originally posted by: Mahogani
...
“I’m proud to endorse and encourage you to get this Bible. We must make America pray again.”
Austrian economist Schumpeter wrote: “The orientation toward war is mainly fostered by the domestic interests of ruling classes but also by the
influence of all those who stand to gain individually from a war policy, whether economically or socially.” These ruling classes have been defined
as “elites [that] are at all times involved in trying to manipulate other elements of the population, or the public mood itself, so as to perpetuate
themselves in power.”—
Why War? by Professors Nelson and Olin.
Every nation has its ruling class, even though that group may be divided into different political factions. However, many observe that the power of
the military elite in every nation should not be underestimated. Former U.S. Ambassador John K. Galbraith describes the military establishment as
“by far the most powerful of the autonomous processes of government.”
Even though religion is on the wane in many countries, the clergy can be included in the elite decision-making group. Down through history the
priestly class has been the willing accomplice of the ruling elite. In time of war, religious leaders have piously blessed weapons and armies on both
sides in the name of God, while often professing the same religion. This blasphemy has turned many people away from religion and God.
Catholic historian E. I. Watkin wrote: “Painful as the admission must be, we cannot in the interest of a false edification or dishonest loyalty deny
or ignore the historical fact that Bishops have consistently supported all wars waged by the government of their country. . . . Where belligerent
nationalism is concerned they have spoken as the mouthpiece of Caesar.”
When Watkin said that bishops of the Catholic Church “supported all wars waged by the government of their country,” he included the wars of
aggression waged by Hitler. As Roman Catholic professor of history at Vienna University, Friedrich Heer, admitted: “In the cold facts of German
history, the Cross and the swastika came ever closer together, until the swastika proclaimed the message of victory from the towers of German
cathedrals, swastika
flags appeared round altars and Catholic and Protestant theologians, pastors, churchmen and statesmen welcomed the
alliance with Hitler.”
Catholic Church leaders gave such unqualified support to Hitler’s wars that the Roman Catholic professor Gordon Zahn wrote: “The German Catholic
who looked to his religious superiors for spiritual guidance and direction regarding service in Hitler’s wars received virtually the same answers he
would have received from the Nazi ruler himself.”
Back in 1946, British historian Arnold Toynbee wrote: “
Patriotism . . . has very largely superseded Christianity as the religion of the
Western World.” Since 1914, two world wars and over a hundred smaller conflicts have spilled an ocean of blood. A century ago, French writer Guy de
Maupassant said that “the egg from which wars are hatched” is
patriotism, which he called “a kind of religion.” In fact,
The
Encyclopedia of Religion says that
patriotism’s cousin, nationalism, “has become a dominant form of religion in the modern world,
preempting a void left by the deterioration of traditional religious values.” By failing to promote true worship, false religion created the
spiritual vacuum into which nationalism was able to pour.
Nowhere was this better illustrated than in Nazi Germany, whose citizens at the beginning of World War II claimed to be 94.4 percent Christian. Of all
places, Germany—birthplace of Protestantism and praised in 1914 by Pope Pius X as home of “the best Catholics in the world”—should have
represented the very best that Christendom had to offer.
Sometimes the people are not in favor of a war. On what basis, then, can the rulers most easily persuade the population to support their aims? This
was the problem that faced the United States in Vietnam. So, what did the ruling elite do? Galbraith answers: “The Vietnam War produced in the
United States one of the most comprehensive efforts in social conditioning [adjusting of public opinion] in modern times. Nothing was spared in the
attempt to make the war seem necessary and acceptable to the American public.” And that points to the handiest tool for softening up a nation for
war. What is it?
Professor Galbraith again supplies the answer:
“Schools in all countries inculcate the principles of patriotism. . . . The conditioning that
requires all to rally around the flag is of particular importance in winning subordination to military and foreign policy.” This systematic
conditioning prevails in (former) communist countries as it does in Western nations.
In our age, “nationalism’s chief symbol of faith and central object of worship is the flag,” wrote historian Carlton Hayes. “Men bare their
heads when the flag passes by; and in praise of the flag poets write odes and children sing hymns.” Nationalism, he added, also has its “holy
days,” such as the Fourth of July in the United States, as well as its “saints and heroes” and its “temples,” or shrines. In a public
ceremony in Brazil, the minister general of the army acknowledged: “The flag is
venerated and worshiped . . . just as the Fatherland is
worshiped.” Yes, “the flag, like the cross, is sacred,”
The Encyclopedia Americana once observed. The flag is the symbol of the State.
Therefore, bowing down to it or saluting it is a religious ceremony that gives reverence to the State. Such an act ascribes salvation to the State and
does not harmonize with what the Bible says about idolatry. (An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of
passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the
veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. So
yes, to many people, their flag is an idol.)
And now to get to the point that I'm responding to in Trump's sales pitch (the bolded part; the bit of background above felt pertinent or needed). The
aforementioned encyclopedia more recently noted that national anthems “are expressions of patriotic feeling and often include an invocation for
divine guidance and protection of the people or their rulers.” A national anthem is, in effect, a hymn or a
prayer in behalf of a nation. It
usually asks that the nation experience material prosperity and long duration. Should true Christians join in such prayerful sentiments?
The prophet Jeremiah lived among people who professed to serve God. Yet, Jehovah commanded him: “Do not pray in behalf of this people, neither raise
in their behalf an entreating cry or a prayer nor beseech me,
for I shall not be listening to you.” (Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 14:11) Why was
Jeremiah given this command? Because their society was permeated with stealing, murdering, the committing of adultery, false swearing, and
idolatry.—Jeremiah 7:9.
Like I said in my previous comment, history keeps repeating itself (Eccl. 1:9,10). God ain't listening to your prayers if you're a patriot and
nationalist like Trump and thus practicing idolatry (including the veneration of the nation's flag, the pledge of allegiance, and national anthems).
He's not interested. Just like he isn't interested in the prayers of these people (
that is, as long as they keep practicing
idolatry):
Jesus said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord,
Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in
that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works* [Or “many miracles.”]
in your name?’ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew* [Or “recognized.”] you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’”
(Matt 7:21-23) Yes, in God’s view, all idolatry is “lawless” (1 Peter 4:3). Those seeking his favor cannot practice idolatry.—1 Corinthians
5:11; Revelation 21:8.edit on 31-3-2024 by whereislogic because: (no reason given)