p. 8 | PIETY AND PATRIOTISM by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 5, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 18.

“PIETY AND PATRIOTISM.”

By W. N. G.

It is always refreshing to hear that “the Gospel has made a great impression” upon any people, and this is what the secretary of the American Presbyterian Board writes concerning the Koreans, after a visit among them. To this he adds, what would logically be expected, that “the contrast between these Christians who have just emerged from the darkness of paganism and the Koreans not yet reached, is most striking.” But there is one discouraging feature in connection with the report, and that is, these Korean Christian babes have already imbibed the delusive notion (now so prevalent in the United States) that the flag is an essential element in Christianity. “It is a custom among them to fly their national flag from their houses on Sunday, and the flag is also seen surmounting their churches. Their piety and patriotism are thus shown.”

This idea that Christian piety and patriotism (in the common acceptation of the word) must go together, is sadly detrimental to real Christian progress. The common idea of patriotism is standing by the flag even to the use of carnal weapons against an opponent, even if he be recognized as a Christian brother. Now if such Christian patriotism be commendable in the United States or Great Britain, it is equally good in Korea, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, or anywhere else. Then, in case of war between any two nations, “piety and patriotism” would send the Christians of each country to support the flags of their respective governments, even to the killing of their brother Christians on the other side.

We have a good illustration of this inconsistency in the Catholic Church. When the war for secession broke out in the United States, the pope sent his blessing to Mr. Jefferson Davis, President of the Southern Confederacy; but in the Union Army, as well as in that of the Confederacy, there were no more loyal or efficient soldiers than those of the Catholic faith. The same principle was manifest in the leading Protestant denominations,—the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists each being divided on territorial lines. The present controversy between the United States and Spain also brings out a marked example of the effects of the “piety-and-patriotism” doctrine. There is no class of people in this country more ready and willing to engage in the conflict with Spain than the Catholics, and perhaps no denomination of professed Christians has as many adherents in the ranks as the Catholic. On the other hand, the Catholic bishop of Madrid recently said to Mr. Creelman, the noted newspaper correspondent:—

“I would give my solemn benediction to every banner floating over all war ships fighting against the United States to keep us Cuba.”

Again, there are Methodists in Spain; they are Spanish citizens, and therefore it is as much their Christian duty to defend the Spanish flag as it is for an American Methodist to defend the American flag. Dr. E. R. Dille, of this city, is a recognized Methodist representative, and here is a recent utterance of his while addressing the Young Men’s Christian Association:—

“If the Maine, that lay sleeping in Havana harbor, like a guest in the house of a friend, was destroyed by Spanish treachery; if our gallant tars were sent to their deaths without a chance for their lives, the Maine must be avenged. . . . War is sometimes as holy as white-robed peace, and if war is necessary to vindicate the honor of our flag, let it come. If the Maine was destroyed by Spanish treachery, with the connivance of the authorities, then we must build a monument to our heroes on the ruins of Morro Castle.”

But this is not only a Methodist sentiment; all the more prominent Protestant denominations practically indorse this position, of course barring individual exceptions. But the Lord has spoken on the subject of vengeance: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Rom. 12:19. Now the basis of Christianity is faith in the Word of God, and if we believe that vengeance belongs to Him, we will not attempt to take it out of His hands. If we believe that He “will repay,” why not let Him repay? He is the best judge of proper vengeance, and of the best time and the best manner of repaying wrong. The Christian who assumes to take the prerogative of God into his own hands, denies the faith and sets himself up against the One whom he professes to follow. The Master positively enjoins His followers not to resist evil (Matt. 5:38–41), and He set the example in His own life, under the most galling provocation.

It is a sad reflection to think that, as the Gospel is carried at great expense to the heathen, it is by the same hands retarded by the false idea that it must also bear aloft the banners of all earthly nations, and espouse both sides in all their selfish conflicts. If the nations must have war, let them have it in their own names; but let not the name of Christ be stained with the blood of men, for whom He gave His own blood, that they might be saved.

W. N. G.