Christian Nationalism: A Sinful, Idolatrous Nation?

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I'm an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and I get to serve in the Parish of St Margaret of Scotland, in the beautiful city of Halifax, NS, that sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people.
My pronouns are he/him/his. My theology is primarily Christo-centric - Jesus is at the centre and it is against Him that all values are bounced off. I believe all people are created in the image of God and are children of God and are heirs to the throne of God - no conditions - therefore every single person we meet deserves our love, and respect.
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[@michaelcassady3862]

Father, you are a man. I served with men who lost their arms, their souls, and their youth--with me--in Afghanistan. I am a man; I am also a sad survivor, trying to find his place in a world without my guys. People who brag about being Christian nationalists, in my experience, have neither served nor do they have a sense of what service is.

[@cheriann6461]

💔 I'm so very glad that you're 'hanging in there,' no matter how hard it may be to do so, at times. We really do need and love you. You are part of us.

[@revedtrevors4961]

I'll certainly be remembering your service as we celebrate Remembrance Day. Thank you for your service Michael

[@DairyAir]

Not all wounds are visible…

[@anidiquaojala1804]

Thank you for your service, the least I can say for all you and your guys have done. Thank you ❣

[@DairyAir]

I was never in the military, but I have ptsd, and a lot of ppl who served in my family. I’ve seen the physical and mental scars it leaves… I just wanna check if you’re getting the help it sounds like you need?

[@savagebear4374]

Nationalism is a dangerous ideal. If I'm correct we fought against that sort of thing in WWII.

[@TheEvertw]

Yes, you are correct about that. It is fine to be proud of one's heritage and nation, the mold that shaped you, i.e. patriotism. But not at the detriment of others, or without being able to see your nation's shortcomings and faults. As soon as people think "their" nation is inherently better than others, fascism takes hold.

[@savagebear4374]

@@TheEvertw Kinda what's happening now.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

I remember studying Nationalism in World History as the thing that touched off WW1

[@lornenoland8098]

It has never ceased to amaze me how so many people can claim behaviors and mindsets as “Christian” which are in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ

[@joanneslund5100]

My husband and I just had the conversation of our lives, or of our nearly 47 years of marriage. I almost replied to you personally, but I wanted others to know that if you are attempting to live a non-self serving life, you are not alone. We fail every day, but your message highlighted the path that we strive to take. We purposely live simply. We do this so we can attempt to serve others with our gifts. Every day we express gratitude for what we have and what we can do. We see the basics of our life as gifts and try to express gratitude. Our conversation this morning illustrated to us that deep down we have been afraid to stand boldly with our choices. Friends and family believe that a successful life is one of prosperity. They believe that hard work and christian nationalism are godly given, and deep down, we kind of believe it too. My husband has always felt like he didn't live up to "expectations" of his family. My family, too, held me as non-successful because I became a librarian. Ed, you opened doors for this old couple today. I really don't know why you speak the truth so loudly to us in the US, but you do. We strive to live for God and not ourselves. From now on, we walk a little bolder with our choices. Thank you.

[@jjjjjjjjkigghh8662]

To become a librarian is very cool and noble

[@timmyt603]

Yeah really....I doubt we're from the same area but thank you for your service to the community! I really enjoyed reading your post! It's heartwarming in a way that you'd share that and put a smile on my face when I needed one! Thank you!

[@morebirdsandroses]

You say a lot here but I'm especially moved by the "lack of success" as....a librarian?! 😂 You are people, especially now, who do whopping big service in so many ways, for so many. Wear it proudly and with integrity and thanks to all the librarians. ❤

[@anthonypulkrabek5338]

When people say that they are Christian Nationalist. I reverse the name to Nationalist Christians or Nat-C’s for short. It describes them near perfectly.

[@michaelmartinez3674]

A play on a word that sounds exactly what they are, nazis.

[@cerob9612]

Great punning ..

[@janeenharris3074]

Excellent video Ed! It's powerful. Not only do people miss the mark Jesus set for them, they're missing the point of living altogether. Serving yourself is short lived gratification, and you need more and more. Serving others feeds the soul. It is enough in itself, and it stays with you.

[@revedtrevors4961]

Absolutely!

[@howardcohen6817]

You got it: serving others. Love.

[@shihyuchu6753]

@@revedtrevors4961 Love doesnt save. It's a function of those who ARE saved

[@kaceykelly7222]

You worded that so well; I totally agree.

[@jonni2317]

"Sin is when you treat people like things." simple as

[@Dachusblot]

Granny Weatherwax!

[@watchmantriple7]

I whole heartedly agree Reverend. As christians, Jesus didn't instruct us to become political zealots.

[@Elaiyel]

'Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others also.' - 1 Corinthians 10:24

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

Amen ❤❤❤

[@yabits]

Permit me to add a touch of paint to this beautiful canvas: When the Almighty brought Israel out of Egypt and revealed the Torah to them in the wilderness, HE explicitly stated that they were to be a LIGHT to all the nations. Not a light unto themselves. The light of humility, the light of justice, the light of kindness and giving. I will meditate on and live by HIS Word. Shalom.

[@steveclews1818]

Everywhere I look in recent times I see people grasping for easy answers which will make them feel good. "What concern is your pain when I must cease all mine?" is apparent in so much discourse. Rights which were hard won by brave people are being tossed aside with no understanding of where they come from, why our parents and grandparents fought for them. I'm from Britain where so many people are trying to throw out human rights legislation whilst evoking those who fought and died in WWII. It breaks my heart they don't understand the rights they hate so vigorously were often put there in response to the events of that time, that these rights are an effective barrier against heinous behaviours. Keep speaking well Ed.

[@rwedereyet]

Brilliant! Thanks Rev, for putting this self-evident truth into words for us. Peace & love y'all ❤🌈💙

[@howardcohen6817]

Thanks, Julie. To you, back: Peace and Love (and to all reading this).

[@Bob20011492]

The ancient book of Ecclesiastes tells us that all our striving and struggling under the sun is vanity, all vanity. Christian Nationalism strikes me as the most vain of current pursuits, because it erects that NEW god in front of the older God. The Desert Fathers and Mothers saw this same thing in the time of Constantine the Great, and escaped the inevitable corruption of the Gospel message that resulted by going out to the deserts of Syria and Egypt. Their descendants are still with us today, praying for the life of the world. I don't know how far this heresy of Christian Nationalism will go. Sooner or later, we'll have some other shiny object to distract us from our called journey. Historically speaking, I think that's just the challenge that time presents to us mortals. Amen

[@discdoggie]

corporations MAY be “doing what they are supposed to be doing” by operating with a profit motive, but that doesn’t change the fact that with the exception of shareholders, they really are more harmful to society than helpful

[@billnye69]

Don't try and change the world with grand actions......just ease the burdens of someone else in your life, even if it's just for a few minutes. To the person, that few minutes will feel like a life time.

[@markferson2081]

"Missing the mark"... I like this explanation very much! This is one of the best explanations of what is wrong with Christian nationalism and MAGA influenced Christianity. Thanks, Rev. Ed!

[@lauriewalsh420]

Everyday I wake up to open my eyes, and close them again, and I ask God to relieve me of the bondage of self and take away my difficulties so I may bear witness to thy love, thy strength and thy way of life! Thank you for w great reminder of why I do this! Selfish and self centered behaviors creep back quickly when I live in self! I realize I cannot get mad at people for not acting the way I want them to, because I don't even act the way I want to! I don't live up to my own expectations 😔

[@stefanstefaninsweden2060]

Hi Ed! I think that it's so easy to miss the target, the mark You mention. At least it is so for me. For me it is something to work on and do training to get better and better all the time. A few years ago I might not even hit the board, perhaps didn't know it existed. But as time has gone I've got better and better at it. I'm getting closer to the mark in the middle of the board. The aim is of course to get there, but I'm not sure I ever will. It's hard work to get there, I understand that now, but I'm trying and I feel I'm on the right direction, but in small small steps. Again it's a quite a simple message, just love the and be there for people. It's as simple as that, and still so hard at times. Thanks and good night, God bless You Ed for sharing your thoughts.

[@cheriann6461]

Always good to read you, Stefan. I relate to many of your comments. Though, I must admit that lately, I'm not even sure what my target is. In the middle of more hectic periods, I often find myself asking: "wait -- what am I supposed to be doing again?" At this stage, y'all have me convinced that love and kindness should be my goals (nevermind how often I fall short), and the rest will become clear, or work itself out. I very often just sort of end up where I need to be, even when I don't know where I'm going.

[@DairyAir]

You can’t get there, but it’s sure worth getting as close as possible…

[@timnewman1172]

Hi Stephan!

[@howardcohen6817]

@@cheriann6461 Great. I wish you great clarity of purpose and lots of love.

[@heatherherbstreit549]

I remember a dear old pastor saying: "by the grace of God I am what I am. I'm not what I was, I'm not who I will be, but by His grace alone I am what I am." If ever we do hit the mark it will be by His grace - this is rest and humility.❤

[@Webbgurl2000]

I totally believe that the biggest idol we have is OURSELVES. We are incurable this side of Heaven. Think about it: Who do we think about more than ourselves?? Even when I’m wondering about others, I’m really more concerned with what they think…of ME.

[@junerussell6972]

The Luke 13:30 reminder is so important that it's in multiple spots. Jesus really wanted his disciples to remember that it is not something we can attain by being at the top but how we put others first.

[@briansmutti]

yep! and the best way to put others first … is to tell the truth.. 1 John 2:15-17 On Not Loving the World Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 🤗♾️

[@Uriel238]

There's a fascinating aspect of the LGBT+ community, in which we often have to be reminded that all those labels _transwoman, enby, polysexual, etc._ are there as _tools for self-identification_ and don't work so well as tools to classify others. Part of the problem is that the closet still exists, and is often community facing, since if a woman were to be outed to her lesbian friends as bisexual she may cease getting invitations to the potluck. There are people for which there are not labels yet, and there are people whose feelings are so scary to others that coming out of the closet to _anyone_ is a risk. Hence there will always be a closet, and so long as we require a closet, what people _identify_ as, may not match their labels which may not match their behaviors. So we have to respect that everyone is valid, which is hard to do.

[@timnewman1172]

As a cis/ace male I agree. I do not try to insinuate myself into the LGBTQ+ community unless invited, but the "gatekeeping" that some experience is unnecessary as well...

[@TheEvertw]

All these "labels" are substitutes for finding our true identity in the Father who has created us. However, we should not attack people for still thinking those labels are important. God gives every person time and grace to find themselves in Him, without finding fault. Only His Love can awaken people.

[@midnightman352]

amen rev

[@trentwortman9159]

I've felt that in my heart for quite some time. I constantly miss the mark. working on it.

[@FreddieVee]

There is a fine line between Nationalism and Patriotisms. Thank God, the line is made of Steel.

[@Atheist_Rhapsody]

Wow! I became an atheist because Church and preachers teachings were not making any sense to me. Father, you touchd my heart with one. I have tears in my eyes. Truth is simple.

[@Iam_Yu627]

Regardless of the subject, somehow I feel calmer after hearing this man talk.

[@cerob9612]

I get that...same here

[@lizcervone1307]

Thank you💞

[@starchild56220]

wow, Reverend Ed! thank you.. you restore my hope that christianity will not be COMPLETELY lost to the lure of Temporal power! may the Lord Bless you and yours during this holiday season!

[@sunnyinaspen]

Your voice is the calm in the storm. Thank you

[@kityac9810]

This was a beautiful message and a very good observation. Self-serving concepts are so pervasive in our society that it presents itself in ways that are not always readily apparent.

[@miriamyauk7548]

Thank you for answering my question. This gives me words I need when I enter into dialog with those pushing Christian Nationalism.

[@tfajsh]

Keep these videos coming . Christians in the United States, who may desire nationalism, need to hear your messages. Thank you for doing what you are doing - Best wishes

[@msarilyn7677]

I am very glad to see you understand that a nation is not to be an idol.

[@overlandstation4892]

It wasn't loaves and fishes for 13 by the side of the sea of Galilee. Great reading Rev Ed.

[@DairyAir]

You can’t force someone to believe something. If you’re doing the right thing, ppl will ask “why?” That’s when ppl hear the “God” stuff…

[@omniicore]

looking forward to your next service on Saturday!!! Dont forget to like, subscribe, and share my friends

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

I haven't been in an actual Church in many years, but I'm learning to rely on your videos every day for a spiritual lift! Hypocrisy runs rampant in too many of our churches that's why I don't feel welcome there! I wish I was closer to you, that's a beautiful Church they have given you to watch over! I thank you for your Christianity Reverend! Something sorely missed here in Oklahoma!

[@danpaterson244]

Their argument is akin to "the end justifies the means".

[@cheriann6461]

It seems to me that Christianity is neither their faith, nor their reason for their nationalism. Christianity is their preferred weapon, because of the social power it holds. I think they are resentful, broken people who WANT to hurt and to hate, because ultimately, they want to dominate. Christianity just gives them cover. Though, if I am wrong, then I hope you can get through to more of them.

[@DairyAir]

Not only Christians. Ppl fear what they don’t know. Ppl fear Christian nationalism.

[@cheriann6461]

@@DairyAir I know what Christian Nationalism is, and that's why I fear it. It very often takes the form of organizations like the Klan.

[@DairyAir]

@@cheriann6461 I know you do, and you’re willing to teach…didn’t mean to imply otherwise, but it’s more of a thought of where anyone can use this knowledge to ease fear of it, and go on the attack. We need everyone we can…

[@cheriann6461]

@@DairyAir Oh. I didn't mean to give you the impression that your remark bothered me, in any way. I tend towards sharp language because this group provokes particularly hard and dark feelings and associations. I apologize for misdirecting that harshness at you; I found no ill will in your input.

[@DairyAir]

@@cheriann6461 …and I’m a Wisconsinite, so I tend to apologize, just in case… 😉

[@lindacole9674]

If you talk to many of these Christian nationalists...the followers, not the grifter leaders...they are often sincere, uncomplicated people who think they are honoring and serving their God. If you talk to them about the call of Jesus to love and serve, they are certain that they are doing this by enforcing God's ways on a sinful fallen nation that is going down the tubes. They feel it as a call.They are just as convinced that their image of God is true for them as I am that mine is true for me. That we have all missed the mark is about all we have in common.

[@andrewortiz5797]

The thing is christian nationalists are not true believers. They do not really believe in Christ because if they did, they would obey The Bible.

[@lindacole9674]

@@andrewortiz5797 The thing is...every one of us thinks we have the truth. The media only covers and quotes the loudest and craziest voices. I've met some MAGA voters who aren't like that. They are willing to look past Trump's failings because they think he will somehow bring about some kind of Christian revival. And they feel it's their duty to do this for God.

[@andrewortiz5797]

@@lindacole9674 I understand. But even after showing them what The Bible really says, they are a lost cost!! Unless they snap out of it.

[@lindacole9674]

@@andrewortiz5797 I understand what you're saying too. I called an old friend who now lives in Florida during the hurricane. I asked her where she parks her car and was it safe from the flooding. She told me where..and then segued into a diatribe about how she can't really drive anyway because gas is so high because Biden blah blah. This happened every time the topic changed. But I know this person. She's caring and generous...just under the influence of an almost cult-like information stream. And they have her convinced that folks who think like me are not true believers.

[@pennisauer2121]

Question: Is a church/congregation that does nothing in the community, but rather focuses all treasures on maintaining a building (and leaving nothing available for outreach) sinful? Rhetorical, I guess, based on my understanding of your reflection. I guess I'm frustrated with what's happened to our congregation over the past couple of years. Thanks for clarifying. I may have to share this w leadership.

[@Bob20011492]

The thing I always have to keep in mind is that the "church" is the congregation/community, not the physical place where they meet. Twenty-seven years ago, I was a founding member of a church that did portable services in a banquet hall above a restaurant. Five years later we moved to a multiplex, where we did 52 services a year. Setting up and tearing down the stage, the lighting, the sound equipment, everything by 1:00 PM so the theater could be used for the afternoon matinee was always a challenge, but we did it. Then in 2005 an indoor sports arena went on the market, and the church bought it. Challenges changed, but the mission of that congregation remained front and center. Serve the community, not only in the town where we were, but in the greater world. Trips to social works projects in Haiti, Jamaica, and Liberia, among other places, are still done. We moved a little over a year ago, and after several months searching, found a church 40 miles away that did what we imagine the work of the church should be. It is our new church home, and what we do is totally worth the drive several times a week to be with them. I mention all this to say that there are many churches that have not succumbed to the call of Christian Nationalism. Sometimes you have to look to find them, but they're out there. Anything other than the service that Rev Ed talks about is likely to be near to some form of idolatry.

[@TheEvertw]

The job of the ministry is to prepare its people for acts of service (Eph 4:12). The money a church collects should go to this goal. Providing a place where ministers can minister is part of that, as is (partially) supplying the livelihood of said ministers. So as long as ministers do actually "prepare people for acts of service". Most churches do reserve a good part of their income for serving people in various ways, but that is not a law of Medes and Persians. Thus it is not a "sin" if there is no money for "outreach", whatever you mean with that. However, the biggest enemy of a church is for it to become self-serving, and having no money for serving others can be an indication that a church has fallen in that trap. It may be right to mention it to the church leaders, but normally prayer would be the best way to change such things.

[@HoughChuck]

Your clear ministry today brings me to tears. I knew this truth in my heart at 7 years old when I became a Christian. As I grew and became more an ordinary human I lost the truth. I spent the last 73 years seeking the clarity that serving all is my place in God's world. Recently I have been aware I needed to get back to this truth and your message today validates what I knew but needed to hear affirmed. I affirm you as true messenger of the one God. Amen

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

We cannot SERVE TWO MASTERS!!!

[@georgedunn320]

O.K., Sin is missing the mark [Romans 3:23]; a failure to observe Rule 303 by not doing when you have the means to do. I can see that, and by extension see the inevitable sin in trying to preserve the instrument in order to do the work. "Inevitable" because SOME effort has to go into "sharpening the saw" to the exclusion of cutting the wood. [I flash on Ecclesiastes 10:10 at this point, but it's really going for a different message. Check it out and see what you think.] Anyway, just as the Perfect is the enemy of the Good, all too often preserving the means supplants the mission, as in the example of the elected official who accepts a bit of corruption because all the wonderful good he intends to do hinges on his being reelected, until he's so hollowed out his soul that his fine ambitions are forgotten. I guess "Christian Nationalism" as practiced is something like that.

[@MrMoonpie001]

I often think of foot washing and that whole significance of that season. It is always a blessing to serve. Rich

[@helenf1439]

As Christians we're already Citizens of the Kingdom of God. So, did Jesus tell men to establish his physical Kingdom here for him? I don't remember reading that part...

[@howardcohen6817]

I'm not Christian. And it's thankfully difficult for me to follow the lead of someone telling me "We've got to..." or of someone who's speaking about "us". Opportunism, vanity and all these forces then come into play to separate me unhappily from love. Establish a kingdom? What for? Nevertheless, I feel moved to help - always. I think that it's relatively unimportant to be concerned with ones'/my own definition of self, group and nation. Instead reaching outwardly is then an act of joy. It's not part of a deal or a transaction (then I'll get into heaven). It's a joyful activity. I wish you all the best, Helen, and love.

[@donnanordlie6552]

I love listening to you. I find myself nodding "yes" and thinking how I need to do some changing of my ways. This was so clarifying to me. Thank you!

[@pdoyle17]

Thank you for this excellently put message Rev! Let's see the backlash i get from some of my maga family😕. My mom is unfortunately quite a fan of Dutch Sheets, who i find to be more than a bit heretical.

[@davidpetersen4208]

"... you do it onto me," Jesus.

[@yvonnesantiago3776]

Thank you brother Ed for simplifying it on serving others. It is mind boggling that many people can’t understand the message. Thank you and may God bless those who serve others.

[@spacepuppie]

I always wanted to understand what Christ truly meant when he said that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Then, I got into archery and it dawned on me that falling short is not the sin. Falling short of the mark is the result of the sin. The word sin is an archer's term that Christ was using as a metaphor to illustrate his message. To sin in archery is to aim. I know it might sound strange, but in archery, aiming is a huge no no. When an archer gets ready to fire, it looks as though they're aiming. But they're actually breathing in order to slow the heartbeat and get it in rhythm with their breathe. Because that tiny movement in your finger tips from your heartbeat will throw the arrow off. Archer's spend huge amounts of time, practicing their shots, so that where ever their eye looks, their hand automatically lines up with the target. They don't actually aim. The goal of archery is not to aim, aka sin. Because it means you are only *trying* to hit the mark, instead of practicing until you're hitting the mark without thought. God understands we're not perfect, and we're going to miss that mark a lot while we practice hitting it. What Christ was saying is that we need to understand that it's the sinning or aiming that causes us to miss the mark. How many time do we say, 'I'll try'? I try to be a good person. I try to be kind. But it's like Yoda said, 'Do, or do not. There is no try.' This is exactly what Christ was saying. Because if you're trying to do something; it means you're not actually doing it. And many times we use this as an excuse for ourselves of why we're failing. Luke got upset with Yoda over this, and stomped off. But then he was shocked when Yoda lifted the x-wing to safety. Luke said, 'I don't believe it!' Yoda reply, 'THAT is why you fail'. He's referring to faith. And that is exactly why, when we sin, we fall short. We're *trying* so hard to hit the mark, because we're afraid of failing. We need to stop being afraid of failure. We need to have faith, in ourselves, those around us, and most importantly, God. Our doubt is rooted in that fear, and it causes us to miss our mark. Sin is directly tied to lack of faith. And that is what we have to overcome. But as any good archer knows; it takes a lot of practice until it becomes second nature. After gaining this understanding for myself, I have started practicing not saying 'I try' or 'I'll try.' Instead, I say, 'I'll do my best.' Because in that case, I may fail, but I'm doing my best and I simply need to practice until I get it right, and learn from those failures. The funny thing is, I still catch myself saying, I'll try. But I'm aware of it now and it's really changed my perspective and how I look at myself and the things I'm wanting to achieve. Sorry this was long. And thank you, Rev Trevors. This has been an enlightening video. I just wanted to share the blessing I've gained from my new understanding of sin. Maybe it will help someone

[@kaceykelly7222]

Just saw this video and I am in awe of your message. It should be up on billboards everywhere!

[@TheEvertw]

The core of Christianity is that it is not worthwhile to look out for number one. God looks out for number one, and by trusting and following Him we find real life: "Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it". That is why "Christian Nationalism" is not Christian at all, but in fact its opposite. Thank you for pointing out the need to be serving others. That is indeed what God asks of us.

[@michaelRay2576]

THANK you for your continued follow up on this counterfeit gospel fused with political ideologies. Please continue to rebuke this Heresy .

[@Nan-59]

When you hear that phrase, “Lookin’ out for Number One” you know that’s sinful! I can think off hand of several well known congress people who say that a lot.

[@JJNow-gg9so]

Thank you for your work, your life ✨🙏...

[@justinchan6043]

This is a very very good video. I never really looked at Christian Nationalism in this way, although I had always thought of it as inherently evil and unChrist-like. And I'm not even a Christian. I consider myself a Taoist, but I live in America and have been exposed to Christian teachings (or shall I say Judeo-Christian teachings) my entire life. I think we can also look at it like this: the kingdoms of men have borders. But the Kingdom of God is within your heart and has no borders. Therefore, in the Kingdom of God, we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of race, regardless of ethnicity, regardless of the language we speak, because we all speak the language of God. Which is love and compassion.

[@morebirdsandroses]

That's practically a poem! Beautiful thoughts ❤

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

I’m really enjoying these calm and thoughtful conversations.

[@pappawmiked2162]

Great message! This is what I have been telling anyone that will listen!

[@lounar482]

It's a great point but will fall upon deaf, self centered, Republican ears.

[@rustysquid]

Thank and Bless you Rev. Ed!!!!!

[@emergencyremedialtruth8593]

we were specifically instructed by Jesus not to treasure things of the world, and he told Pilate his kingdom was not of this world. Lust for power and wealth is counterproductive to any kind of spiritual health or growth

[@howardcohen6817]

I think the "we" part came later. Perhaps you feel instructed, or I but not we. It's not nitpicking - as soon as the "we" or "us" appears, there's a separation going on through a false, artificial unity.

[@stretch654]

"We don't exist for our own good" - an inconvenient truth. It's hard to do more than just live a comfortable life, but I guess that's what God wants.

[@kevinjohnson7839]

Amen

[@paulvanobberghen]

As I said before, I’m not religious, but still, there remains a Mystery that Life is, which is « why we, Humans, are here for? » well, I believe, we’re here to build something that is bigger than the sum of us all, that would be Humanity. We don’t have a blueprint of what it should be when completed, but we know it should be great. Yet, somehow, we know it will never be completed, because when it will, what would Humans do next? We’d loose our purpose, wouldn’t we? You’ll probably say that Christ has given us a blueprint, but I don’t know. Possibly some hints at what Humanity should look like in the end and a few tips here and there on how to get there, but really other religions and philosophies have too. Nevertheless, I appreciate your thoughts a lot.

[@DairyAir]

I think of it as, “as long as the work gets done, I think God will make room…” Belief in God has to include the work. Without the work, beliefs are empty… as long as the work gets done…

[@jjjjjjjjkigghh8662]

Thank you Reverend

[@CanadianOrthodox]

On the point of what sin is and how we have to respond to God’s call, you might find this podcast enlightening. Ancient Faith Radio , “ A Word from the Holy Fathers “ Sept 28,2017, “ The River of Jordan Streaming from my Eyes” my favourite line is “ God does not call us to be pretty good.” There is a transcript to read as well as the audio. Also Father Freeman in Glory to God for all Things ,also on Ancient Faith Podcasts makes the point that not only is the mark we are meant to hit moving, but we also are moving, making it even more difficult to hit, but we persevere!

[@charleneg7787]

What would Christian Nationalism look like in this country? Would people be forced to believe only one way or be condemned? I truly dont know exactly what it means, but if thats it, its a desire for control and dictatorship. I don’t believe in one true religion. If a religion is serving others and love is the main motivation of service, then they are acting like Jesus… thats it! so for me, they can call their church anything they want. Thank you very much for the topics you bring to your Chanel, I tried to look at what my heart is telling me, but I don’t always understand how to convey it, your helping me do that.

[@northwoods70]

I greatly appreciate your analysis of the question. To what you said, I would add two points. We can serve our own interests or those interests of our social group without sinfulness, provided that we do not pursue our benefit at the expense of another group (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally cause another group harm ). The second point I would make is that the entire concept of family, nationhood, interest group, etc., assumes duality -- that we are seprarate from and not connected to the "other" . I think the failure to see others as ourselves, separate and distinct and less worthy than us, is probably the ultimate sin, and the cause of everything wrong with the world today. Keep up the thoughtful videos!

[@ttyler2014]

Once again I want to say you are the only preacher man I will listen too. You take the WWJD and make it real, I walked away after many years serving because of the lack of the understanding you have. I know your plate is full of listening to media, a lot of which is offensive, but you might get something out of Rachel Maddow's Ultra, seems history repeats itself even in name.

[@pencilpauli9442]

The older I get, the less patriotic I get. Humanity is my nation. There's no flag to worship, no anthem to sing.

[@rparl]

As you showed in your presentation about the Good Samaritan. And if we miss the mark, we have an Advocate and the offer of forgiveness and reconciliation.

[@gloriaamadeo5389]

Thank You, Amén

[@stuarthazard3162]

Just a little quibble about the metaphor of missing the mark. I don’t think you can call it “sin” if you aim at the right target but don’t make a bullseye. I think it’s when you aim at the wrong target. Looking out for one’s self is missing the mark BOTH because our job is to look out for each other AND because we do better for ourselves when we look out for each other.

[@creesenebeker5686]

@Rev Ed Trevors Thank you.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

We need to take the THORNY path!

[@TheSatiricalDissident]

Keep at it Rev, Nationalism/christian nationalism asks us to be proud of something others fought for as if we were the ones who paid the price. Patriotism should be like humility, if someone is bragging about how humble they are they certainly have missed the point, and should not be taken seriously. I'm not sure the chapter, and verse but jesus spoke of the kinds of people who broaden their phylacteries, and do things to be seen by men, there's a lot of gong banging in nationalism, lots of bunting, ribbons, streamers, and confetti, but when it's all over all that is left is confetti littered streets. He also told a story about a priest who stood close to the alter, and thanked god he was not like other men, while the other man stood in the back and begged for mercy, nationalism requires little to no self examination, and an unwillingness to be held accountable, that doesn't sound like the way to me.

[@tone569]

Amen ✨️ 🙏

[@jabolbot9371]

Yes, indeed. So many don’t get the idea of missing the mark.

[@gilabear11]

Thank you Ed.

[@jacobtampa2817]

Somebody send this video to majory taylor greene please

[@alfrednewman2234]

Love your neighbor, Love yourself. In the Bible, the Koran, the Talmud, in all major religions. Nothing wrong with being Christian and a patriot, and to be a patriot you must respect the vote.

[@blackeyedlily]

Beautifully put!

[@contrafax]

Well said.

[@briansmutti]

🤗♾️

[@timothymalone7067]

Excellent words! Thanks

[@aprilerains4578]

The answer is yes. We are supposed to work for the good of all. Not selfish.

[@gerrydunne8768]

Amen Amen amen Well spoken

[@jasonheath4266]

You would make a great rabbi

[@philbrooks7293]

I believe it would be timely to have you revisit this topic. Could you do so please?

[@revedtrevors4961]

Hey there. I have a playlist for christian nationalism on this channel. More videos are definitely coming.

[@fnjesusfreak]

"My Kingdom is NOT of this world" John 18.36, a very inconvenient phrase for Christian nationalists.

[@cuttwice3905]

I find it sad that Nationalism can only exist with hate and xenophobia, neither of which is within Halakha.

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Rev. Ed.

[@becausecontextmatters5260]

From my understanding, sin is about actions we take in the world, however that question asks if a goal is sinful or not which kinda irks me. Because regardless of your goal, it can be achieved through both sin and virtue (stealing vs earning). So my question to you is: can a goal be sinful? If i desire something that's against God's teachings, is that a sin in itself or it only becomes a sin when i start taking actions to achieve that goal?

[@JustElia420]

Christians are supposed to be Christ like. Jesus NEVER supported politics, not even the fake, terrible, Jewish leaders at the time who threatened and then gave him up to die. Thank you sir for pointing out that Jesus Loved the poor, the sick, those who were lost. He gave hope and comfort. Not Hate, politics, or ugliness. I think you might be my favorite Catholic. I've never had one.

[@michaelbindner9883]

We made up sin because we made God in our vengeful image.

[@michaelbindner9883]

Serving a humble God in leadership was an alternative to governing like the gentiles. James and John's request to have thrones next to Jesus was not an unreasonable request of a human messiah, as he was their nephews and there is no report of he and Mary Mags having kids. We have not yet "gotten" who God is. We may soon. We just need to talk about it.

[@suzieg8310]

Missing the mark on proper governance as well. I seem to recall Plato and Aristotle talking about the "common good". If your ideas remove the rights of other members of your community, where is the common good?

[@yabits]

A recent update in the news: A corporation that was taken over by a new owner who is clearly not letting the organization pursue good of any kind, even its own health and survival.

[@checklostandfound]

VALUE TO COMMUNITY AND PAYING TAXES I live in a 2nd poorest neighborhood in this area. While I walk my dog I pass by no less than 7 churches. Big, proud buildings with parking lots and three even have a fenced in playground. I also pass by homeless people sleeping on a sidewalk or sitting against a wall or trading cigarette buts with other homeless people. While the church buildings stand empty except for few hours two or three times a week. Playgrounds are empty while most people can't afford childcare. These churches don't pay property taxes that would go local schools to make them just a bit better. Even Halloween event with free candy at one church was "members only." SO WHAT GOOD those churches do for the community? They only exist for themselves and their members, which is fine BUT THEN THEY NEED TO PAY TAXES LIKE ANY PRAVITE BUSINESS.

[@octavianpopescu4776]

Watching this both as an Eastern Orthodox Christian and as a nationalist, I'm not sure the whole approach works. I believe in Cardinal Richelieu's idea (also supported by Sun Tzu) that for individuals there is an afterlife, but states have no such thing. Once a state is dead, it is gone and there is no salvation for it. As such, I think there are 2 different realms: one private/personal where yes, we have to aid others to the best of our ability, but there is a political realm where a degree of divergence is in order. States need to do immoral things at times. And I tend to draw a separation between my Eastern Orthodox religion and my nationalist and conservative politics. I've never voted or engaged in politics based on my faith, but solely based on my political views. Just like my politics has never influenced my faith. I find it odd to be honest how people in the US tend to mix the two realms. The point of nationalism I think, isn't selfishness, but survival when faced with foreign oppression.

[@ajpend]

A lot of thought, here.