Church is No Place for Patriotism
September 2, 2003
I ran across this article at Ginkworld on patriotism and the Church. I resonate deeply with much, if not all of what Hyatt [the author] said in the article. His last statement expresses my sentiments:
So, next Fourth of July, go ahead and light off some fireworks, thank God for the freedoms you have, enjoy a nice parade or picnic but maybe leave the Star-Spangled Banner out of the worship set, okay?
I tend to almost be anti-patriotic, and that is something I need to be working on [a bit - many things come before that]. I am grateful that we have the freedom to worship God here as many do not in the world. And I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve been given, because of living in America. But…let’s keep the Star-Spangled Banner out of worship…let’s not do the Pledge of Allegiance [let alone the ridiculously cheezy "Christian Pledge of Allegiance" we've done at my church before]. Let’s not sing “And I’m Proud to Be an American” in church. Many of these feelings may flow directly from the Mennonite roots on my mom’s side. Patriotic things, flags, processionals, Battle Hymns of the Republic really have no place in a worship context.
This reminds me of something I always wanted to do in our church - but I know it would not go over well with my pastor. I remember reading something a few months ago which described this test you could do: one Sunday take the Christian flag out of the sanctuary, and the following week, put the Christian flag back and take the American flag out. At least here in southern/rural/conservative/Republican Idaho, you’d probably have more comments on the fact that the beloved American flag was gone.
Anyone been to a Michael W. Smith concert recently? His new “signature move” (which I saw both at his “worship” concert in Boise (along with Third Day) and at Creation - and I heard he did it at the Nazarene Youth Congress in Houston) is to run backstage, come out with a huge American flag, wave it around, do the pledge of allegiance and begin singing the national anthem. He then goes into a few other patriotic songs. At a worship event. And the crowd in Boise got the LOUDEST it ever got throughout the entire evening when he brought the flag out. At Creation - there were tons of Canadians. They started to sing O Canada - he couldn’t shut them up. I thought it was great. At the Nazarene Youth Congress…my goodness - it’s an international event! Come on Smitty.
I had relatives on my dad’s side who were in the Air Force and I don’t want to take lightly the price that was paid for our freedom, but I think we need to reevaluate why we focus on certain aspects of our patriotism in the Church. I think that part of a pastor’s job is to call into question things that people think and to try to help people work through issues, questions, etc. Patriotism within the church and the context of worship is definitely one thing that needs to be called into question.
Posted in Rants
Adam Walker Cleaveland: 
September 3rd, 2003 at 1:08 pm
*cough* The next big thing will be -
Long Live Constantine our Emperor! While Everyone wear an uncle sam hat.
very worshipful. Very spiritual.
September 5th, 2003 at 12:32 am
Cool blog site. I love it!
I’m glad you’re addressing the issue of patriotism within worship contexts — It’s been a few years now, but I’ll never forget the day a visiting Japanize pastor knelt down on the platform of the mega-church I was serving and proceded to ask God to help us repent of the nationalism that was replacing the worship of Him. Dude! It blew our socks off! But he was right on! And the church MUST wake up this this reality.
It’s not that we should cease to be patriotic or enjoy patriotic celebrations — we should. But the “nationalization” of worship is NOT the appropriate way to do so. God help us.
September 6th, 2003 at 2:25 pm
Completely agree, Adam! I guess if someone views their patriotism as an act of worship, - like, they fought in a war because they believed it was the Christian thing to do, that’s one thing. But to bring flags into a church meeting - man, that’s just barmy!
My take on the whole thing is that we are called to a greater allegiance. The nation that we are to live and die for is an international one. Therefore, any action that places another nation before this one - such as, I would say, fighting in a war - is by its very nature treacherous.
The story about the Canadians at the MWSmith concert is great! (Is that guy still singing?!)
September 11th, 2003 at 9:03 pm
This is a bit belated as far as responding to the patriotism post, but today seems very applicable for comments on American patriotism. I actually did not hear any mention of 9-11 at work today, which was a bit surprising. I’m sure that people all over the country have been talking about it all day. But I realized, in a moment of thought, that I am more afraid of patriotism than of terrorism. Patriots, when put on the defensive, seem more dangerous to me than offensive terrorists. And Christian patriots, who believe that they are defending (either physically, morally or verbally) a God-given homeland, usually are the most enthusiastic. I’m not saying that I’m anti-patriotic, but I have a somewhat cynical view of our nation and what we have done to secure it, for the sake of “liberty and justice for all.”
October 10th, 2003 at 12:55 pm
Well said, Adam.
BTW, those Canadians are nothing but trouble.
March 14th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I think if you take patriotism out of the church, then it is like taking God out of the government. Bad Idea. You can be loyal to the country you live in and still love and worship God.
April 13th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Michael, God isn’t even in the government anymore! Politicians…ugh. All they care about is votes, and anything to get them. (Which includes making their opponent look as bad as possible.) That’s not exactly a Godly attitude right there.