Flag In the Sanctuary
In anticipation of the Fourth of July, On the Jericho Road asks whether the United States is a Christian nation. The answer he gives is no, since nations cannot make the faith commitment needed to be religious. And besides, what nation can follow the New Testament ethic of loving enemies or not storing up wealth?
In broad strokes I agree with this assessment. Someone may consider the U.S. a Christian nation since it has more professing Christians in it than any other nation. But beyond this, no it’s not a Christian nation. The challenge, Jericho Road notes, is for those who profess Christian faith actually to live it.
Independence Day raises another issue: the presence of American flags in church sanctuaries in the U.S. Critics of this practice are vocal, but their arguments have never persuaded me. So long as the flag stands discreetly to one side, its presence doesn’t bother me. Love of country is a part of love of neighbor, and singing My Country, ‘Tis of Thee on occasion is acceptable in worship. We thank God for our country and its blessings.
I make it a point, though, during the prayer time in worship always to include prayers for people in other nations — from Iran to Brazil — remembering God is active and present in the lives of all peoples and lands.
Good post Chris. During my last search for a position the first question I was asked by a search committee was “Are there any circumstances that would cause you to remove the American Flag from the Sanctuary?” I knew then that I wasn’t a fit for them. That being said the relationship between a country which sacrifices for the freedom of worship (everyone’s, I hope) and those who worship is interesting and necessary to explore and understand.
Have a good weekend.
Warren
July 2, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Thanks, Warren. If someone draped the flag over the cross, then I’d want to remove it from that place. But apart from that I can’t think of a circumstance that would cause me to remove the flag from the sanctuary. I just needs to be discreet and unobtrusive. That being said, if the sanctuary had no flag in it, I wouldn’t miss it either. Thanks for stopping by. Peace to you.
Chris
July 2, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Really good post. Thanks for the link to Jericho, too. I agree that America is not a Christian nation. I think that being a “Christian nation” is sort of like committing national suicide. How do you build an economy and protect your people without undermining the Gospel? Aren’t we supposed to lay down and die? I sort of think so…
I am thankful to be an American, but I am not proud to be. I never did anything to “earn” my status as an American. I got lucky by birth.
I’m not offended to have flag in church, but I would never put one up in a church I pastored (if I could help it). Patriotism and nationalism seem very counterproductive to Jesus’ call. At least to me…
Thanks Chris,
Peter
Peter J. Walker - EmergingChristian.com
July 2, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Thanks for your comments, Peter. I think there’s a difference between a nation having strong Christian influences, as the US has, and being a Christian nation, which the First Amendment precludes. I agree with your concerns about nationalism — I think internationalism is also ‘counterproductive to Jesus’ call.’ Peace to you today.
Chris
July 3, 2009 at 11:29 am
As a Reformed believer I’m not really crazy about the prominent display of national flags in a church sanctuary. In our own (PCA) church the flags are displayed in front, at opposite sides of the chancel (although I’d rather see the state flag opposite the national color as opposed to whatever that white thing is with the cross on it
)…
I live five minutes from the Naval Academy, am a USNA dad, and sang for several years in their Protestant chapel choir. Every Sunday, before the ministers process, a color guard of midshipmen marches down the aisle and posts the colors. At the end of every service, during the singing of the Navy hymn “Eternal Father Strong to Save,” the colors are slowly and ceremoniously retired. The flag of the Brigade of Midshipmen is dipped in front of the high altar, which is topped with a gorgeous Tiffany window depicting Christ walking on the water (what better image of our Lord at the Naval Academy!)…
then, in turn, the National flag is dipped.
The first time I saw this, I was in tears. Yes, I’ve been in the military myself for over 20 years and like most servicepeople, I have an almost mystical respect for our national ensign. But to see it bow before the image of the King of Kings…
Now THAT’s an appropriate way to display a US flag in church.
Bill
July 3, 2009 at 4:44 pm
great post on a somewhat divisive topic. can you explain more what you mean when you say, “loving of country is part of love of neighbor”? thanks!
chad m
July 3, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Chad — loving neighbors commits us to life in community with others, and country is just community writ large. That’s how I see the two loves connected. I expect people in other countries to love their native lands as I love my own. That seems natural to me.
Bill — Seeing the American flag dip before Christ the King is exactly how things should be. My Dad was a colonel in the USAF, but he loved ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ nonetheless.
Peace to you both, and thanks for stopping in.
Chris
July 3, 2009 at 8:36 pm