Patriotism or Nationalism: A Distinction that Makes a Difference
A while back, I had a parishioner ask me, “What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?” Intuitively, I knew there was a difference, but I struggled to articulate it. Over time, and as the idea of “Christian Nationalism” gained momentum, I continued to ponder the question. Personally, I’m very uncomfortable with the way our political leaders are interpreting and applying the Bible and the ways they are invoking Christianity to their own ends. I’ve never seen this done so prolifically (and theologically poorly, by the way) in my lifetime.
I believe the distinction between patriotism and nationalism is worth examining. Hopefully, “why” I think this will become more apparent as we go.
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Patriotism Explored
Let’s look at the basic definitions as a start. According to Merriam-Webster, “patriotism” means “love for or devotion to one’s country.” A paper published by the Stanford Institute of Philosophy in 2025 says,
Patriotism can be defined as love of or loyalty to one’s country, involving identification with it, and special concern for its well-being and that of compatriots, it also anticipates a rich enough commitment to warrant sacrifice for what the country is believed to stand for.
Patriotism is linked, therefore, with affinity for the country and one’s fellow citizens. It is marked by a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of the country. I think we can hear this patriotic impulse in the prayer “For Our Country” in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, where it says,
Accept the prayers we offer thee for our nation, granting virtue unto its citizens and wisdom to those in authority, that through obedience to thy will, justice and truth may be more firmly established among us.
There’s another prayer for the country in the 1662 Prayer Book that’s a little more direct. It says,
We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will… Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people all our many kindreds and tongues.
It’s hard to read these prayers without hearing echoes of the Gospel. Clearly, these prayers were written from a patriotic perspective, but with a Gospel lens. You can hear the sense of dependency on God, a desire for righteousness, and a caution against arrogance. Love of God and neighbor, expressed within the context of our national affiliation, is nothing less than the Gospel applied to the place in which we find ourselves.
Nationalism Defined
When I was in seminary (in the late 90’s/early 2000’s), the memory of the so-called “Religious Right” was fresh in people’s minds. People like Jerry Falwell, Pat Buchanan, and the “Moral Majority” had been active for years. Their movements made a stir, but (at least to me) not a major impact. I recall the caution my seminary professors instilled in us about how politicians often use religion (particularly Christianity in our country) for their own gain and to manipulate and control. When Christianity is woven into a particular political ideology or party, many well-meaning and faithful Christians begin to do the same. This “wrapping of the Bible in the flag” always leads to a dark place, as it begins to conflate the two. In the modern day, the flow is backward—politics leads, while Christianity follows and is expected to affirm the nationalistic impulse.
Consider now Merriam-Webster’s definition of “nationalism”:
an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups.
While “patriotism” and “nationalism” are similar, they are not synonymous. Nationalism implies elevating national interests above all others. Again, I think the Stanford paper says it well when it references George Orwell’s observation,
Nationalism is about power: its adherent wants to acquire as much power and prestige as possible for his nation, in which he submerges his individuality. Whereas nationalism is accordingly aggressive, patriotism is defensive: it is a devotion to a particular place and a way of life one thinks best, but has no wish to impose on others.
George Orwell, “Notes on Nationalism,” Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters, vol. 3, 362
Speaking of the love of one’s country and devotion to it, the Stanford paper comments,
When these are exhibited in a reasonable degree and without ill thoughts about others and hostile actions towards them, that is patriotism; when they become unbridled and cause one to think ill of others and act badly towards them, that is nationalism.
Notice what we see in these two quotes regarding nationalism. It is an elevation of the state above all else (akin to idolatry in Biblical parlance); its focus is on centralizing power. The tendency is to lose one’s individuality within it and within its aggressive nature. It leans towards an “us” versus “them” paradigm—where “we” are always “the righteous” and “they” are always “the enemy.”
When Patriotism Develops Into Nationalism
The nationalistic urge is hard to reconcile with the New Testament. Jesus challenges many of the “us vs them” paradigms of his day. From the enmity between “sinners” and the Pharisees, the hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews, Jesus leveled the walls. Among his own disciples was Matthew, a tax collector for the Roman occupiers. There was also Simon the Zealot, who would have been more nationalistic, hoping for a revolution to expel the Romans from Israel. One worked for the Romans. One wanted to be rid of the Romans. One was seen as a traitor to his people. One was seen as a champion for the nation. Both were called together—not under the reign of the Romans or the religious zealots, but under the reign of Christ.
Love of one’s country, patriotism—the desire to see your nation flourish and prosper, to see your fellow-citizens living in safety and order, to be willing to sacrifice for such a vision, is virtuous. Nationalism, on the other hand, is the over-elevation of the state, which can easily cross the line into idolatry. It often seeks to justify violence and aggression and thrives in discord and confusion, and it refuses to be questioned or challenged. And, by the way, Nationalism can manifest from the left or the right.
Michael Lester, an emerging commentator on world affairs, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in areas ranging from Asia to the Middle East. He is also a member of MENSA and has degrees in history, electrical engineering, and leadership. He teases out well the differences between patriotism and nationalism:
“Patriotism is devotion to principles: liberty, justice, equality before the law. Nationalism is devotion to power: loyalty to the party or the nation-state above all else, regardless of whether it honors those principles.” He continues, “Nationalism demands silence in the face of wrongdoing; patriotism demands accountability.” Lester rounds out his summary by saying, “The 20th century offers abundant warnings about what happens when nationalism overtakes patriotism: authoritarian regimes, wars of aggression, and suppression of dissent.”8
Michael Lester, We Are the Bad Guys, pg. 14
How to Live in the Midst of the Divide
I am a Christian, and I love my country. I served in the military and have volunteered in civic organizations. It makes sense that I would consider myself a patriot. Therefore, I ask questions and refuse to stand in resolute lock-step with any political figure or party. When our nation does well, I celebrate. When we as a country do not do well, do not reflect our historic values and philosophy, I lament. Regardless, I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God and am first under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Full stop. No hedging. No qualifiers.
In his excellent book, Cultural Sanctification, Stephen Presley examines the civic and religious life of early Christians. He says,
They were simultaneously citizens of the country in which they resided and foreigners whose identity was rooted in Christ as King. They did not confuse earthly citizenship with their heavenly one, or reject the world and live in isolation, but sought for the welfare of the city.”
Stephen Presley, Cultural Sanctification, pg. 17
Find Our Identity in Christ
The best way to live these days is to imitate these early Christians and to understand that our identity is fully and firmly in Christ. Because of that, nothing can be elevated to a disproportionate degree—not even the state. I believe we can be patriots and can see virtue in it. But we must never lose sight of what Paul says in Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Study the Biblical Teaching on Government
Relatedly, I think we need to do a deep dive into the Biblical teaching the New Testament provides on the Christian’s relationship with governing authorities. Read and study deeply Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Peter 2, and Matthew 22. I believe many Christians would be shocked (perhaps alarmed!) to read these passages. I can also heartily recommend Matryn Lloyd-Jones’ commentary on Romans 13, Life in Two Kingdoms.
Pray for the Nation
Finally, I think we pray the prayers of the Book of Common Prayer for our nation, and we allow the Gospel itself to guide our civic and political words and actions. Who should be a better true patriot than the Christian? The Christian is called to love our enemies and pray for them, to love their neighbor as themselves, to do good to those who persecute us, to go the extra mile in self-sacrifice, to strive for authentic justice, and to persevere in love and devotion to the commandments of God and his Word. Christians can be patriots, perhaps we can say even should be patriots—those who advocate most for our nation to live into its true and most noble potential.
Image by getmilitaryphotos, courtesy of Canva. Digitally edited by Jacob Davis.
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