The Screwtape Letters

My favourite part so far:

Leave them to discuss whether "Love", or patriotism, or celibacy, or candles on altars, or teetotalism, or education are "good" or "bad". Can't you see there's no answer? Nothing matters at all except the tendency of a given state of mind, in given circumstances, to move a particular patient in a particular moment nearer to the Enemy or nearer to us. 

First off, if you haven't read 'The Screwtape Letters', read it. It makes you think about religion and faith and spirituality and it allows for a deep reflection on one's own beliefs regarding religion and spiritual matters as well. This passage, however, is, I believe, the key to your own opinions and others' opinions as well. The patriotism or love, in itself, is neither good nor bad; rather, we must ask ourselves whether love or patriotism puts us in a state of mind that allows us to be closer to God. It is how these feelings affect our own state of mind and, perhaps, state of soul that matters.