Texas Faith is a weekly discussion that poses questions about religion, politics and culture to a panel of religious leaders. This week's question is: How do believers both celebrate their country and use their prophetic voice to critique and reform their nation? Here are excerpts from some of this week's answers:

The Rev. Gerald Britt Jr., vice president of public policy and community program development, Central Dallas Ministries: I don't think it is necessary for believers, whether clergy or lay members, to choose between love of country or prophetic critique. We must, however, make the choice between patriotism and nationalism.

Faith in God precludes unqualified support of any government. Believers who think that faith, limited to either personal salvation or committed to unquestioning sanction of government action, do both themselves, their faith and their country a grave injustice.

We can, without shame, celebrate this grand experiment we call America; but we can also, with fervent spirits, commit to keeping a watchful eye on our leaders, our neighbors and ourselves to make sure that how we continue to carry out this experiment continues to inspire all of mankind to strive for the highest ideals of our being in peace.

Darrell Bock, research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary: We can celebrate the freedom the country gives us and the society it represents in terms of the kinds of opportunities people have here. This is why people come from everywhere to live here.

But to be the best we can be as a people, our understanding of our nation has to be able to engage in healthy self-assessment and critique as well. This is why we always need a prophetic voice. It is a key way for the nation to keep growing.

Robin Lovin, Cary Maguire university professor of ethics, Southern Methodist University: There is really no contradiction between prophecy and patriotism. In the Bible, it is the prophets who truly loved their country, grieving over its defeats and pleading with God to forgive its faults. The rulers, meanwhile, were busy protecting their own interests, making corrupt deals, or pursuing their lusts with foreign women.

The prophets prevailed in their struggles with the kings because their love for their nation never failed, even in the face of persecution and defeat. Kings who only wanted to hear good news thought prophets were enemies of the nation, but the people knew better.

The right way to celebrate a patriotic holiday begins with gratitude for our place in America and its extraordinary history and ends with a renewed commitment to take responsibility for our own part in its future. A picnic and a few fireworks in between might be a good idea, too.

Ric Dexter, men's division chapter leader, Nichiren Buddhist (Soka Gakkai organization): One of Nichiren's major writings, On Repaying Debts of Gratitude, says, "The old fox never forgets the hillock where he was born; the white turtle repaid the kindness he had received ... If even lowly creatures know enough to do this, then how much more should human beings! ... Surely [persons devoting themselves to Buddhism] should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers, and their country."

SGI members recognize that we contribute most to the greatness of our nation by contributing to the greatness of humanity. From congressmen to day laborers, from doctors to Red Cross volunteers, all know that their actions can change the destiny of our nation, thus repaying the "the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers, and their country."

Matthew Wilson, associate professor of political science, Southern Methodist University: From a religious (and specifically Catholic) standpoint, there is nothing wrong with patriotism. A sense of attachment to and affection for one's native land is to be expected, and one can rightly celebrate the nation's virtues and accomplishments.

At the same time, however, loyalty to God must come before loyalty to country. The obligation to obey God's law transcends the obligation to obey the nation's law. As St. Augustine said, and St. Thomas Aquinas echoed, an unjust law is no law at all.

All nations are called equally and invited to join in the building of the Kingdom. Thus, any manifestation of patriotism that tends toward racism or insularity should be resisted as contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. National and cultural boundaries can be respected up to a point, but they must not be allowed to obscure the universality of God's call to his people.

Brian Schmisek, dean, School of Ministry, University of Dallas: The United States of America is the greatest nation on earth, but it is not finished or complete. We are not a perfect union, but are continually in the process of becoming a "more perfect union."

We are the greatest nation on earth because of our freedoms, not the least of which is freedom of religion. Our ideals of liberty and justice for all have become a beacon for the world.

On the anniversary of our independence, citizens, legislators, and certainly people of faith will celebrate this nation and also seek to make it better. Because we live in the land of the free, people of faith are not barred from participation, but are even more duty-bound to contribute to the ongoing celebration and reformation of this nation and the realization of its ideals.

Cynthia Rigby, W.C. Brown Professor of Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary: The relationship between people of faith and the countries in which they live is, indeed, tricky.

I think believers both celebrate their country and use their prophetic voice when they understand the critique and reform of their nation as a form of celebration.

To read more responses and to post your own comments, go to dallasnews.com/texasfaith.

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