The Arena Reflection | The Christian Duty to Our Country
Mar 3, 2026
A reflection on how Christians balance love of country with ultimate loyalty to God. A warning against turning patriotism into idolatry. Stories and historical examples that shape a faithful civic love. Practical duties like prayer for leaders, respect for authority, and seeking the nation’s welfare.
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Love Country Without Making It An Idol
- Christians must love their nation without making it their ultimate loyalty to avoid idolatry and preserve proper worship of God.
- Fr. Josiah contrasts idolatrous deification of country with Christ's exclusive claim, citing Revelation and the warning that local churches can be removed if they abandon first love.
How A Mission Trip Made Him Kiss American Soil
- Fr. Josiah's first trip abroad at 12 and a three-month college mission to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, and Japan reshaped his appreciation for the United States.
- He describes witnessing danger, gender disrespect, and polytheistic practices that made him 'fall onto the ground and kiss the ground' on return.
Finding Grandpa's Civics Test And Failing It
- Fr. Josiah recounts discovering his grandfather's civics test at the funeral and failing it, revealing his earlier civic ignorance.
- The story illustrates how ordinary Americans like his Missouri grandfather embodied civic virtue and local good works.