Pacifism: Mere Discipleship, Dual Loyalties, and the Pledge of Allegiance

Lee Camp, a professor at Lipscomb University, has written a marvelous book called Mere Discipleship. It has a chapter arguing for pacifism. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he’s the first professor at Lipscomb to agree with the founder, David Lipscomb, on this subject in over 50 years.

Beginning at page 147, Camp takes on nationalism and patriotism.

Nationalism and patriotism are self-centeredness writ large, community habit that prepare us to do “whatever is necessary,” as our politicians put it these days, to “preserve our cherished way of life.” … Employing all means at its disposal — public education, national holidays, churches, culture, media, and, yes, my child’s Christian preschool — nationalism has rooted its alleged “naturalness” deep into our souls. … We begin to believe it necessary, for our very survival, to pledge allegiance to the empire, rather than constantly holding before ourselves our exclusive allegiance to the kingdom of God.

Oh, wow …

Camp then reaches a pacifistic conclusion.

Now, I agree, but only in part. His point about patriotism and nationalism is quite true.