Does the Bible speak against nationalism?

The Bible is a complex and multifaceted text that touches on a wide range of topics, including politics and nationalism. While there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether the Bible speaks against nationalism, there are certainly passages in the text that suggest that nationalism is not in line with God’s will.

One of the most prominent examples of this is the idea that all people are created in the image of God and are therefore equal in his sight. This idea is found in Genesis 1:27, which states that “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This passage suggests that all people, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, are equally valuable and deserving of respect and dignity.

Another passage that speaks against nationalism is Galatians 3:28, which states that “there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage suggests that the divisions between different groups of people are ultimately irrelevant in the eyes of God, and that unity and equality are more important than national identity.

Finally, the Bible also contains many passages that emphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor and treating others with kindness and compassion. For example, Leviticus 19:34 states that “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” This passage suggests that we should treat all people, regardless of their nationality, with the same love and compassion that we would want for ourselves.

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Jamie Larson
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