Nationalism is an ideology that emphasizes the pride of belonging to a particular country, incorporating the feeling of love exacerbated by ethnicity and national history. In the past, many extremist groups, taking advantage of the weakness and instability of their countries shortly after World War I, founded authoritarian party movements that sought to regain the prestige of a once unified and stable society.
Aiming at this purpose, the construction of national myths began, as well as the rescue of historical figures. The idea of nationalism gained prominence mainly in fascist Italy and Hitler's Germany. As a consequence of the economic collapse of their respective countries, these leaders appealed to the masses through a strategy of social domination. Then came gangs that preached violence as a form of political action, resembling communist revolutionaries, albeit for different purposes. Karl Marx himself would say that violence is the midwife of history.
However, Sacred Scripture does not support this kind of thinking, which has often put Christians in active conflict against one another. Some biblical passages clearly show the incompatibility between nationalism and Christianity.
Christianity, far from being the exclusive truth of a nation, is the most vivid expression of human solidarity united in the name of one Lord: Jesus Christ.
Aiming at this purpose, the construction of national myths began, as well as the rescue of historical figures. The idea of nationalism gained prominence mainly in fascist Italy and Hitler's Germany. As a consequence of the economic collapse of their respective countries, these leaders appealed to the masses through a strategy of social domination. Then came gangs that preached violence as a form of political action, resembling communist revolutionaries, albeit for different purposes. Karl Marx himself would say that violence is the midwife of history.
However, Sacred Scripture does not support this kind of thinking, which has often put Christians in active conflict against one another. Some biblical passages clearly show the incompatibility between nationalism and Christianity.
Beloved, I exhort you as pilgrims and strangers to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which battle against the soul (1 Peter 2:11).
Before you we are pilgrims and strangers, like our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope (1 Chronicles 29:15).
However, our citizenship is from the heavens, where we look forward to the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).
Therefore you shall love the stranger, because you were also pilgrims in the land of Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19).
Nor will you oppress the stranger; for you know the stranger's heart, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Exodus 23:9).Nationalism, as we have science, caused wars, discord, division, suffering, and revanchism. It is not uncommon to find in nationalist circles those who propose the mass expulsion of foreigners and ethnic minorities because they consider these groups undesirable and degrading to national life. Examples, we have several. And history has plenty of it.
Christianity, far from being the exclusive truth of a nation, is the most vivid expression of human solidarity united in the name of one Lord: Jesus Christ.
