personal Jesus' who supposedly doesn't see other countries the same way. Narcissistic jingoism, something like that. It risks being a bit 'un-Christian', I would have thought.
I think that these feelings certainly can have a dark, jingoistic side, right... But I think it is more common that these sentiments are just normal, fine expressions that just esteem their own country and show affection to it.
@philokalia saidI am not discussing it with Iranians, Iraqis, and Saudis, though. I am discussing it here with Americans. The OP was written by an American. It mentions America. You have explicitly justified the belief of many Americans that they live in "God's country". I will wait for some Iranians, Iraqis, and Saudis to come along. But in the meantime, I am interested in the claims that Americans like you make.
I imagine that similar sentiments occur among all people who are religious. I particularly imagine that many Iranians, Iraqis, and Saudis have feelings about their own countries which are home to many holy sites.
@sonship saidYep. It's God's state!!!! Just kidding y'all.
@galveston75Where do you live?
MD. Just kidding you. Texas is a fine state.
@galveston75 saidSorry, but I think this is utter rubbish. GOD created the heavens and the earth, because of this, he can work his miracles in Antarctica, Moscow, Jerusalem, Montreal or the far side of the Andromeda galaxy with equal effectiveness and ease.
Just wanting to see the opinions here on God and country? In this country, the good ole USA, many believe this is God's country and he has blessed it above all others. I live in Texas and that opinion is even stronger here. Like to hear any thoughts on this.....
@galveston75 saidBut, would you really?
Just wanting to see the opinions here on God and country? In this country, the good ole USA, many believe this is God's country and he has blessed it above all others. I live in Texas and that opinion is even stronger here. Like to hear any thoughts on this.....
As in, like to hear the thoughts of others?
@menace71 saidYes it does. Good post. God has no nations as these scripture states.
@galveston75 Psalm 2 comes to mind when thinking of nations
Manny
1 "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7 I will proclaim the LORD’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
Just a side comment..... Why is the word lord written two different ways here? One is Lord and the other is LORD.