Patriotism and Christianity -- given July 2007

I have always struggled a bit with church talks on patriotism, so of course, I was asked to give one. It is just that too often patriotism seems to border a bit on pride or self-righteousness. I cannot espouse a brand of patriotism contains an implicit arrogance, when I know with all my heart that God is truly “no respecter of persons.” (D&C 1:35) Similarly, I baulk at even a hint that either of the temporal and self-serving organizations we know as political parties could be more sanctioned by the Lord. Yet, so often it seems that our discussions related to loyalty and gratitude for political freedoms teeter on the path of espousing the idea that as Americans we are more justified, more loved, and more moral than all other nations.

Some of this quandary is captured well, but in much more eloquent prose than mine, in Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Lincoln reflected in relation to the North and South during the Civil War: “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces, but let us judge not that we be not judged.”

It is with a recognition that people throughout all nations invoke and deserve the blessings of God and that individuals of all political persuasions can feel equally motivated in their cause, that I have determined to speak today about an aspect of patriotism in which there is broader application: specifically, the relationship between citizenship and discipleship.

To put it in a different context, given that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live in widely diverse nations and communities throughout the world, yet share a common belief expressed in the 12th Article of Faith regarding being subject to their respective governments and participating in their various communities, how is it that our knowledge and testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ should affect our interactions and behaviors in relation to our communities, geo-political divisions, and nation-states?

I want to share five lessons that I have drawn from the scriptures related to the concept of being good citizens.

Lesson 1 - We must know where our higher allegiance lies.
In the book of Matthew a group of Pharisees trying to trap the Savior question whether it is lawful to pay tribute unto Caesar. In response, the Savior asks to see their tribute money, and inquires of them:
“’Whose is this image and superscription?’ They say unto him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then saith he unto them, ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.’ (Matt. 22:20-21)”

While the Savior’s response is noteworthy because it reinforces the principle of being good citizens, obeying the law, and respecting governmental authority, it is also important to note what is to be rendered to “Caesar” -- or the authority figure of the day -- namely, “the things which are Caesar’s.” So while we are to give our government its due, particularly it seems in relation to temporal matters, there are things which the Savior seems to be saying are not “Caesar’s,” but rather “God’s.”

What things are God’s in our lives? If we use the same standard employed by Christ in determining to whom tribute should be given, we would look to see what it is that God’s image is engraven upon. The scriptures counsel us that the “image of God [should be] engraven upon [our] countenances” ( Alma 5:19) and that God’s law should be written on our hearts (Isaiah 50:7). If we are fully God’s, then our highest allegiance should be reserved for God.

This test can be useful in navigating many sticky situations regarding civil obedience, such as those encountered by Daniel or Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. Similarly, it is a valuable tool in examining where our greatest commitment lies and ensuring that we always render ourselves God’s first, not letting any other affiliation or loyalty supersede the standard of behavior required by discipleship.

The next three lessons about citizenship and discipleship are taken from the section of the Book of Mormon containing the greatest degree of political intrigue.

The latter part of the Book of Alma describes the situation: Amalickiah, a dissenter from the Nephites, has led away a group of Nephites, joined himself with the Lamanties, beginning to incite the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites. Captain Moroni is chosen to lead the Nephite armies against the Lamanite attacks; he erects the Title of Liberty, fortifies cities, and helps quell an internal land dispute. During this time, the chief judge, Nephihah, dies and his son, Pahoran, is appointed in his place. Another series of internal disputes ensues in which Pahoran barely maintains the judgment seat against the threats of the King-men. Meanwhile, there are more Lamanite attacks, leading to a series of battles, including that fought by Helaman and the 2000 stripling warriors. Moroni learns of Helaman’s victory and solicits the government for more troops to strengthen Helaman and his young men. While waiting for a response, another attack occurs and, due to a lack of man-power, the city of Nephihah is lost to the Lamanites.

At this point Moroni is quite frustrated over the seeming indifference of Pahoran to his pleas for additional help, and fires off a strongly worded epistle stating his displeasure which includes such gems as,
“Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor?” (Alma 60:7)
“Ye have neglected them insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance.” (Alma 60:10)
“We know not but ye are also traitors to your country.” (Alma 60:18)
and culminates in a threat that “except ye do administer unto our relief, behold, I come unto you, even in the land of Zarahemla, and smite you with the sword.” (Alma 60:30)

In the following chapter of Alma, Pahoran responds. He informs Moroni that rebellion has driven him from the judgment seat, but that he has been building support for the cause and many are joining him. And then, despite the political and personal turmoil that Pahoran has been experiencing at this time he says to Moroni,
“In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.” (Alma 61:9)

While there is no specific account of Moroni’s response to this, we do know that he quickly reinforces his other captains and goes directly to Pahoran’s aid, bringing the military resources necessary to strengthen and defend him.

While there are many lessons within this larger story, the first for today about citizenship and discipleship comes from Captain Moroni.

Lesson 2- Look before you leap.
Captain Moroni is a man of great faith, devotion, and valor and the recipient of nearly the greatest compliment for personal strength given in the Book of Mormon. But, in this case, he provides an example of how hasty behavior can too often be ill-informed and regretted in light of better information. It is a case of how not to behave in challenging, demanding, and trying times.

Quick, thoughtless, and offensive speech is too often the norm in our modern discourse. It is so easy to jump to conclusions or see only our own perspective, but it is critical in merging our citizenship with our discipleship to often take a more measured and slower approach.

In the April 2006 General Conference Elder Robert S. Wood counseled:
“Have we who have taken upon us the name of Christ slipped unknowingly into patterns of slander, evil speaking, and bitter stereotyping? Have personal or partisan or business or religious differences been translated into a kind of demonizing of those with different views?... We should avoid caricaturing the positions of others, constructing ‘straw men,’ if you will, and casting unwarranted aspersions on their motivations and character.”

We would be wise to follow the counsel of President George Albert Smith who said, “Whenever your politics cause you to speak unkindly of your brethren, know this, that you are upon dangerous ground.”

We would also do well to ask ourselves, as disciples of Jesus Christ, whether we are “suffering long, being kind, envying not, not being puffed up, behaving not unseemly, seeking not our own, not being easily provoked, not thinking evil, rejoicing in the truth, and bearing all things” before we speak or act. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Lesson 3 - Seek reconciliation, even in cases of great offense or difference of opinion.
The scriptures record the words of many great men, but few compare in my mind to the humble response of Pahoran, which so fully demonstrates the stature of his character: “But it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.”

What would similar words do for many of our interactions and discourses? I cannot help but think of how often my response falls so short of Pahoran’s example. As did the Savior in the face of great injustice, inaccuracy, and accusation, he unhesitatingly forgave and he looked for the good in another’s heart and intentions.

So often we seem to live in a world that creates and fosters divisiveness and contention, but the scriptures clearly state that these are tools of the devil, not the Spirit of Christ. In addition, by seeking reconciliation, by searching for common ground, so much more was accomplished in this situation, and could be accomplished in so many of the similarly vexing political and social challenges we confront.

Lesson 4 - We have a responsibility as citizens to be engaged.
The underlying truth in Captain Moroni’s reprimand of Pahroan and the implicit understanding in Pahoran’s response is that each of us is responsible for far more than just our own welfare. We have a duty and obligation to others. We are not able to withdraw from the turmoil around us or pretend that it does not exist, but we are accountable for the degree to which we stand up and participate in furthering the causes we espouse and promoting the welfare of others.

Elder Wood, in different address entitled On the Responsible Self printed in the March 2002 Ensign, states:
“We bear responsibility not only for our own acts but also for those conditions in society that we can reasonably influence…. For too many, responsibility seems to end with hand-wringing and exclamations of dismay. Yet talk without action accomplishes little. We need to be vigorously engaged in the world. If our schools are inadequate…we must work with fellow members of the community to bring about change. If our neighborhoods are unsafe or unhealthy, we must join with the civic-minded to devise solutions. If our cities and towns are polluted, not only with noxious gases, but soul-destroying addictions and smut, we must labor to find legitimate ways to eliminate such filth while respecting freedom of conscience.”

This leads to the related and final lesson for today, which is drawn again from the teachings of the Master.

Lesson 5 – The scope of our responsibility as citizens is broad and not limited by common divisions.
This final point comes from the familiar story of the Good Samaritan told by the Savior. While often used as an example of charity and service, it is also very instructive on how to blend our citizenship and discipleship. It is a noteworthy response to the question of “Who is my neighbor?” or “What is my responsibility?” because it specifically sets no bounds. Indeed, the Savior seems to be stating that our responsibility to others does not know any political, racial, ethnic, religious, or other constraints. In reality, all of God’s children are equally deserving of our concern and love. Similarly, he is instructing us that our responsibility to care for others is not limited by our profession, training, or expertise. In our roles as citizens of communities, states, nations, and the world, we are to think of and love all others as ourselves.

This is a standard that is far too lacking in the world in which we live. Too often it seems that the choices pursued by the various social and political organizations to which we belong are devoid of a desire to treat others as ourselves, to see in each a son or daughter of God. Yet, this is the pattern that was set by the Savior and the way in which our Father in Heaven deals with us. We read in First Nephi: “And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.” (1 Nephi 22:25)

It seems clear that our discipleship requires a higher standard of citizenship from us. It requires us to be engaged, informed, and capable participants in our communities and nation, but it also requires us to do so in a constantly Christ-like manner, with a sincere love for all of God’s children and an ability to esteem all, despite their differences in opinion or persuasion, as ourselves.

To conclude where I began, I think this very thought is expressed beautifully in the conclusion to Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on… to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have bourne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”