patriotism~

I am currently reading a book for school about Patrick Henry~

It is very interesting, I even had Mama reading parts. =)

I am just going to copy a couple different parts from the book.

"Does Patriotism simply mean "love for my country" just because it is "mine"? Or is patriotism a nobler virtue? Moreover, where does patriotism fit in our hierarchy of values? Are love of God and love of country compatible? Can political leaders be both a good Christian and a true patriot?"


"While we tend to think of a patriot as a person who puts his country first in opposition to another country, originally the term meant one who supported the rights of "country" or "land" against the king and his court. In other words, a patriot stood for the rights of local self-government and was opposed to tyrannical rule- even by his own King. Thus, true patriotism is the impulse to defend one's land, country, or way of life and unjust governmental oppression."

"As individuals professing a holy religion, it is our bounden duty to forgive injuries done us as individuals. But when to the character of Christian you add the character of patriot, you are in a different situation. If your enemy smite one cheek, turn the other to him. But you must stop there. You must not apply this to your country."

~Lydia