Editor's Comment: Last week we published an article by Tim Farron MP asking, 'When does patriotism become idolatry?' Here is a response from Ian Williamson, who leads Medhurst Ministries, a Christian organisation which seeks to equip churches for council estate ministry.
I read Tim Farron's recent article on patriotism and idolatry with sadness, although, if I am honest, not much surprise. I agreed with plenty of it. Christ cannot be reduced to a political movement's mascot. Christianity does not belong to white people. Racism is sin. No nation, flag, party or political leader can carry the hope that belongs to Jesus Christ alone. Patriotism can become idolatry and, when it does, Christians should challenge it.
I believe all of that. But the fact that I feel I must begin an article about the white-working class with those caveats is part of the problem.
If I question mass immigration, someone will hear anti-immigrant. If I talk about illegal migration, someone will hear racism. If I share concerns about Islamism, someone will hear hatred of Muslims. If I defend patriotism, someone will warn me about Christian nationalism. Before many working-class people have even finished explaining what they think, they feel as though they are defending themselves against accusations they never made.
My concern with Tim's article is not primarily his theology. It is the lack of nuance in how that theology is applied. I also have a similar concern with some of what John Stevens (FIEC Director) has previously written about immigration and national identity. I do not think either man hates working-class people, but good motives do not remove cultural and political blind spots.
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