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Originally Posted by niftydrifty  in 1 Peter, whom is being addressed? whom are the "you?" is it a country? a nation? or a small ethnic group, completely different than a "nation" like the US? |
Peter's letter is addressed to "the scattered" which many theologists believe refer to the Jewish Christians scattered among many cities. After all, Peter was the "Apostle to the Jews" (Galatians 2:7). However, some of his dialogue also indicates that his message was addressed to Gentiles as well
as he speaks of "futile ways inherited from your fathers," and goes on to record a list of typical Gentile vices (1Peter 1:18, 4:3-6). I believe the best way to view 1Peter is as a letter to all believers, everywhere. This does not comply with the reference that a "nation" would only apply to one ethnic group.
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modern western states as we now know them, didn't exist in Christ's time. it is ludicrous to assume that Christ envisioned such a state and that sayings in the bible can apply to them.
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This goes without saying, but I would not presume to limit the "scope" of what Christ envisioned for his followers.
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Nationalism denies the equality of human beings by pitting them against one another. nationalism, regardless of whether or not it is monocentric or polycentric, is un-Christlike at its core. Patriotism is a form of idolatry.
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I agree, to a certain extent, but isn't it possible to be a
NATION without being
NATIONALISTIC?