I posted my Memorial Day reflection on Jesus Creed, and got this comment from Travis Greene, which I think is awesome:
I wonder if those who are able, according to them, to easily hold patriotism and faith together without idolatry would do us weaker folks, whose consciences are troubled by this particular meat we see as sacrificed to idols, the favor of not singing loud songs in praise of America during church. You may be easily able to pledge allegiance to a nation but keep God first. You may be able to have a flag above the altar and remember which is more important. But it sickens me, and I know I’m not alone, and I wonder if for reasons of mission, ecclesiology, and simple compassion, you could just let this go.
3 replies on “Travis Greene on Patriotism in Church”
This seems so sad to me. I frankly just can’t understand why it would possibly sicken people to see the country that the live recognized in their church. However, I guess if I put myself in that perspective I can see how it could be an issue and I really hate for people to have unnecessarily negative experiences at church. I would think that this would be like many other cultural “stumbling blocks” that Christians can have. Generally with those kinds of things people talk to their pastor and then decide if that church is really for them.
Perhaps I’ve just not been in churches were the patriotism is excessive. I’ve always desired a little more. One of the most frustrating things about “church” to me is the complete separation from the rest of my life. Pastors are so afraid of offending people they never tackle some of the tough issues, like say how a Christian ought to think about government, law, and politics.
Good points Jordan. I think you’re right — how you respond to “patriotic” stuff in church probably depends in large part on what you’ve experienced in the past. You’re probably also right that “sicken” is a bit strong. I personally have no problem with a prayer of thanksgiving for our freedoms or even with singing “God Bless America” or something like that on a national holiday — so long as that is balanced with an appropriate humility and doesn’t go much further. But I’ve been in church services where the cross is literally covered with an American flag — and I don’t think that’s uncommon.
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