Asking the Clergy: How does patriotism exist comfortably with faith?

Erling Hope, former clerk, Peconic Bay Quaker Meeting, Wainscott:

If patriotism is fundamentally about a love for the people who walk the land you live in, then it is in deep accord with faith. Expressed as service, as sacrifice, this love can enlarge us and give our lives real meaning.

But historically, both faith and patriotism have been limiting as well as enlarging; by belief and practice on the one hand, and by geography on the other. The larger project of faith, however, has always been to push the boundaries outward. "Not just us on this side of the river, but them on the other side also."

All faith traditions start at some point as tribal expressions. They are, in a sense, the original form of patriotism. But just as tribe became village became city-state became nation, and is now, strangely, becoming "global village," so the allegiances of both patriotism and faith are required to wrestle with the fact that the world is becoming progressively smaller.

To be an American patriot and a person of faith today must mean, as ever, to be tethered closely to those near to us; but also now, to harbor a concern for all those who walk the land we live in. Even those on the other side of the river. Even those many on the other side of the horizon.

Rabbi Sholom Stern, Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst:

There is no word in the Hebrew Bible for patriotism, but the virtue of patriotism is extolled alike in ancient, medieval and modern Jewish literature.

The biblical prophet Jeremiah addressed the Jewish community after it was exiled from the land of Israel in 586 BCE and found its new adopted home in Babylonia. Jeremiah counseled the people in the following words: "Seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its prosperity you shall prosper."

However, there is often the danger that love of one's country can undergo an unhealthy mutation into a rabid kind of nationalism that has a xenophobic fear, for example, of immigrants.

A mature patriotism is one that is always humble enough to welcome criticism and right wrongs that are unavoidable even in the most democratic and humane countries.

Chaplain Paul Swerdlow, lead chaplain at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a former Army chaplain:

I am very patriotic and feel strongly about my Judaism. From each I gain a value system that governs my life. For me, as an American, patriotism and faith are complementary to one another. Having been in the military, there is an immediate bond with fellow soldiers. We truly are a band of brothers and sisters.

It is not just where you live that makes you patriotic. It is what that land stands for. It is the opportunity to speak freely, to not be censored for what you say and what you believe. It is the freedom to gather together openly, the freedom of assembly.

My grandparents came from Ukraine, leaving everything they knew for a dream. It was here that dream was fulfilled. They weren't given anything, except the opportunity to work for that dream.

Patriotism doesn't compete with religion. It allows and aids faith to comfortably exist. Who I am is shaped both by my patriotism and by my faith. I am a Jew because of its values, and I'm an American because of its values.

Jerry Hill, minister and founder of the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch, Riverhead:

I think there's a principle of love. If you love your family and your neighbors, you would not want anyone to come in and harm them in any way. A righteous war is one where you are defending those you love and the principles you believe in. I really see no difficulty in loving your country and its people and loving God. It is an honorable thing for a young person to serve this country in whatever capacity - the Peace Corps, community service or the military.

It is picking up trash, volunteering in the community or what we do here at the ranch, which is to serve children 10 years of age up to 21 in a residential setting. We're attempting to strengthen families by helping them learn to raise children in a very nurturing and positive way.

Peter Francis, chaplain at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center:

Patriotism, for me is my love, devotion and dedication to my country, which consists of an understanding of language, religious beliefs and traditions, ethics, love and devotion. And faith is a personal gift of God that I believe in. Patriotism is a social responsibility, and faith is a religious responsibility. Both go together and help me equally regarding my moral duties as a member of the national community.

I was naturalized as an American on July 4, 2002, on the USS Constitution at Boston Harbor. It was a unique experience blended with both my allegiance, loyalty to a new 'fatherland' and faith as a Roman Catholic Christian, which is an act of trust and reliance.

Patriotism and faith are built on the stronger foundation of the community, people who believe. Although I am not a born American, my utmost love, loyalty and devotion goes to the United States of America. It is a country that believes in freedom and liberty, and there are no barriers of the expression of my faith.

Compiled by Sylvia King-Cohen