Posted by
Mike on Monday, February 02, 2009 1:13:15 PM
http://westernperspective.blogspot.com/
Globalization is here whether we like it or not. It is a direct result of improved communications technology.
Ethnonationalism however will not go away. It is at the heart of what people value about themselves. In the Book of Genesis, we read that God divided up the world into nations. Obviously, the biblical writer inspired by God was using knowledge of existing nations as a starting point. This is because nationality is fundamental to being human. It all begins with the family. Government cannot change this reality. In trying to undermine family structure to build a utopian order, our government only engenders more hatred and violence.
National traditions and rituals allow people to experience a transcendent reality based upon their own experience of family life. The human relationship and contact with God begins in families. The success or failure of human endeavors ultimately depends upon how people relate to God. If we turn away from God by destroying family life, we ensure our own economic downfall.
Each family has certain ethnic characteristics. This is the basis for nationalism. More basic than nationalism is our common humanity. We must learn to move beyond the "us versus them" divisions in society. Christ takes us a step further teaching us to love our enemies.