Assets Quote by Robert Runcie
“Those who dare to interpret God's will must never claim Him as an asset for one nation or group rather than another. War springs from the love and loyalty which should be offered to God being applied to some God substitute, one of the most dangerous being nationalism.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Sermon at Canterbury Cathedral, 1995
Claiming God as a tool for a single nation fuels conflict; true devotion should transcend tribal loyalties.
In simple terms: God should not be used to justify nationalism.
Avoid using faith to justify group superiority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- interfaith dialogues
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can religious communities promote universal compassion?
- What practices reduce the temptation to politicize faith?
Nationalism can be deeply rooted, making rational appeals difficult.