I read a great article in the current issue of next-wave by Michael Spencer entitled Suggestions For Critics of The Emerging Church.The whole article is worth reading, but one thing stuck out to me at the end - which isn't even what the article is about: He brings up the subject of flying the American flag in churches (probably mostly in the U.S.), and moreso, flying it above the Christian flag. He asks, "Is that not a denial of the supremacy of Christ?"
I have to admit... I feel terrible that we fly the red, white, and blue in our sanctuary. It bothers me. I feel guilty even. And, I confess, I don't do or say anything just to try to 'keep the peace.' Now I'm feeling really convicted about it...
For the record: I have no problem with the American flag or anyone else's flag for that matter. But I don't think they have any business being in a church building; and we can do away with the Christian flag as far as I'm concerned too.
7 comments:
I've never really understood the purpose of the Christian flag. I always thought that it was unecessary and, to be completely honest, pointless. This is purely a personal matter, as I do not really know much about the origins and intent of the flag. I really should research that...
re: flags - I'm thinking of a post-9/11 incident in Pennsylvania. A parent who sent her kid to a Montessori school in the country put up little US flags on each of the posts that lined the school's long drive. The principal contacted that parent, thanked her, then informed her that they'd replaced the flags with the flags of the world. Most churches don't have the budget for that many flags, but that might be more representative of the theology that we struggle with (Joshua and the Angel of the Lord, etc.)
Ryan,
Thanks for your comment. Wikepedia has a pretty good article on the history and origin of the Christian flag HERE.
Darrell,
Good point. I do know of some churches that hang flags of all the countries where they have missionaries - which isn't a bad idea. I think that's different from the tradition of posting the American & Christian flag in the front of the church.
Thanks for chimin' in, guys.
peace,
dh
Thanks for the resource!
You mean Jesus isn't a white middle-class republican? Perish the thought!
Saw a tee shirt on a guy this week, no images, all words: "Sarcasm is the body's natural defense to STUPIDITY". I almost asked him if he wanted to trade shirts, but I don't think mine woulda fit him. Plus, I didn't want to get arrested or totally mortify my kids.
By all means, get rid of the flags Dan. I agree that the American flag has absolutely no place in a church. It's a denial of the whole principle of the kingdom of God, and, in the context of American civil relgion, essentially constitutes an idolatrous symbol.
Just my opinion...
-Mike
Robin & Mike,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I tried to come up with a sarcastic comment, but just couldn't think of anything. :)
peace,
dh
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