Episode #65 | The Patriotism of C.S. Lewis (Eric Patterson)

For the July 4th weekend, Eric Patterson and Mark Melton discuss what C.S. Lewis teaches Christians about patriotism and “love of home,” particularly in The Four Loves. They review how Lewis served his country in both the First World War and the Second World War, which demonstrates that he writes from experience when he writes about patriotism and sacrifice. And while Lewis argues that the “love of home” is the best type of patriotism, he warns against someone loving his or her country because of its history, as this can lead to a puffed-up vision that is easily debunked unless the study of history is done carefully and seriously. So Patterson and Melton discuss how Christians should understand history by recognizing mankind’s sinfulness and God’s common grace. Melton also argues that, if Christians’ love of home or country is rooted in neighborly love, they should love their neighbors both near and far. This requires understanding local issues and participating in local politics. Patterson adds that this focus on the local community can include volunteering in various organizations. Suggested Readings: “For God and Country, Part 1: Christian Patriotism,” by Mark Melton: https://providencemag.com/2019/01/for-god-country-part-1-christian-patriotism/ “For God and Country, Part 2: Not Necessarily the Nation-State,” by Mark Melton: https://providencemag.com/2019/01/for-god-country-part-2-not-necessarily-nation-state/ “Immortal Memory: What Scotland’s Robert Burns Can Teach Us about Nationalism,” by Mark Melton: https://providencemag.com/2019/01/immortal-memory-scotland-robert-burns-nationalism/ “From the Trenches to the Shire and Narnia: Review of Loconte’s A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War,” by Mark Melton: https://providencemag.com/2019/04/trenches-shire-narnia-book-review-joseph-loconte-a-hobbit-a-wardrobe-and-a-great-war-c-s-lewis-j-r-r-tolkien/ “Flawed Historical Narratives about American Figures Color Our Pursuit of Justice,” by Grayson Logue: https://providencemag.com/2020/09/flawed-historical-narratives-american-figures-pursuit-justice-1776-commission-1619-project/ A transcript is forthcoming.