A brief sequel to this post:
I can do with or without flags in church. It's a matter of indifference to me. The issue only becomes important if both sides make it more important than it is.
That said, there are Christians who think patriotism is good in moderation, or at least not bad, but they don't think a sanctuary is the right place for American flags. There is, though, a potential problem with that attitude. If, as a Christian, you think patriotism in moderation is okay, then that should be integrated into your overall life and thought. It's generally not good to have a highly compartmentalized piety. That's the Sunday-morning Christian mentally. But Christians are supposed to do everything to the glory of God.
It might be countered that this is a matter of emphasis. There's a time and place for everything.
Sure, but the presence or absence of a flag is a matter of emphasis, too. A very modest, usually unobtrusive symbol. If patriotism in moderation is appropriate, I don't think a flag is inappropriate. It's just one of many things that may furnish or decorate a sanctuary.
~ I had a friend who was opposed to the American flag at a location outside the church building. He in fact wrote a 30 (or so) page paper on it and passed it on to the deacons and elders. In talking to him, it seemed to me that he had done a good bit of research. My memory is vague now, but I recall him pointing out to me that churches in Nazi Germany had the German flag running.
ReplyDeleteThen also he said that the flag might be a hindrance to immigrants or internationals attending. Perhaps some might be offended by it. I pointed out to him, that au contraire, internationals/immigrants actually would like it if a church had the American flag up. They would not only take no offense, but would actually look upon it favorably. I cannot prove this thing with hard data, but if you ask around or talk to people from abroad, I strongly suspect that this would be the case.
~ Raj
ZR RAO
Delete"I recall him pointing out to me that churches in Nazi Germany had the German flag running."
That seems to commit the guilt by association fallacy. However, if your friend meant it as an argument from analogy, then, for starters, I think he'd have to make an argument for how he thinks American flags in modern America are akin to German flags in Nazi Germany.
"Then also he said that the flag might be a hindrance to immigrants or internationals attending. Perhaps some might be offended by it. I pointed out to him, that au contraire, internationals/immigrants actually would like it if a church had the American flag up. They would not only take no offense, but would actually look upon it favorably. I cannot prove this thing with hard data, but if you ask around or talk to people from abroad, I strongly suspect that this would be the case."
I'm an immigrant to the United States. I came here as part of an immigrant family with a background and roots in a socialist nation. I can tell you the generation that fled the socialist nation is very much thankful to be in the United States. Thankful for the liberties and opportunities they have in America in contrast to what life was like in the old country. They're probably more proud of America than the vast majority of secular liberal types.
Oh, forgot to mention, these family members definitely have no problem with US flags anywhere in America.
DeleteI think they'd say something like there's just no comparison being able to salute or not salute a flag flying high at a religious or non-religious building in America than to be forced to salute a flag or portrait of faithful leader that you don't want to salute!