Should Baptist churches lower flags at half-staff as prescribed by the governor at the passing of the Catholic Pope?

[Ben1445]

1. Worship is about God, not America
2. The Gospel is not bound to the USA
3. It could be seen as a distraction in worship
4. Should Churches in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico or any other country fly theirs? No
5. It looks like state sanctioned worship or worse yet, that the church approves of the Country (No one should approve of all that the USA does in the world)

And yes

I am against singing Nationalistic Songs in worship for the same reasons

I would like to politely disagree a little bit.
Christians have had a lot of say in government in the US because they stood up for what they believed in. There have been many leaders in the US who have stressed the importance of God having a say in our nation. As happens with all institutions run by people, the States have separated themselves in part from the heritage that they have.
I 100% agree that our churches should be focused on the Lord. But as Paul used his citizenship to its fullest advantage to further the gospel, so will I. I know politicians who are saved and faithful, active church members. I don’t think the best thing for them to do is drop their positions and hand them over to people who would do them without regard to God. I feel the same way in our churches. I think it could properly remind us that we live in a nation that relies on us to stand for Christ.
Our church was started in 1840. As far as I know, we have never had a flag to raised or lowered. ( it is possible. At one time we shared a building with the school.) We do have an American flag and a Christian flag. We are Americans but we are foremost citizens of heaven. While all in our church may not always remember it, removing the flags isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. Flags could be a distraction if it was allowed to be but I have a hunch that probably half the congregation doesn’t see them.
I wouldn’t consider “I’m proud to be an American,” or “Born in the USA,” but I personally think that there are songs that have been written that remind us that our nation is under God. It’s a foothold I wouldn’t give up until the last possible moment.

 

[JonC]

I don't think we have a flag....but I never looked. I guess it would be the same for any reason (death of a president, of a state official, etc) and each congregation would decide what to do.

@JesusFan , You indicated churches shouldn't because the pope is Catholic. Does your church lower the flag for Christian leaders when they die?

 

[Marooncat79]

I would like to politely disagree a little bit.
Christians have had a lot of say in government in the US because they stood up for what they believed in. There have been many leaders in the US who have stressed the importance of God having a say in our nation. As happens with all institutions run by people, the States have separated themselves in part from the heritage that they have.
I 100% agree that our churches should be focused on the Lord. But as Paul used his citizenship to its fullest advantage to further the gospel, so will I. I know politicians who are saved and faithful, active church members. I don’t think the best thing for them to do is drop their positions and hand them over to people who would do them without regard to God. I feel the same way in our churches. I think it could properly remind us that we live in a nation that relies on us to stand for Christ.
Our church was started in 1840. As far as I know, we have never had a flag to raised or lowered. ( it is possible. At one time we shared a building with the school.) We do have an American flag and a Christian flag. We are Americans but we are foremost citizens of heaven. While all in our church may not always remember it, removing the flags isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. Flags could be a distraction if it was allowed to be but I have a hunch that probably half the congregation doesn’t see them.
I wouldn’t consider “I’m proud to be an American,” or “Born in the USA,” but I personally think that there are songs that have been written that remind us that our nation is under God. It’s a foothold I wouldn’t give up until the last possible moment.

the worship of God should be about the worship of God. America has nothing to do with the worship of God.

 

[Ben1445]

the worship of God should be about the worship of God. America has nothing to do with the worship of God.

But Americans should.
I would say that in order to apply your position from a biblical perspective, a soldier, policeman, firefighter, blue collar worker, any one who wears a flag on their sleeve should be taking it off the temple of the Holy Ghost in order to prepare themselves to talk to God.
The building at 123 Somestreet, Anytown USA, doesn’t make too much of a difference. It’s a place where the assembly meets. If someone shows up to church with a flag on their tie, or shirt, or bike jacket, we don’t check them at the door. That isn’t why we are there.
I think to be consistent about the important things you would be trying to get the flag out of the people.
I think the best way to do that is to leave the country you are in and find the right one.
Hebrews 11:13-16
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
I have plans to move at the right time.

Luke 19:13
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Till He comes I will do what Jesus taught. I will occupy.

 

[Marooncat79]

What happens if an Iranian comes to the typical SBC Church and sees old glory?

He might think Christianity synonymous w the Church or the Gospel

 

[Marooncat79]

The Regulative Principle - A Baptist Doctrine

God is being worshiped in new and inventive ways in Baptist churches these days. Years ago, one massive Baptist church installed a baptismal pool in the shape of a fire truck complete with red paint and lights, though it has since been removed. The baptistery was specifically designed for...

founders.org

 

[Ben1445]

I read that article. I myself find confessions to end up being the thing that they seek to avoid. But I don’t see any similarities between a fire truck baptismal and a flag in the building.
I would not be offended if I saw an Iranian flag in an Iranian church. I might just remember that I was in Iran and not judge someone else’s “meats.”
That said, if I were ever approached within my church about the two flags (American and Christian) in the building, I don’t think we would have a problem removing them. We have changed coffee brands in the past to avoid causing offense. (And I thought the color of the carpet was a dumb thing to fight about.)
Also, if he thought that the flag was synonymous with the gospel, I’d doubt very much he were visiting for the right reason.

 

[Ben1445]

In the interest of the original post, when flag etiquette says lower the flag for the pope, I would take it off the pole to show respect for the government that my church exists in the jurisdiction of and to not support the pope.

 

[JesusFan]

I don't think we have a flag....but I never looked. I guess it would be the same for any reason (death of a president, of a state official, etc) and each congregation would decide what to do.

@JesusFan , You indicated churches shouldn't because the pope is Catholic. Does your church lower the flag for Christian leaders when they die?

Rome is Apostate, as is the papacy

Would like doing the flag if the leader of Mormons or JW passed away

 

[Ben1445]

Rome is Apostate, as is the papacy

Would like doing the flag if the leader of Mormons or JW passed away

I think it’s more about the President or Governor who have regulated the flags. I doubt very much we are looking for people to lower the flag for. But I would take the flag completely down in those cases also to maintain a good reputation with them who are without while not condoning the persons who are being honored.