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How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor
What does it mean to love our country?
Some Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.
Mouw grapples with sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace.
Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities. This guide helps us travel together on a shared national journey toward liberty and justice for all.
Some Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.
Mouw grapples with sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace.
Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities. This guide helps us travel together on a shared national journey toward liberty and justice for all.
160 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2022
11 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Richard J. Mouw
86 books42 followersRichard John Mouw is a theologian and philosopher. He held the position of President at Fuller Theological Seminary for 20 years (1993-2013), and continues to hold the post of Professor of Faith and Public Life.
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December 5, 2022
Summary: Navigating the space between Christian nationalism and national cynicism, explores how Christians might properly love country within their primary allegiance to Christ, focused around civic kinship and responsibility.
At least in the U.S. setting in which Richard Mouw writes, there often seems to be no middle ground between some form of Christian nationalism and a deep cynicism about any national loyalty. Mouw has navigated this ground over the course of his life, from his days as an “angry young man” protesting Vietnam and racial injustice up to the present, including experiences of tears while touring the American cemetery in Normandy and being present at a Holiday Bowl concert a few days after 9/11. He has wrestled with what the Christian’s primary allegiance to the global kingdom of Jesus means in the context of being a citizen, He invites us to wrestle with him as we consider the possibility and character of being a patriotic Christian.
He describes the basic character of this patriotism early in the book when he writes:
“But patriotism is not just about our relationship to specific government policies and practices. It is about belonging to a community of citizens with whom we share our political allegiances–and even more important, our common humanness. Patriotism is in an important sense more about our participation in a nation than it is about loving a state” (p. 14).
What Mouw argues for is our “civic kinship,” our sense of peoplehood with those who constitute our nation. He proposes that the Boy Scouts are an example of a program in civic kinship, cultivating the kind of character required in our public life with a concern for the place and the people with whom we live. He notes the evidence of the decline in the societal bonds among us and our increasing isolation from each other, and the necessity, in our season of tribalism, to cultivate room in our hearts for those with whom we differ. He appropriates John Calvin’s language of contemplating our fellow human beings in God, not in themselves.
Mouw’s focus on peoplehood and civic kinship calls into question what Mouw considers to be the role of the state. He contends that the preamble of our Constitution actually offers a good delineation of the primary tasks of government: 1) to establish justice, 2) to ensure domestic tranquility, 3) to provide for the common defense, and 4) to promote the general welfare and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. He notes the parallel with Psalm 72 in these four tasks. He cites the Catholic idea of subsidiarity, that higher authorities should not undertake what lower authorities, or even private associations or individual citizens can accomplish, which requires civic responsibility rather than dependence on government authority.
Against some who either implicitly or explicitly believe Christians ought to pursue a theocracy, Mouw supports the idea of our democratic republic, with its protections of differing beliefs rather than compelling uniformity. He believes this creates the space for people to change beliefs of their own, respecting the image of God in human beings. How then do we disagree in a plural society? Mouw encourages active patience (as God has acted toward us), genuine engagement with those with whom we disagree, and an openness that believes all truth is God’s truth, to receive that truth from wherever it appears.
How then should we think of expressions of patriotism within the confines of our church buildings, everything from the presence of flags to the recognition of national holidays? Some would see this as a form of idolatry, or perhaps offensive to those visiting from other countries. Mouw recounts such a conversation where he pushes back, contending that symbols like the flag can remind believers of their Christian calling as citizens, and that Christians in other countries may understand this because of their love for their own countries. Remember, he invited us to wrestle together–there is wrestling going on here! Likewise, there is the need to do careful pastoral teaching–what does it mean to seek the peace and prosperity of the people among whom we live (Jeremiah 29:7) while recognizing our primary allegiance to Christ and that we are part of a global people?
This leads him to consider our patriotic songs, many which invoke the blessing of God, and other civic observances with religious overtones, such as our various pledges and oaths. Is this just an invidious form of civil religion or something the Christian can embrace. Mouw notes the good of an acknowledgment of the transcendent, to which the nation is both accountable and on which it depends.
He concludes this work with four guidelines: 1) to do the work of contemplation to see people in the light of God, 2) to cultivate compassion, 3) to go deep in our quest for rootedness, in Christ, in our place, with our people, and 4) to trust Jesus, in whom are met “the hopes and fears of all the years.”
This is not a massive treatise on Christian political philosophy but a concise work of pastoral theology on what it means to love Jesus and love one’s country, particularly the United States. I affirm his restrained view of the role of the state, an absence of any language of getting the “right” people in office, and his focus on our own civic kinship and responsibility as citizens to pursue the shalom and prosperity of the place where we make our earthly home. His own unashamed expressions of his love of country and solidarity with its people reminded me of similar experiences. Most of all, I appreciate Mouw’s articulation of this rich third way of being patriotic Christians that offers an alternative to the unsatisfying and miserly binary on offer in so much of our national discourse.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
At least in the U.S. setting in which Richard Mouw writes, there often seems to be no middle ground between some form of Christian nationalism and a deep cynicism about any national loyalty. Mouw has navigated this ground over the course of his life, from his days as an “angry young man” protesting Vietnam and racial injustice up to the present, including experiences of tears while touring the American cemetery in Normandy and being present at a Holiday Bowl concert a few days after 9/11. He has wrestled with what the Christian’s primary allegiance to the global kingdom of Jesus means in the context of being a citizen, He invites us to wrestle with him as we consider the possibility and character of being a patriotic Christian.
He describes the basic character of this patriotism early in the book when he writes:
“But patriotism is not just about our relationship to specific government policies and practices. It is about belonging to a community of citizens with whom we share our political allegiances–and even more important, our common humanness. Patriotism is in an important sense more about our participation in a nation than it is about loving a state” (p. 14).
What Mouw argues for is our “civic kinship,” our sense of peoplehood with those who constitute our nation. He proposes that the Boy Scouts are an example of a program in civic kinship, cultivating the kind of character required in our public life with a concern for the place and the people with whom we live. He notes the evidence of the decline in the societal bonds among us and our increasing isolation from each other, and the necessity, in our season of tribalism, to cultivate room in our hearts for those with whom we differ. He appropriates John Calvin’s language of contemplating our fellow human beings in God, not in themselves.
Mouw’s focus on peoplehood and civic kinship calls into question what Mouw considers to be the role of the state. He contends that the preamble of our Constitution actually offers a good delineation of the primary tasks of government: 1) to establish justice, 2) to ensure domestic tranquility, 3) to provide for the common defense, and 4) to promote the general welfare and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. He notes the parallel with Psalm 72 in these four tasks. He cites the Catholic idea of subsidiarity, that higher authorities should not undertake what lower authorities, or even private associations or individual citizens can accomplish, which requires civic responsibility rather than dependence on government authority.
Against some who either implicitly or explicitly believe Christians ought to pursue a theocracy, Mouw supports the idea of our democratic republic, with its protections of differing beliefs rather than compelling uniformity. He believes this creates the space for people to change beliefs of their own, respecting the image of God in human beings. How then do we disagree in a plural society? Mouw encourages active patience (as God has acted toward us), genuine engagement with those with whom we disagree, and an openness that believes all truth is God’s truth, to receive that truth from wherever it appears.
How then should we think of expressions of patriotism within the confines of our church buildings, everything from the presence of flags to the recognition of national holidays? Some would see this as a form of idolatry, or perhaps offensive to those visiting from other countries. Mouw recounts such a conversation where he pushes back, contending that symbols like the flag can remind believers of their Christian calling as citizens, and that Christians in other countries may understand this because of their love for their own countries. Remember, he invited us to wrestle together–there is wrestling going on here! Likewise, there is the need to do careful pastoral teaching–what does it mean to seek the peace and prosperity of the people among whom we live (Jeremiah 29:7) while recognizing our primary allegiance to Christ and that we are part of a global people?
This leads him to consider our patriotic songs, many which invoke the blessing of God, and other civic observances with religious overtones, such as our various pledges and oaths. Is this just an invidious form of civil religion or something the Christian can embrace. Mouw notes the good of an acknowledgment of the transcendent, to which the nation is both accountable and on which it depends.
He concludes this work with four guidelines: 1) to do the work of contemplation to see people in the light of God, 2) to cultivate compassion, 3) to go deep in our quest for rootedness, in Christ, in our place, with our people, and 4) to trust Jesus, in whom are met “the hopes and fears of all the years.”
This is not a massive treatise on Christian political philosophy but a concise work of pastoral theology on what it means to love Jesus and love one’s country, particularly the United States. I affirm his restrained view of the role of the state, an absence of any language of getting the “right” people in office, and his focus on our own civic kinship and responsibility as citizens to pursue the shalom and prosperity of the place where we make our earthly home. His own unashamed expressions of his love of country and solidarity with its people reminded me of similar experiences. Most of all, I appreciate Mouw’s articulation of this rich third way of being patriotic Christians that offers an alternative to the unsatisfying and miserly binary on offer in so much of our national discourse.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
September 18, 2022
I don’t come to all the same conclusions (especially in the area of civil religion), but I really appreciate how Mouw thinks through these things. We could use a lot more of this kind of patriotism among Christians, and a lot less of the kind we’ve got.
August 27, 2022
This is "Christians as citizens 101." It's a solid, if basic, account on the need for government and how Christians should participate in it. I wish there were more advanced principles or analysis here; I learned a few things but almost all of it was very familiar.
April 1, 2024
Book #7 in 2024
Audiobook
2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect in picking up this book.
I appreciated the emphasis on how to be a patriotic Christian as opposed to a Christian patriot. Might seem like a distinction with no difference to some, but which is the noun and which is the adjective makes all the difference in the world.
There is much wisdom and winsomeness in this book. Love of one’s native land and the desire to see her flourish are not bad things. I especially liked how the author doesn’t see this as a zero sum game. To be patriotic, the author insists, doesn’t mean you have to hate or wish ill upon other nations.
Towards the end the author contends / concedes (?) that Christians should make our peace (my words) with American civil religion. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it doesn’t seem like this will have much staying power as it is quickly eroding.
At any rate, there were parts I thought were very good and some that I disagreed with, but I appreciated how the author was fair and even handed throughout much of the work.
Audiobook
2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect in picking up this book.
I appreciated the emphasis on how to be a patriotic Christian as opposed to a Christian patriot. Might seem like a distinction with no difference to some, but which is the noun and which is the adjective makes all the difference in the world.
There is much wisdom and winsomeness in this book. Love of one’s native land and the desire to see her flourish are not bad things. I especially liked how the author doesn’t see this as a zero sum game. To be patriotic, the author insists, doesn’t mean you have to hate or wish ill upon other nations.
Towards the end the author contends / concedes (?) that Christians should make our peace (my words) with American civil religion. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it doesn’t seem like this will have much staying power as it is quickly eroding.
At any rate, there were parts I thought were very good and some that I disagreed with, but I appreciated how the author was fair and even handed throughout much of the work.
October 12, 2022
Any writer who can tie Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Jean Calvin of Geneva, Martin Luther King Jr. of Atlanta, and Simone Weil together in a chapter is doing something profound. Mouw is not presenting a step by step, how to, book on acting patriotic. He is thinking deeply about how Christians of any nation should live as good citizens.
I appreciated the section near the end of the book where he examined Simone Weil's rooted compassion for her homeland, France. Being saddened by a country's short comings, and rejoicing in national victories is a very Christian act. That is the well spring of our prayers for our people, country, and leadership.
It was helpful when Richard Mouw made a distinction between Nation and State, and between an argument and a quarrel (thank you G K Chesterton.)
I appreciated the section near the end of the book where he examined Simone Weil's rooted compassion for her homeland, France. Being saddened by a country's short comings, and rejoicing in national victories is a very Christian act. That is the well spring of our prayers for our people, country, and leadership.
It was helpful when Richard Mouw made a distinction between Nation and State, and between an argument and a quarrel (thank you G K Chesterton.)
November 16, 2022
Mouw doesn't aim for a comprehensive treatment, just several core ideas that people need to know... and he does that very well. An intelligent but humble, clearly-written look at how patriotism, civil religion and religious devotion inform each other and applying each in a healthy way.
January 28, 2023
What does it mean to be simultaneously a devout Christian and an American citizen? Are such dual allegiances even possible? In this book, Mouw – a scholarly, religious expert on the Christian’s place in the (American) public square – offers a case that these domains can be compatible with each other… for the most part. He does so in a way that sides neither with the left nor the right, but instead welcomes warm-hearted debate and constant “wrestling” for essential truths. This timely message is presented in a way that churches and individuals can reflect together in healthy discussion.
The tone of this book is strongly pastoral, not political. That may put off some. But understand that Mouw was a president of a well-known evangelical theological seminary (Fuller in Pasadena, California) for two decades. That is, he trained people to be pastoral leaders. Therefore, this book’s tone, though bordering on patronizing, is authentic to Mouw’s voice. As in his past role as seminary president, he seeks to offer pastoral advice to a diverse American churchgoing populace about how to handle politics.
He also writes as a scholar who has studied this topic formally since a graduate student at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. Thus, he tightly weds pastoral guidance with a scholar’s objectivity. Sometimes, I just wanted Mouw to take a stand and deliberate the pro’s and con’s of an issue; however, he steadfastly resists this impulse. He tries to find the ideological and emotional core to complex issues and admonishes us to treat each other with, of all things, compassion. This brings forth unique sentiments towards rich, complex issues.
His central argument is that patriotism – the love of one’s country – overlaps with the Christian ideal of love of one’s neighbor. Many Christians and evangelicals (his intended audience) have pulled back from society in an attempt to remain pure. Mouw seems to argue that we should engage in the lives of our fellow citizens while wrestling (internally and in discussion) with the ethics of Jesus and of the Bible. Although the title makes this book seem to fit in a “how to” genre, its contents do not. Until the final few pages, he avoids easy, broadly applicable admonishments. Instead, as a scholar, he presents issues to wrestle with, albeit in an evangelical American (and Reformed Protestant) style.
I’ll readily admit that recent election cycles has brought much disappointment with my fellow Christian church on matters of politics. I sincerely think we have not come close to living up to Jesus’ high ethical demands as recorded in the Christian Scriptures. Mouw, a seasoned, sophisticated evangelical, may be just the voice to right this ship a bit. To allude to another famous metaphor, “What good is salt if it has lost its saltiness?” Mouw offers a theological framework for Christians to approach these issues that does not adhere to one political perspective alone. Readers can only be enriched by contemplating through this book.
The tone of this book is strongly pastoral, not political. That may put off some. But understand that Mouw was a president of a well-known evangelical theological seminary (Fuller in Pasadena, California) for two decades. That is, he trained people to be pastoral leaders. Therefore, this book’s tone, though bordering on patronizing, is authentic to Mouw’s voice. As in his past role as seminary president, he seeks to offer pastoral advice to a diverse American churchgoing populace about how to handle politics.
He also writes as a scholar who has studied this topic formally since a graduate student at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. Thus, he tightly weds pastoral guidance with a scholar’s objectivity. Sometimes, I just wanted Mouw to take a stand and deliberate the pro’s and con’s of an issue; however, he steadfastly resists this impulse. He tries to find the ideological and emotional core to complex issues and admonishes us to treat each other with, of all things, compassion. This brings forth unique sentiments towards rich, complex issues.
His central argument is that patriotism – the love of one’s country – overlaps with the Christian ideal of love of one’s neighbor. Many Christians and evangelicals (his intended audience) have pulled back from society in an attempt to remain pure. Mouw seems to argue that we should engage in the lives of our fellow citizens while wrestling (internally and in discussion) with the ethics of Jesus and of the Bible. Although the title makes this book seem to fit in a “how to” genre, its contents do not. Until the final few pages, he avoids easy, broadly applicable admonishments. Instead, as a scholar, he presents issues to wrestle with, albeit in an evangelical American (and Reformed Protestant) style.
I’ll readily admit that recent election cycles has brought much disappointment with my fellow Christian church on matters of politics. I sincerely think we have not come close to living up to Jesus’ high ethical demands as recorded in the Christian Scriptures. Mouw, a seasoned, sophisticated evangelical, may be just the voice to right this ship a bit. To allude to another famous metaphor, “What good is salt if it has lost its saltiness?” Mouw offers a theological framework for Christians to approach these issues that does not adhere to one political perspective alone. Readers can only be enriched by contemplating through this book.
July 29, 2022
How to Be a Patriotic Christian
Love of Country as Love of Neighbor
by Richard J. Mouw
Pub Date 19 Jul 2022
InterVarsity Press, IVP
Christian | Politics | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of How to Be a Patriotic Christian through InterVarsity Press and Netgalley:
What Does it Mean to love our Country?
There are Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Whereas other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.
In this book Mouw asks the sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace. Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities.
I give How to Be a Patriotic Christian Five Out of five Stars!
Happy Reading!
Love of Country as Love of Neighbor
by Richard J. Mouw
Pub Date 19 Jul 2022
InterVarsity Press, IVP
Christian | Politics | Religion & Spirituality
I am reviewing a copy of How to Be a Patriotic Christian through InterVarsity Press and Netgalley:
What Does it Mean to love our Country?
There are Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Whereas other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.
In this book Mouw asks the sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace. Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities.
I give How to Be a Patriotic Christian Five Out of five Stars!
Happy Reading!
February 3, 2026
As someone who is currently not feeling too patriotic, this book was helpful. Reframing patriotism as a commitment to loving the place where one is without adopting a naive or idolatrous posture was refreshing.
My only real beef with Dr. Mouw was his division between state and nation, arguing that real Christian patriotism is directed towards the nation, not the state. He does not formally define what a nation is, but seems to take a "the nation is the people" approach, though he acknowledges shared language as a defining feature.
In my understanding, this is a poor definition of nation. Dr. Mouw is correct that the term is hard to define, but "a society from a particular geographic area with a shared heritage and culture" would be my first stab at a definition. Given both heritage and culture as the defining factors, the various variables of a "nation" would be race, religion, language, and shared traditions and attitudes. This is similar to the biblical Greek term έθνος.
If we use this more academically accepted definition of nation, it is not clear that our love is due to the nation over the state. As the parable of the prodigal son teaches, our love is not due to those who are similar to us. We are to love those around us, regardless of ethnicity.
I think Dr. Mouw would agree with my anti-nationalist sentiment because of what he says in the rest of the book, but I wish he had been more careful with his terms in this section.
My only real beef with Dr. Mouw was his division between state and nation, arguing that real Christian patriotism is directed towards the nation, not the state. He does not formally define what a nation is, but seems to take a "the nation is the people" approach, though he acknowledges shared language as a defining feature.
In my understanding, this is a poor definition of nation. Dr. Mouw is correct that the term is hard to define, but "a society from a particular geographic area with a shared heritage and culture" would be my first stab at a definition. Given both heritage and culture as the defining factors, the various variables of a "nation" would be race, religion, language, and shared traditions and attitudes. This is similar to the biblical Greek term έθνος.
If we use this more academically accepted definition of nation, it is not clear that our love is due to the nation over the state. As the parable of the prodigal son teaches, our love is not due to those who are similar to us. We are to love those around us, regardless of ethnicity.
I think Dr. Mouw would agree with my anti-nationalist sentiment because of what he says in the rest of the book, but I wish he had been more careful with his terms in this section.
April 8, 2024
The author says he did not want to write a how to book and yet that's the title. I was expecting more direction, yet he does share helpful principles for developing the mindset of a patriotic Christain. I did not always agree with his conclusions but was helped. Specifically, appreciated the call to love your country, but find your ultimate identity in Christ. Book would be much better if more specific discussion on what this looks like in practice.
Biggest concern was on the discussion of civil religion. I'm still hesitant toward the idea of civil religion.
Biggest concern was on the discussion of civil religion. I'm still hesitant toward the idea of civil religion.
February 7, 2023
The content of 'How to be a Patriotic Christian' is encouraging, and engaging; however, the book seems to lack a significant punch or ah-ha moment. Additionally it seems to be written in no particular order and reminds me of a college essay where the student is given a word limit. Several times when the book reeled me into a point it seemed to abruptly come to explanation without further exploration.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2022
I appreciate that Mouw is always thinking, always considering Christianity in our current times without losing his perspective on orthodoxy. This is a good primer for Christians who may not be as informed about the role of a republic (which, unfortunately, many are not) and an understanding of civil religion. Mouw reminds us to keep growing in our understanding. Our faith is dynamic not static.
May 19, 2023
Thank you Goodreads for an Advanced Readers Copy as a winner. The author shows how to navigate between the extremes of Christian nationalism and disengagement. He answers questions on how to honor National holidays in church and the place of protests in foraging a union. This is a guide to help pave the way to build a country where all people can thrive in peace, liberty and justice for all.
July 20, 2022
Not Mouw's best.
Too short also for the appropriate nuance for this topic. It's not completely terrible but there are points where the lack of nuance can make it even a bit concerning (his discussion of the flag in worship services). His discussion of civil religion also seems a bit simplistic.
Too short also for the appropriate nuance for this topic. It's not completely terrible but there are points where the lack of nuance can make it even a bit concerning (his discussion of the flag in worship services). His discussion of civil religion also seems a bit simplistic.
August 4, 2022
I received this book in a first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. This book gives a good overview of the ideas and biblical background for patriotism. My main complaint about this book is that I wish it had been longer and provided more practical tips on how to apply it in my life.
Read
September 26, 2022Interesting book, gave me some things to think about. Appreciated his discussion of nation vs state, quarreling vs argument, and his 4 guidelines on continued wrestling about patriotic things-do the work of contemplation, cultivate compassion,go deep in the quest for rootedness, and trust Jesus.
November 27, 2022
Richard Mouw's work does not get the attention it deserves. How To Be a Patriotic Christian is a thoughtful, wise, and well-balanced little book on how to live in a fractured world and a fractured country.
February 7, 2023
Another excellent book by Dr. Mouw. The distinction between nation and state was one that I didn't appreciate previously. A lot of personal stories make for interesting and thought-provoking reading.
Read
April 1, 2023Good read. I didn't necessarily agree with everything he said but his main point is the idea that we need to keep wrestling with what it means to be a Patriotic Christian in the US. Made me think, which is always good.
November 16, 2025
A reasonably good book with some important insight. I think Mouw attempts to be almost too comfortable perhaps in an effort to appeal to a larger audience and so it sometimes comes across as being a little fluffy, but then at other times, he hits it home.
May 30, 2024
A good, albeit basic, primer on how to engage in patriotism as a Christian.
February 17, 2026
Another really good one! Would recommend.
July 26, 2022
While this book was not as practical as I thought it would be, its philosophical and theological approaches were spot-on. I appreciated Mouw's commitment to listening, understanding, charity, and compassion. I recommend this to Christians seeking an alternative to partisan bickering or Christian Nationalism.
Read
September 8, 2023Well written and thought out but honestly I didn’t love the anecdotes or feel like he covered the pressing questions I hoped it would deal with.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews