David Whiting Live

American Flags and Church - part 3

One final thought about American Flags and Churches.  (You can read the previous posts HERE [part 1] and HERE [part 2].)The biggest reason that I don't want an American flag on the church platform is because of the law.

According to Section 175k of the U.S. Flag Code, "When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience."

There are two problems that Section 175k creates for follower of God when it comes to a church meeting. 

• First, if a stage has an American flag and a Christian flag - the Christian flag - BY LAW - must be in the subservient position.  The American flag must be in the "position of superior prominence."  I am NOT an American first and Christiana second.  I am a follower of Christ - first and foremost.  Having an American flag on the platform is a pet peeve.  Having an American AND a Christian flag on the same platform will require me to violate my conscience (by having the Christian flag subservient to the American flag) or break the law (by not giving the American flag the position of prominence).
• Second, the flag - even if the only flag on a platform - is required by law to hold a position of greatest honor on a platform. God has exalted above all things His Name and His Word (Psalm 138:2). I don't think we should exalt any THING except His Word during a church worship service. At a sporting event, graduation, public ceremony, and any secular program or event - I love that the American flag is honored and given the place of superior prominence, but not a service specifically dedicated to worship God, teach His Word, and introduce people to Him.

OK - that should explain why I don't like American flags on church platforms.  But maybe it's just me.

By the way, I discovered a few years ago that the only time a Christian flag can be displayed "above" an American flag is on a Navy ship during a chapel service.  Other than that time - the Christian flag MUST fly below the American flag.  I would rather the Christian flag NOT fly than have it submit to any country or government.

American Flags and Church - part 2

This is a continuation of yesterday's post on American Flags and Church.  You can read part 1 HERE.

There are several reasons that I am personally opposed to having American Flags on church platforms.  Here (at random) are some thoughts:

• The primary reason I'm opposed to American flags on a church platform is because of the singularity of purpose of a church service.  We have gathered to worship God - not to worship or admire a country.  I think everything we do needs to be purposeful and intentional.  And as good as patriotism is - I'm not sure that needs to be a standing value we have when our priority is the worship of God. I am fine and great with displaying our patriotism and national pride at school events, sporting events, and concerts.  But in a place where the sole purpose is to worship God? I think an American flag given a place of prominence is out of place.
• American flags were first displayed in church by Catholics. About 150 years ago, Catholics were accused of being more loyal to the pope than to our country.  So they began displaying American flags to prove they could be loyal to both the pope and also to our country.  Two world wars and churches who sponsored Boy Scout troops increased the popularity of displaying the flag from platforms.
• I would think that Baptists would have been among the latest of adopters of flag display--as it was Baptists who fought and died for the proper practice of Separation of Church and State.
• I remember visiting with a pastor from Germany, and I asked him what he notices about American church services that seems different to him.  He instantly responded with this statement: "It seems to me that Americans confuse patriotism and worship." I totally agree - especially in some old-fashioned, Bible-thumping, King James only churches. They seem to be over the top with Patriotism. 
• Those churches often sing, "God Bless America" - and I can't get this question out of my mind, "With where our country is morally - CAN God bless America?"
• Another reason I don't like flags on a church platform is that the flag represents a "banner" of our loyalty and our authority.  The true banner that we follow is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• And when the word "freedom" is mentioned in church - I don't think American freedom should be the primary thought that comes to mind.  When people at North hear the word "freedom" - I want them to think about being free from sin's power, free from sin's penalty, free from an eternity in hell. Those are the primary thoughts of freedom I think we should have.  I think American flags can distract us from the greatest of freedoms (spiritual freedom) - to political freedoms.

Just some random thoughts. One last thought - I'll save for tomorrow... this is getting a bit longer than planned.

American Flags and Church - part 1

If you've ever noticed, at North - we have the American flag on the platform only three times a year: the day before Memorial Day, the Sunday closest to July 4th, and the Sunday closest to Veteran's Day.  When I first came to North, the American and Christian flags were on the platform all the time. 

Probably one of the regular "complaints" I receive is why we don't always have the American and Christian flag on the platform. 

Before I give some reasons - let me say this clearly: I am a proud American.  I love my country.  If I had been called upon to serve in a war, I would have done so willingly and with pride.  I am one of those people who take off my hat and stand respectfully whenever and wherever I hear the National Anthem at sporting and other events. I don't even like to talk at my house while someone sings it on TV before a sporting event. I've given my children "the lecture" my father gave me at a Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball game when I was a child: "Thousands have died for our freedom, this is but one way we will show respect and love for those who died...."  I've given the same lecture to my daughters.  I also get very annoyed when people abuse the national anthem when singing it.  I'm sure they are great singers and popular in their particular genre of music, but PLEASE - just sing the national anthem in the traditional way.  Showcase our country - not your voice.  OK - enough on the pet peeves.

I do love my country. There is no where else I'd rather live.  I am so thankful for Veterans who have served, and young men and women who have died - for the country I love.  For all our faults, I would not want to live anywhere else.

But - I don't see a place for patriotism during a service devoted to worshiping God.

More on this tomorrow...

Penn Jillette Talks about Proselytizing

Penn Jillette Talks about Proselytizing
Penn Jillette (of "The Penn & Teller" magician/comedy team) talks about witnessing (proselytizing). This REALLY will be worth five minutes of your time. Penn is an atheist and his perspective of a Christian witnessing to him is REALLY amazing!

As always, if you receive this blog by email - you will need to click HERE to see the video.