Should churches display the national flag and the Christian flag together

[mandym]

We have our flag in our sanctuary on purpose. First, we are a part of the United States of America. We are proud of that. We are grateful for the freedoms that are afforded to us by the government. We also are reminded to pray constantly for our leaders and our government. We see in the front of our church the American flag on one side showing that we have a civil leadership but on the other side we have the Christian flag and the cross of Jesus Christ showing that we also have a divine leadership.

What is wrong with that?

Nothing :thumbs:

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Nothing :thumbs:

I agree. But there is also nothing wrong with choosing not to show symbols of nationalism.

 

[mandym]

I agree. But there is also nothing wrong with choosing not to show symbols of nationalism.

I never said there was. There does seem to be a legalism among those who oppose it. I pray God uses you mightily.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I never said there was. There does seem to be a legalism among those who oppose it. I pray God uses you mightily.

This discussion was about an issue, not to judge what each local church does or not does do. I disagree with the policy. I stated above that I would never be critical of a local church who exercises the option. Both sides should feel free to express their own views without it being seen as and indictment of the other.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

We too have both a Christian flag and a US flag in our sanctuary. I've always thought it was strange to have a national flag in the church, but then again, no one ever asked me.

 

[mandym]

Both sides should feel free to express their own views without it being seen as and indictment of the other.

Then maybe the particular language used to present one's own position should be given more careful consideration. Post number 30 as an example of only one.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Then maybe the particular language used to present one's own position should be given more careful consideration. Post number 30 as an example of only one.

I certainly apologise if that was taken as inflammatory.

It was an honest question I have often considered.

It must be one others consider as well since no one has given their own ideas on it.

 

[davidmore70]

A flag outside of a church I have no problem with.. but an American flag inside of a church? For the congregation to see?

Seems kind of.. ummm... WRONG.

 

[mandym]

I certainly apologise if that was taken as inflammatory.

It was an honest question I have often considered.

It must be one others consider as well since no one has given their own ideas on it.

Not so much inflammatory as condemning of a different view. The question is not the problem but words like patriotising assume wrong intentions of those who do use flags.

Here is a question, can we disagree without condemning language? That is more rhetorical than anything else. :wavey:

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Not so much inflammatory as condemning of a different view. The question is not the problem but words like patriotising assume wrong intentions of those who do use flags.

Here is a question, can we disagree without condemning language? That is more rhetorical than anything else. :wavey:

Patriotising was in no way intended to be condemnatory. I have been in many churches that have adopted patriotism as part of their ethos Can we agree not to second guess motivations until we get to know each other?

Songs like 'I'm Just a Flag Waving American' set the stage for equating patriotism with spirituality. My question was intended to honestly examine whether or not that mindset is compatible with separation of church and state.

 

[mandym]

Patriotising was in no way intended to be condemnatory. I have been in many churches that have adopted patriotism as part of their ethos Can we agree not to second guess motivations until we get to know each other?

Songs like 'I'm Just a Flag Waving American' set the stage for equating patriotism with spirituality. My question was intended to honestly examine whether or not that mindset is compatible with separation of church and state.

We will just part ways here. God Bless

 

[annsni]

A flag outside of a church I have no problem with.. but an American flag inside of a church? For the congregation to see?

Seems kind of.. ummm... WRONG.

Why is it wrong?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Why is it wrong?

While I might question the wisdom of the practice, I would have a hard time saying it is wrong for another local church to choose to do so.

 

[Jerome]

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/mep-in-row-over-removal-of-tricolour-1084396.html

MEP Avril Doyle asked for a tricolour to be removed from a Wexford Church before her daughter's wedding, it has emerged. . . .

More photos:

Bath Abbey
Methodist church, Wolverhampton
Holy Trinity church, Sydney
Presbyterian church, New Zealand

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/mep-in-row-over-removal-of-tricolour-1084396.html



More photos:

Bath Abbey
Methodist church, Wolverhampton
Holy Trinity church, Sydney
Presbyterian church, New Zealand

I am not doubting that it ever happens outside of the US. My query is about common practice and whether these are every Sunday or special occasions. I have only been in a few churches in a few countries, but have never personally seen national banners outside of special circumstances. I am sure it happens, but I wonder if it is prevalent anyplace except the US.