One of the simplest tactics to deal with a multi-cultural wedding is to permit one culture to dominate the wedding ceremony whilst the other culture dominates the wedding reception. At the ceremony, care may be taken to be certain that the clothes, words, music, decorations and procedures stick to the culture of either the bride or the groom. If the culture of the bride dominates the ceremony, then you might permit the culture of the groom to dominate the reception. This could be done by providing food, entertainment and toasts that dwell on the time-honored traditions of the groom’s cultural background.

Whilst this may be more difficult, it could be a better solution because neither family feels left out of a part of the wedding. There are numerous variations for blending the practices of two cultures into the wedding ceremony. For instance, you could consider having both the bride and the groom dress in the customary attire of one of the families, but have them enter the ceremony to traditional music of the other family.

Another variation on this idea is to have the bride dress according to her cultural customs whilst the groom dresses according to his cultural customs. This would prove the fusing of the two cultures with the union of both individuals. You might even consider having the bride and the groom dress according to each other’s cultural customs as a symbol of their being prepared to embrace the other culture in their union. Cultural weddings may also be merged at the reception in a few ways. A way to try this is to serve foods that apply to one culture and supply entertainment associated with the other culture. This separation may appear too insensitive for some couples and they may need to fuse their cultures in a more delicate way.

A few social commentators are beginning to record what they observe to be a growing trend of anti-patriotism, especially in some of the major Western nations. One either has no conscious sense of national identity or, if one is given to lending the issue more attention, is ashamed of being American. The French reaction against the result of the recent presidential election there also indicates changing attitudes toward national political interests and social issues. Western society and culture is becoming less accepting of the constituted political processes that play a part in defining their respective countries.

This new trend raises some questions regarding the value and the future of patriotism. Is national devotion something that should be shared by all sectors of the population? To take it further, should those who claim allegiance to God be patriotic?

A patriot is one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests. This love naturally includes a large emotional element–feelings that are expressed inspired by love for one’s country. Patriotism has traditionally combined heartfelt passion with practical, hands-on contributions to national authority and interests.

Today’s informality bespeaks great changes in the national psyche. We could therefore be forgiven for concluding that patriotism has little bearing on today’s society and culture. It is becoming a nice sentiment rather than something of substance.

Patriotism of the past contained an element that is worthy of consideration. Love of country generally embraced God as the One who gave us our nation and all the benefits we enjoyed. But we have progressively separated God from country. Patriotism without love for God is more likely to be devoid of altruism, allowing self-love to overshadow responsibility and duty. Citizens who express reverence and respect toward God would also live by a code that guides social and domestic conduct. Were society and culture to follow Religion and the Bible patriotism would gain direction and substance.

The Bible is a book that outlines a way of life that is not controlled or formulated by interest groups, religious denominations or any other man-made factors. Jesus Christ did not teach against patriotism; rather, He gave it context and direction. He taught that His followers were to be subject to the authority of their country. That authority is to be respected and its laws obeyed so long as they do not conflict with His laws. Whatever is Caesar’s is to be paid to Caesar (Matthew 22:21).

If patriotism could be channeled first toward Religion and the Bible then the result would be greater love and respect for our physical country, and a more unified society and culture living more peacefully, and experiencing a more positive physical life.