Peter J. Leithart has a good post here regarding a book by Carolyn Marvin and David Ingle and their claim that nationalism is a religion.
We might do well on a day like today (Memorial Day) to reflect, not only upon those who have given their lives for their country, but also upon what it is we are willing to allow the sacrifice of those lives for.
The word “freedom” has now been completely devalued and emptied of any significant philosophical content–it is a slogan now. It is no longer freedom guided by a teleology (freedom toward) that summoned one to contribute and help build something beautiful and meaningful. It has become the freedom (from) being asked to do anything that conflicts with one’s own personal pursuit of the “good” life-whatever that might be.
James K.A. Smith’s interview here notes some of the same issues.
Byzantine Dream 