nations are nations nothing else

phil has a great take on america not being a Christian nation. in related thoughts, it reminds me of my readings of thomas merton's peace in the post-christian era. my favorite part of phil's thinking...

...I don't believe that nations can be Christians. They can be largely comprised of Christians or even led by Christians, but nations are largely about self preservation and protection of its citizens. Whatever the cost. Basically nations believe that the lives of their citizens are inherently more valuable than the lives of people of other non-allied nations.

i think that is a great thought about nations having self-centered interests. anything Christian should be about God & neighbor before self.