patriotic evangelism

We don't. We draw a very strict line in our congregation between Caesar and God. I'm a veteran and a patriot, but I don't ever want to make people think that being a good Christian means being an American.

Joshua

 

Being a good Christian in America pretty much means you're patriotic, generally speaking.

We always have special church services on Veteran's Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, etc. We sing patriotic songs, we say our pledges to the Christian and the American flags! Our choir does special patriotic music, singing "Statue of Liberty" or "Battle Hymn of the Republic" or something similar. Our entire congregation is VERY patriotic! And so is our Pastor! And many of our members are US Military Veterans, though most WW2 vets have gone on to be with Jesus.

Because we all know in our hearts that if it weren't for our Christian forefathers, there would be no America!

 

Um, no it isn't and no we don't.

Joshua

 

Um, no it isn't and no we don't.

Joshua</font>[/QUOTE] The Mayflower Compact 1620

"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&.

Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/mayflow.html

Like I said....

 

SheEagle, the writers of that compact would have delightedly hung you for being a baptist.

Joshua

 

Hi there, well for the last couple of years we have made a float and put it in our towns 4th of July Parade. We hand out candy and flyers inviting the kids to VBS.
In 2001 we set up a booth in the July 4th celebration in our town and we had a very good draw in for VBS. That was a very good way to introduce ourselves to the community more and bring kids to Christ.
Love in Christ Angie
P.S. The first year we won 1st place and last year we came in 2nd for best theme. Yeah!

 

I wish I could say that for our church and others I have been to, but I can't.

 

How do others make use of patriotic occassions to point to the Saviour?

Well at the 4th of July in the park theme in our town, a certain Baptist Church has kareoke stage set up in the park for those to sing Christian songs.

Some will come and there will be loads of them playing their instruments. Old hymns...new christian songs....all giving God thanks for making it through a certain occasion.

Some churches set up tent boothes at our county fair for diaper changes....having ready and available tracks, or even the Pastor on hand.

Some tents set up with free water bottles with tracks and Pastor on hand. A place to rest from the heat.

Some have dinners inviting the town to it, included in this is singing and praising.

Sherrie

[ November 24, 2002, 12:39 AM: Message edited by: Sherrie ]

 

Wow. I find myself agreeing with a liberal! (wink wink) Read the words to patriotic hymns we sing in worship. They are mostly in praise of the country, not God.
- "My country, tis of thee...of thee I sing"
- "America, America, God shed his grace on thee. And crown THY good..."
I am very patriotic and often get teary and emotional when thinking of our wonderful country and the sacrifices that so many have made so that we can live this way. I am not saying these songs are wrong or Christians publicly celebrating freedom is wrong, but doing so at times set aside for worship is what bothers me.

 

HOWEVER (I continue my ramblings!)we served thru NAMB in resort missions for 3 years and every July we had patriotic programs and celebrations out the wazoo. More people accepted Christ during that month than any other, and I believe it was because of how easy it was/is to build on God and Country themes and focus in on God. But it wasnt in a context of worship. But I think the thread topic was patriotic evangelism, and most evangelism takes place outside church walls in my experience.

 

How do others make use of patriotic occassions to point to the Saviour?

Our Memorial Day (Sunday before) and Independence Day (or the Sunday closest to) services are heavily partiotic. Patriotic Hymns, themes, message, etc. Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Day also have a secondary patriotic thread in them.

 

Sorry, I just couldn't let this historical inaccuracy slide! Didn't believe you, so I looked it up on the Internet, Joshua.

Some of the original members & drafters of the Mayflower Compact were Baptist!

From:

http://www.mainstreambaptists.org/english_separatists.htm

Also:

http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/history/

Back on topic, I forgot to add that many of the men wear patriotic ties at these special services, too.

There are several things visitors notice when they visit our church at any service, though:

1) We love Jesus & we are Fundamental in what we believe, based upon the truth that the Whole Bible is the Word of God.

2) There is never a service without an altar call.

3) We love America and are very patriotic.

4) We love our pastor & his family.

5) We are Missions minded. Our little church supports over 60 missionaries.

6) We are friendly, caring, compassionate & giving & everyone (no matter who they are) is made to feel welcome.

7) Our church, with all our different personalities, gifts, talents, ages, and demographic makeup, is a family and we enjoy being together for fellowship.

 

actually bagpipes and kilts are not Scottish at all in that they were introduced by the English.

source

re bagpipes:

source

as for haggis - well you can keep that one - I can't imagine anyone else claiming responsibility!

 

I don't think patriotism and evangelism should be mixed so I am not.

I was just making an observation on the myths that underpin patriotic feeling.

 

er?

patriotism and culture are totally different things - I can understand the culture of a country without being patriotic can't I?

Do we better understand Scottish culture and history if we uncritically believe their historical myths? I don't think so. Should I assume that the residents of Glasgow are all wearing kilts and playing the bagpipes? Is that going to help me evangelise them?

patriotism is defined (by dictionary.com) as:

I don't see how that relates to the word of God.