Several years ago when I was in Berlin a tour guide told me that countries who have a sense of superiority and a high level of patriotism can be dangerous as they will put their needs and agenda above others and in turn sometimes above humanity. He gave the example of how this is subtly outwardly visible - streets being lined with the national flag. A few weeks later I went to Turkey and the tour guide's words sent a shiver down my spine for the streets of Istanbul were lined with their national flag, including some giant flags.
With what's happening in Syria right now I'm reminded of what the tour guide said and of those countless flags I saw in Turkey. I know the situation there is complicated and I only know a drop of those complications and the history. But I do know that if you invade another country and start killing people you have crossed a line and when you start putting your country's agenda ahead of life then it's a very dangerous situation.
What do you see as the risks and or dangers associated with a country having a high sense of superiority and a high level of patriotism?
The Bible calls us to pray for our enemies and for those who persecute us. I encourage you to pray for those who are being persecuted in this Syrian-Turkish conflict regardless of their culture, race or faith. Pray for the leaders to stand down not escalate, to see beyond their citizens and borders and look to the needs of humanity.
With what's happening in Syria right now I'm reminded of what the tour guide said and of those countless flags I saw in Turkey. I know the situation there is complicated and I only know a drop of those complications and the history. But I do know that if you invade another country and start killing people you have crossed a line and when you start putting your country's agenda ahead of life then it's a very dangerous situation.
What do you see as the risks and or dangers associated with a country having a high sense of superiority and a high level of patriotism?
The Bible calls us to pray for our enemies and for those who persecute us. I encourage you to pray for those who are being persecuted in this Syrian-Turkish conflict regardless of their culture, race or faith. Pray for the leaders to stand down not escalate, to see beyond their citizens and borders and look to the needs of humanity.