Dean is a pastor at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
There are a few attitudes and actions that take place in the SBC that kind of make me feel like a dinosaur. I am comfortable with being a dinosaur and do not feel the need to fight to keep things the way I prefer them. I have developed a ministry philosophy and carved out my niche so I put my head down and attempt to remain faithful.
One of the attitudes that make me feel outmoded will be on display this week. It has become fashionable to ridicule Independence Day celebrations that take place in churches. One of the components to my philosophy is having several key events a year that puts your church on center stage in your community/area. Many times these events can be evangelistic endeavors, however, they can also be a way to introduce the people of your community to your church family as they attend a celebration or activity. An Independence Day celebration is a perfect event to accomplish this second goal. For this reason, I still use Independence Day celebrations. This Sunday we will have a blowout celebrating the 4th of July.
- Our music ministry will perform a patriotic musical.
- At one point in the musical, our preschoolers and young children will have a parade through the sanctuary in patriotic costumes.
- Our facilities will be decorated in patriotic colors and our congregation will wear red, white, and blue.
- We will have a color guard and the congregation will wave American flags throughout the service.
- We will have memorabilia tables in our atrium in honor of our service men and women.
- We will have Squire Parsons in concert that afternoon followed by a free barbeque picnic on our parking lot. We will have water slides and activities for the children.
A good Independence Day celebration takes a tremendous amount of planning, work, and expense. For this reason alone I understand not every pastor/staff would want to tackle such an endeavor. My plans are to continue to have such services in the future and I have some good reasons why.
- I am grateful for America. America is not a good country, America is a great country. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In all things give thanks.” I believe it is not only appropriate, it is mandated we thank God for our nation. America is not a perfect country but America is a nation blessed by God. Traveling in other parts of the world will make you thank God for America when you arrive on her shores. Once a year I enjoy incorporating thanking God for America into our worship service.
- It teaches our young people to love America. My perception is young people are being indoctrinated with anti-American thoughts. I constantly hear about what is wrong with America. For example, at the same time Americans protest that our nation desires to be isolationists and that we desire to police the world. It is not uncommon for our young people to hear teachers in high school and professors in college speak poorly of America. Do a search for retired Univesity of Hawaii professor Haunani-Kay Trask and read of her hatred for America. This hatred was taught in her classrooms as she railed against America claiming America was her enemy. Every day there seems to be a demonstration somewhere in America about what we are doing wrong as a nation. Again, once a year I enjoy incorporating a patriotic theme so our young people can celebrate what is right with America.
- It allows us to honor those who have served in our nation’s military. The goal of any worship service should be to glorify Jesus Christ. However, it is not sinful to honor someone for their service to our nation’s citizens. On Sunday we will provide individual tables for those who have served in any branch of our nation’s armed forces. These tables will be covered with pictures, award ribbons, and gear from their time in the service. Our church family and guests will walk around the atrium before church on Sunday morning taking in these images and thanking the ones who have served.
- My town embraces patriotic services. Seeing how I am relatively new at my current place of service I have to defer to my staff for this information. When I shared with the staff my desire to continue the patriotic service they had conducted in the past the results were mixed. It is so much work to put on a quality event they thought about the added workload they would have. Then the unanimous conclusion was reached that it is worth the effort. This Sunday, during our worship service, we will have one of our largest crowds all year. There will be dozens of guests both in the morning service and at the concert and picnic. We will make new friends and gather new names as contacts. It is my past experience that this is normal where churches have such celebrations.
I have heard reasons why people are opposed to such celebrations. That is a post for someone else to write. I have shared why I have such celebrations and I anticipate a great day Sunday. Happy Independence Day to you all.
Let the fireworks begin.
I fall in between the extremes on both sides. I don’t mind some honoring of America, but there is a danger in my mind in it. I’ve seen it go too far. The display at FBC Dallas last week was garish to me.
I was talking to a missionary friend of mine and he told me that Americans are unique in that our love of country is unrivaled in other nations, from his experience. That is a good thing, because I agree with Dean that our nation is unique, great, and blessed. But there is a great danger as well, because Americans have a tendency to blur the lines between nationalism and the Kingdom of God.
It is tricky. Being thankful for America is fine, in my view. Even biblical. But straying into mixed loyalties and idolatry is a danger. A constant danger.
I don’t think we need to remove the flag or avoid all mention of our gratitude for our nation from the services, but we need to carefully walk a line – to make sure our people understand where the line is drawn.
“Dean is pastor at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi.” Out of respect to Dr. Jim Butler I want to offer a clarification. Bro. Jim is retiring at the end of this year. LaBelle called me to be their next pastor in July of 2016. I have served along beside Bro. Jim for the last year, learning the Labelle way. He has left the decision making and leading the ministries up to me for the most part but he is still seen as the senior pastor until his retirement. We split the preaching responsibilities. This unusual endeavor may be the source of my next post.
I actually had “a pastor” and then changed it. I wasn’t sure how to write that.
Write it as – “Pastor in waiting”.
😉
LOL
Dean, interested to see what your thoughts would be on, for example, a church in France who does something similar related to French patriotism, or Japan, or Egypt. Do you think that would be a good idea for those churches?
To take it a step farther, let’s say you were on vacation in one of those countries and happened to visit the church on the Sunday that was taking place. What would your reaction be? Honestly curious, these are not rhetorical questions.
BAM!!!
Brent, I was in Russia one year when they were celebrating Victory Day. This celebration is May 9 and marks the time when Germany surrendered to Russia. That day everyone and I mean everyone sang patriotic songs, they had skits and plays, released balloons. I preached that day with a parachurch organizations. I didn’t feel left out. I didn’t feel abused. I have no issues with Christians in other nations thanking God for their country. I state again, the goal of any service is to glorify Jesus.
That’s a fair response. Do you feel like Jesus was glorified in that service or did it seem like he was pushed to the periphery and another bond was highlighted?
He was not pushed in the periphery at all. The people that I kept company with were very much grateful to God they were not speaking German. Having witnessed German soldiers march through their homeland they honestly worshipped God for the victory. I ask a question, is it appropriate to thank God for America? If you answer yes, then is that only appropriate in a private, personal setting?
Dean,
Good article. And, I agree.
David R. Brumbelow
Baptists need to appreciate their deep heritage of contributions to the core principles that makes the US so unique in the world.
At its beginning, particularly during the writing of the constitution is was Baptists who pressured James Madison to put the ‘separation’ clause in the constitution.
Thomas Jefferson needed to Baptist support to advance in his political career.
Those Baptist, then, new exactly the confusion of mixing loyalties with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to a nation.
The United States has at its core the value of ‘liberty’ because those Baptists knew exactly Who it was that gave them ‘liberty’ and they made sure they would live in that liberty.
Galatians 5:13 13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to liberty. Do not use your liberty to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
You and I totally disagree on the purpose of the church and trust me its a large chasm. The purpose of the church is for the people of God to come together as the unique people of God to worship and adore our Creator, Savior and Friend.
I am all for being thankful of being an American, but those type celebrations better belong in a city park and not mingled amongst the worship of God (which is not leavened with your man made rally for America).
It is this very thing which causes Muslims to understand Chriatianity as an American religion and yes, I have witnessed to enough of them to know that this is exactly how they feel and understand the church. Reverse the tables: you are now in Iran should Iranian Christians fly the Iranian Flag during the worship of God? Seriously?
It looks like you and I are on torally different planets on this one. Quite honestly, if you are a pastor, you should be ashamed to confuse these 2 totally different issues one of which is holy before the LORD.
Glenn, I appreciate your position. We are not on two different planets, however, I am not ashamed.
Shame is not something you have the authority to ascribe, Glenn, that is the purview of the Holy Spirit.
Having been a part of a very multi-ethnic and multicultural church while in seminary I was happy to see that we worshipped Christ on days that our government deemed national patriotic holidays. I had heard from fellow church members, many who were from South America and Africa, that they were amazed that they found one church in all of Louisville that wasn’t so nationalistic and idolatrous when it came to patriotism. They were relieved to find that they could worship God with fellow American Christians and not feel ostracized. They shared experiences with me that while they were in college at various places across America that in the churches they gathered they were looked down upon for not being patriotic. They had no clue what that even meant. I believe that when the church in America puts love of country on display it alienates us from those who are not American, but who are Christians living in America. My friend Kojo and I had this convo over Facebook years ago, here’s a snippet of his side, “When my family first came to this country we were already Christians, but we were led to believe that we had to be patriotic like all of you other Americans to be good Christians. This is wrong James, American Christians are no better than African Christians or Asian Christians. Why do American churches make it seem that way though?”
Why do we make it seem that way though?
I am completely against having patriotic services, not only for the interaction I had with my friend Kojo, but because I can’t bring myself to supplant the worship of God with the praising of America in a church service. In my church we do not have flags displayed, we will not sing a patriotic ballad, and we will not pledge allegiance to America. Those things are reserved for outside the church. In my church this Sunday we’ll sing For the Cause, In Christ Alone, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Behold Our God, and Come Behild the Wondrous Mystery. We’ll recite the Apostles Creed, have readings from Psalms and Isaiah, and I’ll preach from Philippians 1:12–8.
Quadruple BAM!!!
“Bam” is unnecessary and unhelpful.
Let’s make arguments as brethren in Christ. Keep it civil, okay?
(I understand you are just giving a form of amen, but this is one of those topics that tends to get out of control. Bam is a kind of confrontational response. I am trying to keep the cattle in the corral rather than rounding them up after they’ve broken down the fences and scattered – if you understand my metaphor).
Geez Dean,
Those quotation marks you referenced were not attributing exact words to you – they were instead making reference to the gist of your comments / but you knew that. Nice try.
In your article you came out looking to be “ridiculed” by your “it’s fashionable to ridicule people who …” (or did you not say that word either?).
Look. You wrote a provocative piece about intermingling patriotism with a worship – you then made several provocative statements concerning how you don’t enjoy recitations in Worship services – singled out the Apostles Creed with adamant language (“it won’t happen in a church I pastor”) – all the while bragging about leading your congregation in a specific Recitation “yearly”. I pointed this out – trying to get clarification because I doubted that you meant it the way it was coming across.
Then you start word smithing …..and have now taken a path of denial deflection and accusation against me.
Whatever.
Have a nice day.
You can have the last word(s).
Seriously. I would love to be there. Sounds like a great worship experience
Thanks Glenn, you’re more than welcome to come by anytime! FBC Willow Springs, 402 North Harris Street, Willow Springs, Mo. 🙂
Dave,
I agree.
“Bam” is emblematic of the spirit that permeates many of our discussions. Particularly the ones on race, gender, immigration, and nationalism.
I find it used many times by young people as a method of rebuking elders.
If attitudes like this fester and grow, the amount of force and conformity that will be seen in the SBC in the future will be unreal.
James, with the exception of the Apostles’ Creed your worship service sounds amazing. I am sure all who attend will be blessed.
Dean
What in the Apostles Creed do you disagree with?
Thanks
Thanks Dean, I am curious though why you object to the recitation of the Apoatkes Creed?
I am totally against the recitation of the Apoatkes Creed.
James, I simply do not care to recite the Apostle’s Creed in worship. I’m not of fan of any recitations in worship service.
I do want to add that LaBelle is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural congregation.
Oh, so it is about a preference – the objection to recitations?
Friend, I must say – I find it a little troubling that you are not a fan of reciting a theological statement in worship services – but have expressed great willingness to recite patriotic statements songs and pledges in worship services.
Not trying to be combative – just pointing that out. 🙂
I don’t want to assume things, but it’s just strange that you are fine having an patriotic service but you don’t like reciting the Apostles Creed in a church service. Maybe we just have different experiences. I don’t know….
Dave: Please amend my comment. LOL. I have fat fingers and typed that on my iPhone. Hahaha.
Dave prefers to recite the Apostate’s Creed.
Lol!
Are you kidding? Edit and give up the fun?
I think not.
Tarheel, no where have I written we will recite patriotic statements or pledges. If you are going to point stuff out then actually point out stuff I say – not to be combative.
Dean,
Do you as a church also not use the responsive readings usually found in the Baptist Hymnal? I just want to understand why reciting things in church is something you’re against.
Dean,
“We will have a color guard and the congregation will wave American flags throughout the service.”
Most of the time a colorguard is accompanied with the Star-Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance… So I met I did make an assumption based on customer practice… But if you’re not going to sing the Star-Spangled Banner (which is itself a pledge of sorts) or recite the actual pledge of allegiance then I retract my “pointing out”… LOL ?
* …admit that I did make an assumption based on customary practice…
* The final? Was supposed to be a laughing emoji… But I forgot that such are banned on the site…
James, because I don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean I am against it. We do not use the responsive readings in our services.
Dean,
Will your church be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during your Independence Day service
Tarheel, we will recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we will sing the national anthem. We will not recite any other patriotic statements. The National Anthem is not a pledge; it is a song. I don’t like recitations. We do not use any recitations at any other time of the year and under no circumstances will I allow the Apostle’s Creed to be recited in a worship service of a church I pastor.
Ok, Dean.
Just so I understand….you don’t like corporate theological recitations in church worship services ever – under any circumstances – but once a year you encourage and participate in corporate recitations of allegiance to America/the American flag. Right?
Tarheel, your statement is pretty close to accurate. Allow me to clarify, I may experience a theological recitation one day that I enjoy in a worship service but I am not fond of what I have experienced in recitations. I do not need recitations to teach or enforce theology. I spend 52 weeks of the year teaching verse by verse through books of the Bible. I provide weekly study guides and complete booklets of the studies when I finish the series for our church family. You seem to want to paint a picture that somehow I am more interested in patriotism than theology. Nothing can be further from the truth and because of your uncharitable attitude I don’t care to continue with you – just so you understand.
Dean of course I do not think you value patriotism over theology – but your post and comments here indicate that on this Sunday you will in fact do recitations in your worship service – but they will be patriotic recitations.
So again – it is not recitations that you oppose in worship service because you will do patriotic recitations in your service.
I am not being uncharitable – even you said my understanding was correct before you made accusations toward me.
Dean, you plainly said you have never enjoyed a recitation in worship – and even said recitations (the context of which is theological recitations) will not be done in services where you pastor – and in the same article and comment stream you announce with pride that you will in fact be leading a RECITATION the pledge of allegiance in a worship service where you pastor.
Now returning your sarcasm – Yeah, there really is nothing about your statements in this article and comment stream on this topic that is inconsistent. Apparently you do not like recitations in worship…Save for only a certain one.
Guess now you will say I am ridiculing you – but I am only pointing out a YUGE inconsistency in your statements.
Tarheel, you certainly are pointing something out but it has nothing to do with me.
Let’s review in order,
I say, “under no circumstances will I allow the Apostle’s Creed to be recited in a worship service of a church I pastor.”
You say, “you don’t like corporate theological recitations in church worship services ever – under any circumstances” I didn’t say this.
I say, “I may experience a theological recitation one day that I enjoy in a worship service but I am not fond of what I have experienced in recitations.”
You say, “you plainly said you have never enjoyed a recitation in worship – and even said recitations (the context of which is theological recitations) will not be done in services where you pastor .” I didn’t say this.
Now I will say once more, I will never allow the recitation of the Apostle’s Creed to be used in a church I pastor as part of a worship service but I have never said I won’t use recitations in a service. You have made up your mind that I like patriotic recitations but don’t theological. I don’t know if you believe this proves a point that we who have patriotic services worship America, love our nation but not God. I have no idea. I don’t care for recitations its that simple. If my worship leader asks to put one in I will look at it and give a thumbs up or down. I have used recitations before in ordination services, building dedications, commissioning services.
Dean,
Why will you never allow the recitation of the Apostles Creed in your church then? Is it because you find it’s theology wrong, not applicable to the Church, or inadequate? When you say you’ll never allow it that just gives the impression that you think it’s totally wrong. Am I misrepresenting you?
James, there is not a thing inadequate about the Apostles’ Creed. It is the list of our great doctrines. You guys are searching for something that isn’t there. I simply don’t care to use it as a recitation. I apologize, let me restate my initial statement to you, your service sounds great. I would love to be there.
Ok. You don’t like recitations in worship service. I’m with you.
EXCEPT clearly you like and enjoy one recitation enough to do it yearly in what you call an Independence Day worship service (allegiance to American Flag) … I’m Assuming that you don’t do this recitation also on memorial day and/or veterans …. but have now said multiple times that you’d never (under any circumstances) use the apostles creed in a worship service…
It’s not that I think you value patriotism over theology… I really don’t think that… But that is what is coming across from what you’re actually saying.
This is precisely the reason many of us struggle with blending patriotic celebrations and worship services.
We are concerned about the message this conveys to our people ….honestly a message not dissimilar to the message you are (I think inadvertently) conveying to us on this forum.
I think I’ve said enough in this particular string of comments on this article.
I do respect you, Dean. I don’t want you to think otherwise. We disagree and that’s OK.
You appreciate intertwining patriotism and worship – I don’t.
As I said earlier I’m not at the point where I’m adamantly opposed to The type of service that you speak of in your opening post… But I’m getting more and more close to being so.
I said earlier and I repeat – Dean, I don’t think you seek to devalue theology in any way whatsoever.
Ok guys I will take a stab at the subject of reciting the Apostles Creed. I believe every word of it, I even taught a series in Sunday School on the creed. However, most run of the mill Baptists are non credal, and reciting such things is more in keeping with the reformers and the old mainline denominations. It has not historically been a normal practice for Baptists. Not saying it’s wrong, just saying I can understand Dean’s reticence to employ it in his services.
Tarheel, there is no doubt in my mind you read my message in this post and stream as I prefer patriotism over theology.
Well – considering you came into this thread “looking to be ridiculed”… I can see how you might view it that way…
But I’ve never said that – in fact I’ve repeatedly said the opposite.
Good night.
Tarheel, you use quotes, “looking to be ridiculed.” Please share where I said that. Again you don’t mind making up statements and attributing them to your brothers.
John,
That makes sense to me. Thanks for that input, I forget that the Southern Baptist church I was raised in was a little more liturgical than most Southern Baptist churches are. Reciting the Apostles Creed is something I grew up with and have included into my own ministry.
Dean,
In no way was I looking for anything that wasn’t there. I was just looking for specific clarification on why you wouldn’t allow the Apostles Creed to be recited in your church. You’ve given me your answer and I respect it. I’m glad you and I can agree together that it is a great summary of Christian doctrine.
( I put this in the wrong place above)
Geez Dean,
Those quotation marks you referenced were not attributing exact words to you – they were instead making reference to the gist of your comments / but you knew that. Nice try.
In your article you came out looking to be “ridiculed” by your “it’s fashionable to ridicule people who …” (or did you not say that word either?).
Look. You wrote a provocative piece about intermingling patriotism with a worship – you then made several provocative statements concerning how you don’t enjoy recitations in Worship services – singled out the Apostles Creed with adamant language (“it won’t happen in a church I pastor”) – all the while bragging about leading your congregation in a specific Recitation “yearly”. I pointed this out – trying to get clarification because I doubted that you meant it the way it was coming across.
Then you start word smithing …..and have now taken a path of denial deflection and accusation against me.
Whatever.
Have a nice day.
You can have the last word(s).
Tarheel, thank you for giving me the last word. I would like to take the opportunity of using the last word to say “you stink.”
As a 17 year US Navy vet, that, by the way, was actually stationed in Yokosuka (pronounced Y-AH-KOOSKA), Japan, I, sir, SALUTE YOU!
Was also stationed in Bremerton, San Diego, Norfolk. And I am proud to be an American. I love the Flag for which I pledge Allegiance to, and did so since I was a child in school.
I do not see any conflict with being nationalistic as well as being a member of the Kingdom of God. There are plenty of bible verses regarding a nation that God blesses, and how to maintain those blessings.
Ed Chapman
Our song leader was on the 1st wave going onto to the beaches of Iwo Jima during WW II. He was 22 years old. When he was leaving the ship to enter the fight he prayed, “Lord, if I make it through this alive I will serve you the rest of my life.”
He has stayed true to that prayer. He helped build the Church by hand and still leads the singing.
Many have prayed that prayer. Few have honored it.
Now that is powerful!! Amen!
I would have no problem visiting a Baptist church in another country that was having a patriotic service. I’d find it interesting. Be thankful for what you have. And, to use a word I haven’t heard in a while, wouldn’t that be missional?
A patriotic service in another country just might help that church reach more of the locals.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is number 644 in the Baptist Hymnal, 2008 edition.
“O Canada!” is number 647.
I have no problem with both being in our Hymnal.
If I pastored a Baptist church in Bolivia, I’d be happy to have the Bolivian flag and a patriotic service in the church building.
Of course, the Bible should be preached in a worship service, whether the service be patriotic or not.
And we can always quibble about how much to emphasize this or that.
David R. Brumbelow
David
Just because they are in the hymnal does not mean that they are worthy to be sung in worship.
The word “worship” means that we are ascribing glory and honor to something greater than ourselves. The songs we sing should proclaim something great about God (His glory or Attributes) or the Atonement.
I did not mean for the BAM comments to be contentious just agreeing with what the write of that section was stating. Correction accepted. Thank you
I added an edit to my comment, even before I saw this. I understand.
I have a lot of experience with certain subjects. I am trying the “never smile till Thanksgiving” tactic (if you know what I’m talking about) – sit on the discussion early and hope it holds. I’ve seen discussions such as these get really bad.
I am not completely opposed to patriotic services. However, I was in church one memorial day weekend when the worship leader announced that we would be singing all patriotic songs. I left feeling that I had gathered to worship America, not God. My largest concern is people equating love for/pride in America with love for God. I think some people think those are the same things or that one flows from the other.
One thing that I haven’t seen in comments yet, was the mention of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, which is the ONLY reason for July 4th celebrations.
God is mentioned in that document that we have God given rights. So to say that there is a conflict, I don’t see it.
Our founders did not seem to see a conflict. It was both one in the same, to them.
Respectfully,
Ed Chapman
I read an interesting book a while back that showed (and some historian-types can weigh in here) that during the time of the Declaration, deism ruled the day, which is why the references to God are so impersonal.
By the time that the Constitution was written, the 2nd Great Awakening had begun to take hold and there were different people who had become influential, giving a much more Christian (not exactly evangelical, but Christian) cast to the constitution.
Jefferson, the main author of the Declaration, was most certainly a deist, hence the language you cite. Of the two other more influential contributing authors, Benjamin Franklin had a rather loose relationship with Christianity, whereas John Adams would be considered more in line with orthodox Christianity.
I would say two things, relative to this topic, without opining on Dean’s piece or his position.
1. This subject is going to be one of the biggest issues in the SBC in the days ahead. “How should American Christians balance being American and Christian?”
2. This has already been the most divisive issue in the SBC in a long time. The Russell Moore/Jack Graham kerfuffle was largely rooted in attitudes toward the place of patriotism and nationalism in the life of the church and the Christian.
This isn’t going away.
It behooves us to deal BIBLICALLY with this topic and to find a way to discuss our differences as brethren (and sistern). We failed miserably at that in the 2016 election and it cost us dearly. Now, that is fading, but the issue remains.
It isn’t going away.
Oh, it’s going away.
I would say that a good perspective on this could be found in Chris Davis’ sermon from the SBCPC17. He preached on Philippians 1:27-30. The intro, setting the context of Paul’s admonition regarding Philippian citizenship/pride and Kingdom citizenship (#venndiagram), is worth the listen…and so is his entire message for that matter.
What is this SBCPC17 of which you speak?
It was this deal where people came together and listened to some guys talk about things and stuff.
I was just thinking about that as I was reading the comments, Scott.
That message was powerful. He dealt exactly what what is being discussed here.
Dean, one other question came to mind… Is there a limit to the amount of patriotic content you’d find acceptable in a service or do you see it as fine to have basically the whole service oriented around the patriotic holiday? For example the FBC Dallas worship service singing “This Land Is Your Land”. Anything wrong with that or you say go for it?
Am I the only one who wonders if the good members of FBC, along with Jeffress and the other leaders, sang that with their backs towards the Rio Grande? Or is that going too far? If so then I apologize, but their blatant political involvement invites certain levels of scrutiny.
I can’t speak intelligently on what FBC needs to sing but I would offer no objection to LaBelle singing Woody Guthrie’s song. Our entire service will be patriotic oriented.
“This Land is your Land” should never be sung by any freedom loving person. But it’s such a catchy and fun tune, we sing it. Read the verses sometime and read about the author, and you’ll catch my drift.
Oh, here we go. I predicted a few years ago that the topic of patriotism in the American evangelical church (specifically sbc) would come to the forefront soon. Dean- thank you for a well written article. Kudos to you. Everyone else- we really don’t want to go here on this subject. It’s a lose lose!!! Nothing can be gained from it. But, I’ll have my say and be done with it: Are there those who worship the flag-yes and it should be called out if it is extreme. As nice as I can say it- give me a break if we actuallly think to have a ‘patriotic moment’ (moment is a moment, not a focus or a main thing and there is a huge difference) in our worship service will offend or turn off many people. The person who says that will be offended by something else too. I’m doing a 10 minute patriotic music set Sunday, then leading into ‘We Believe’, ‘Break our Hearts’ and Matt maher’s ‘Abide with me’. If anyone comes to me offended after the service, I will be stunned. If I am stunned, please say a prayer for me and that person :). If you are in a military town- do some patriotic this week. If you are in an ‘Americana’ location, give a tip the freedom of being an American. Can’t we just use a little common sense?
Ironically, I was in a group discussion on a worship pastors Facebook page on idols in worship as I was watching the SBC meeting online. I mentioned that in the first hour of the convention there was a presentation of colors, the national anthem, pledge and ‘God Bless America’ (10 minutes). The backlash I received was appalling and insulting. One comment I received – “so you’re saying- ‘God, we love you above all else, but please excuse us for 10 minutes while we pledge our allegiance to a piece of cloth representing a country that was started with a rebellion’.” How foolish that person was! That is spiritual arrogance at the highest level. I gently reminded the person (while biting my tongue) that his statement means he can never, ever say one sentence in recognition or honor toward anyone or any reason in a worship setting or he is a hypocrite. I’m sorry, I just call that arrogance and folishness. Again, let’s just be smart, wise and discerning. Having a patriotic moment in worship once a year is not gonna turn away the people God wants us to reach. It’s just not.
Dean,
I feel ya bro! I do not think you are “sinning” or wrong headed on this issue of patriotic services (although I am confused as yo why you seemed to poo poo the Apostles Creed…but that is another discussion). I am just coming to the point where I disagree. I used to not…I used to defend these types of services when I was an associate pastor and we had them…but for the last several years….I have been moving away from the idea you posited above.
I find myself not yet dogmatic on the issue (but you know me – once I make up my mind….LOL) I am however, leaning toward not engaging in “America services” . Here are some thoughts that have impacted my thinking on this issue – this is not exhaustive – but at least somewhat reflective of my thought process.
1. Corporate worship services are for preaching the word, singing songs of Praise and praying, confessing, and worshiping together. the gospel is to be front and center and the message of the gospel is to be proclaimed without distraction….patriotism in a worship service can be distracting to that cause.
2. Patriotism is fine….in its place….I think largely observing it outside the church service. There are lots of acceptable and even profitable activity that we do – that could be inappropriate in the church during worship service. Sports fanaticism is fine – but shouldn’t we guard our worship services against being celebrations of sporting events? (especially the Alabama Tide and Pittsburgh Steelers – but I digress)
3. There has been talk here on this comment stream regarding worshiping in other countries on days set aside for nationalism….let me ask this…what bout North Korea (where nationalism – worship of their supreme leader….is it wise to mix nationalism and Christian worship in those contexts?
4. If a person who loves Christ is visiting our church and is from another country – shouldn’t they be able to attend a church and worship Christ rather than be subjected to “America is the best, and God loves us most” service? (that is tongue in cheek – but you get the point)
5. This is more practical. Largely I do not do special services on holidays except Christmas and Easter – If I as the pastor were to craft my sermon – and our music – decoration and yeah even the entire service – around every national or Hallmark holiday there would not be sufficient weeks remaining to preach through a book preach a series on a biblical doctrine as I would be celebrating and commemorating 313 “special event days” a year. (hyperbole – but again you should get the point)….I did not even mention the “SBC calendar Sundays”!
Coming from a military aspect, as I was, we owe respect to that country that we are in. Being stationed in Japan, we, US military saluted Japanese Officers. That is protocol. No matter what nation, if they are in uniform, we respect their culture and salute foreign officers.
In the morning when Colors was presented at the military base, BOTH the Japanese, and the America national anthems were heard over the loud speakers.
Same was when I was in Sigonella Italy. Both the Italian and the American anthems were played over the loud speakers.
It’s all a sign of respect, and it is protocol.
I’m not understanding why, as Christians, we are to be told not to respect other cultures when we are there. At least, that is the impression that I am getting.
Ed Chapman
That didn’t happen during a church service, though. Military Protocol =/= Worship Service.
Have you been to a church service on Base before? American Flag, Navy Flag in the church. And yes, we would still salute all officers when in uniform, regardless of what the location was. Except, I think, the restroom
Ed Chapman
Again I’m not speaking of saluting and appropriate respect and protocol. No problem. What I’m strictly speaking of is the songs we sing, and the observances we make, and the overall emphasis of the service. It’s one of those things where you say, “what’s too much?” The answer is, “I don’t know, but I know it when I see it.” You yourself will know it when you see it. Or should, and that’s what this discussion is for.
I can’t imagine someone asking how much is too much on the 4th of July.
Isn’t there some point at which the veneration of America takes away our focus on the worship of Christ? Becomes idolatrous?
Dave,
I don’t believe so. As I mentioned earlier in my beliefs regarding the Declaration of Independence, God is a focal point outside of the other grievances that it outlines. They left the Church of England in order to worship God based on individual conscience, and not that of another conscience or state government.
God was always a focal point in our founders mind, especially when it came to morality, that you cannot separate religion from it.
To them, it was all one in the same. Our founder’s had God in mind.
Secularists are the ones who separate those two issues, and they do ignore the declaration of independence from the celebration, stating that the declaration is not official law or a legal document. Others disagree, stating it is equated to the Magna Carta, which is indeed a legal document.
I think it’s a shame (not used as a means to be condescending), that people wish to separate God from the 4th, for God is the reason for the 4th celebrations.
Ed Chapman
If you are talking about the celebration of the holiday, fine. If you are talking about taking worship time to celebrate America instead of the Cross, that becomes more problematic. I don’t think they have to be 100% exclusive, but a service that is all about America may be pushing the limits.
Aren’t the patriotic hymns mostly songs of thanksgiving to God and asking God to bless (shed his grace) our nation?
Amen, Todd
Believe it or not, there are many Christians in our Armed Forces. Five minutes before Taps, the chaplain would say a prayer over the 1MC (Our loud speaker) on the ship. Not just on Sunday, but nightly.
My pastor removed the American flag from the sanctuary and lost members over it.
And my experience in a few different churches and some conversations with members of other churches has led me to conclude that there are a lot of Christians who conflate the country with the kingdom and conflate whatever America does as godly, and that the Armed forces are always doing godly work and that our soldiers, God bless them all, are all saved and heroes of the faith.
Now that is an over generalization for sure, but the I do believe there is a core of truth there.
The church soooo easily can be swept up into the culture that it can lose its distinctiveness and thus compromise the Gospel message. Is it wrong to be thankful for the blessings we have received? Of course not. But the “rights” we have from America our not rights from God. AS Christians we do not have the right to Life, Liberty , and to the Pursuit of Happiness.
Listen to the opening of the Declaration:
“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Note that it speaks of “the powers of the earth,” and “a decent respect to the opinions of man”.
But also note the last line: “requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Now brother, we are to be in the world but not of it. In this country but not of it. We need to recognize that the Law we live under is above and beyond the Law of the Land. We are to be counter cultural and as the country [as all worldly things do] deteriorates, for the grass withers and the flowers fade, our call to come out from among them will set us apart, brother against brother, father against son, daughter against mother, for the Kingdom of Christ brooks no rivals, and especially not one in our hearts.
And who has God set over His people to lead them and guide them in this endeavor? Is it not the shepherds He has placed in each of His congregations? So YES, be thankful unto God for the blessings he has lavished upon us here in this country, but are we not to give up our LIFE [daily], yea even our LIBERTY [to be His servants], and the Pursuit of HAPPINESS [willingly suffer for the name] and thus do we not live under a different code than the one this country was founded on?
And are we not princes and princesses in the everlasting Kingdom of God?
Thus patriotic holidays should be marked out by our people, not to celebrate our mortal lives in what could be, by earthly standards, the greatest most godly country ever, but because we have been translated into a far better Kingdom, an everlasting Kingdom, a truly godly Kingdom that transcends all the earthly realms and accomplishes and will accomplish so much more than the USA could even imagine?
Why did you only partially recite the Declaration of Independence? There is a spot that you missed that the 3 rights that you mention are rights that cannot be taken away by man.
Life is not man given right.
Liberty is not a man given right
And, the word that was debated originally was virtue, but finally decided upon was the pursuit of happiness.
Those rights cannot be taken away by man in this nation.
inalienable right
Defined:
rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws
Ed,
You asked why I said what I did. Fair question.
As a Christian, a servant of the King, you and I are to be willing to give up any earthly rights we might think we possess for the Kingdom.
Whoever seeks to save their life will lose it. Thus a man made document saying that our Creator has given us rights is just: man made.
As Christians we are to look beyond this world and the comforts therein to the world beyond. Thus we are to live under a greater standard than the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. And that is and when necessary give up those rights as we are called to do so by our Lord.
And Ed, as we look around the world, and down through history, we see that our brothers have given and even now are giving up those rights for the cross of Christ.
Well said, Mike. Hard to add anything to that. (but of course I will later *grin*)
This is the CODE for OFFICIAL American Flag use
“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. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.”
Let me be blunt here:
Only the Lord and His word should “hold the position of superior prominence” in a worship service!
See, this is exactly why we need to have this discussion.
Tarheel,
You had said:
“Only the Lord and His word should “hold the position of superior prominence” in a worship service!”
My response:
The Flag Code is:
Title 4, United States Code
It is federal law
Ed,
Don’t you see that the Kingdom of the USA is in direct conflict with the Kingdom of God?
I don’t care one snit what federal flag code is when it comes to the church.
I am talking about John 1, Ephesians chapters 1,4,5 & Colossians 1 all of which identify Christ as the preeminent one and the head of the sole church.
I stand by my statement. Unequivocally.
For clarity I’ll state again what I said earlier:
” Only the Lord and His word should “hold the position of superior prominence” in a worship service!”
*sole head of the church
Ed,
Let me be blunt here. No flag will ever take a prominent position in any church I pastor.
Are you implying that the federal government is telling us to worship the flag?
Tarheel,
AMEN!
Our American flag and Christian flag are both on the right side of the speaker. I can’t offhand think of which one has superior prominence. I’m not convinced the “Christian flag” is even a big thing, but if you’re going to have both in church, it seems only proper that the Christian flag takes prominence.
I’m glad that you mentioned that, because in the federal law, there is mention of the Church flag that is hoisted up while at sea, as well.
We have many many flags of all sorts to let other ships know what we are doing without needing to email them, or calling them on the phone.
Church flag is one of them.
“It has become fashionable to ridicule Independence Day celebrations that take place in churches.”
I don’t want to dwell on this, because I doubt you meant it the way I am hearing it, and I also don’t want to make a big deal about it, but most of these guys (like myself) won’t have Independence services NOT because it is “fashionable” or “cool”, but out of conviction.
Tyler, not having a patriotic service is not equal with ridiculing Independence Day celebrations.
It is fashionable to ridicule pastors and churches today who have such celebrations.
“Ridicule” sure, but it is absolutely legitimate to question the legitimacy of it if it and whether or not it is best for the church.
Again, I don’t think your equating criticism with ridicule, but guys (like myself) have strong convictions about this. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Who has ridiculed you here, Dean?
Several have made comments conveying that while we disagree we don’t think you an apostate or a sinner….
So I’m at a loss to see this alleged “fashionable ridicule” directed toward you.
Heel, Tyler was speaking to my opening statements in the post where I said it has become fashionable to ridicule patriotic services.
He answered that not having a patriotic service to some is not fashionable but is a conviction.
I pointed out correctly that not having a patriotic service is not equal to ridiculing those who do. My point to him is that him not having a service is not what I meant was fashionable. With a simple search you can find dozens of current articles around the Christian blog world ridiculing patriotic services.
No one had ridiculed me here and he discussion has been a joy.
Is this issue black and white? Is it not a classic, “meat sacrificed to idols” issue?
Certainly, there are lines that should not be crossed, and they will be crossed in some churches this Sunday. But isn’t okay for one church to have the flag and another not to? Isn’t it okay for one church to sing a few patriotic songs, as long as it is clear that the Kingdom is the Lord’s and that the gospel is for the world and God loves all, not just Americans, and another church to ignore the holiday altogether?
I think as you said Dave, it’s a “meat sacrificed to idols” issue. Therefore if patriotic services get in the way of another person worshiping the Lord, wouldn’t it behoove us to avoid it?
Jim, I have never, ever had a person in my congregation get upset about patriotic services. I’ve seen them enraged because the holiness of patriotism was questioned.
Now, granted, here in Iowa, our congregation is not exactly international. Context.
Dave Miller,
I have pastored in GA, VA, and NC and the enragement comes here too, when “Merca is not “properly” acknowledged.
*Inquiring minds want to know is it now proper protocol to identify you as “Former President Miller”?
Me thinks Mr. Miller has got it. I think it certainly is a “meat sacrificed to idols” kind of thing….we ought to be careful force our free conscience opinion and conviction upon one another to harshly.
As I said while I am leaning towards it – I am one who doesn’t yet completely ignore it in worship service – yet we don’t heavily celebrate it in worship service either.
We have a special bulletin that makes reference to independence day….I might or might not mention it at the beginning of service by encouraging our people to express thankfulness to God that we live a land that is free, etc…but after that is not mentioned again. No patriotic songs, no pledges.
I do not fault my brothers who choose to do more in their services – but if Jesus and the gospel becomes periphery for the sake the flag and ‘Merca – I might have something to say – to respectfully encourage you, of course.
I also have no issue with patriotic events held on the grounds or in the facilities – so long as it is not confused for a worship service.
Dave, I agree with your thoughts here, it is a meat sacrificed to idols issue. We have members from all over the globe – Korea, Philippines, Nigeria, Central America, East Germany to name places I am certain. All of the people that I have personally interacted with all embrace this celebration and are looking forward to it. If it were a stumbling block we would not have the celebration or tone it down.
I can certainly see the argument that it’s a meat sacrificed to idols issue. The question then is whether those offended by us not having it or those offended by us having it are the weaker brother. The point of my question is not to call one side or the other weaker but rather to determine what to do when one side will be offended whatever you decide.
Adam,
Personally, I agree with you and all who espouse the point of meat offered to idols.
However, I think a bit of education to the flock might be in need that God is in the Declaration of Independence, and stop taking the secular stance that the word God in that document is a generic little g God equating it to Zeus or an Egyptian god.
How many differing religions were there here in America in 1776? Where did they come from? There were many many many differing Christian denominations. How many Buddhists were here? Muslims? Shintoists? and the list goes on.
Ed Chapman
Adam, we have one patriotic service a year. In 27 years of doing such services not once has a member shared the services were a stumbling block to them.
I am right now telling you that they are a stumbling block to me. Were I a member of your church, I would not attend on Sunday. The question remains, what should we do when someone will be offended either way?
Adam, you’ve never been to one of our services. How can you say it is a stumbling block?
However, to answer your question if you came to me and said I won’t come Sunday because you are having a patriotic service I would reply in a loving way, “I hope to see you Wednesday.”
Adam,
In the context of the meats offered to idols passage the weaker brother is the one who is offended (caused to stumble) when another brother partakes in meats offered to idols. So the answer to your question, if we follow the analogy consistently, is it would seem to me the person who is offended by the patriotic services is the weaker brother. You admitted in your response to Dean that you would be caused to stumble by a patriotic service, in the 1 Corinthians passage the one who is caused to stumble is the weaker brother. Of course, I don’t believe that you would be caused to stumble in the way that is meant in the 1 Corinthians passage.
I’m not saying that I personally engage in patriotic services, because I don’t. In fact, I think that most of these “special days” are a distraction. And although I was guilty of it in my younger years, I think that reciting the pledge of allegiance to the US flag in a worship service is beyond inappropriate. Our allegiance to the everlasting kingdom is of considerably more importance.
Amen, John!
I agree with you – it’s a distraction at minimum and idolatry at worst.
That’s why I’m moving toward what you just articulated – not having any patriotic celebrations/recitation whatsoever in worship services.
Thank Tarheel,
About 15 or so years ago I was preaching revival in Midwest City, OK. I guess the Sunday of the meeting was either on or near Veteran’s Day. At the end of the service, the pastor and I were standing in the back shaking hands and kissing babies when a visibly irritated man approached us and said, “Not one word was said about our veterans today!” As far as I know the man left and never came back. It’s not the church’s job to honor veterans, it is the church’s job to honor Christ.
Interesting article, Dean. Thanks. You wrote that you were a dinosaur and that “One of the attitudes that make me feel outmoded will be on display this week.” From your youthful looking picture I’ve always figured I’m more of a dinosaur than you! I don’t recall ever attending a church-sponsored 4th of July celebration. Perhaps our own circumstances in my county regulated that. When I was growing up we had one of the oldest communities and cemeteries in the county that had a 4th of July celebration. There were two Baptist churches in that community (splits, of course!) and there were singings held in both of them, cemetery decoration day, dinner on the grounds, etc. Back then it drew a huge crowd. It was both religious and patriotic (for most folks at least). This probably substituted for other possible 4th of July church events and may be why it was not part of my tradition and why I never think of such as traditional. I enjoyed reading your account, though.
Unfortunately, in too many churches, the reigning king for the Sunday morning service is King Clock. As such, it can be very hard to celebrate America and the grace of God on us, have time to make the turn to focusing on our need for Jesus and growing in Christ, and still get out in time to beat the Methodists to the Cracker Barrel.
Or, perhaps, looked at this way: every week there are more things to try and connect the family of God with each other and with the Lord Jesus than we have time for. We could sing one more. The sermon could have used one more point. One more testimony could have been shared. One more Scripture reading.
If we cut 20 minutes of the 60 minutes from the week-in, week-out, to sing songs about (not-Jesus) and talk about (not-Jesus), then are we doing the right thing?
Now, fill in (not-Jesus) with whatever earthly construct you would like. A country. A person.
There’s a way we can make an effort to give thanks to God for our blessings and the grace He has shed on the United States. And we ought to do so—but we should also be cautious to not go overboard. Not because it confuses outsiders, who are probably better able to discern what we’re up to than we give them credit for anyway, but because the assembled body of believers has a purpose and we ought to be focused on that.
We tend to use the time in our service that is our designated prayer time to take note of events like Memorial Day–that becomes the shared prayer request, that we lift up the families left behind on our behalf, that we give thanks to God for the freedoms so dearly paid for, and that the Prince of Peace would come so that no more have to die–and we pray.
It’s never enough for some, and it’s too much for others, but that’s settling down–the best thing we can do is pray, the best thing for America is that we would turn our hearts to God–so it seems to fit much better with our overall purpose for existence as a church.
There is always the Sam the Eagle option : “A Salute to All Nations (but mostly America) ”
???
Muppets reference FTW!
Chris Wofford
“My largest concern is people equating love for/pride in America with love for God. I think some people think those are the same things or that one flows from the other.”
This is a potential confusion not worth entertaining, in my opinion.
Tarheel
“I used to defend these types of services when I was an associate pastor and we had them…but for the last several years….I have been moving away from the idea you posited above.”
Yes exactly. As I have become older I have seen more and more the abuses from our government. They no longer protect our liberty but daily seek to subvert it in their quest for more power and control.
Wow, I am really confused and dumbfounded by the nature of this blog. I would assume Pastor Dean knew he was going to get a lot of feedback on this topic. While confused I am not surprised at the majority of opinions who have such a low opinion of SBC members that they believe they cannot define the difference between their faith and their patriotism. I am not a youngster , in my whole life never have I witnessed any confusion from the average SBC church goer about the their worship and faith in God and their thanks and asking God’s blessing on their nation. Did you guys really think that most SBC members put America above their God? Are you really worried that someone from another country (what country?) would be offended if a church thanked God and acknowledged the Christian foundation and the blessings God has bestowed upon faithful Christians who followed God and produced this wonderful nation. Do many of you have so little faith in the discernment of the “commoners” in the pew that they would believe the Pledge of Allegiance would be greater or even with their faith in God? Have we gone nuts? Are we going down the path of not pledging our support and appreciation of our nation like some cults. This further shows the division that is sharpening in the SBC. Will the SBC become like the liberal mainstream churches that are nothing more than social justice and politically correct reflections of current political and social viewpoints. Wait till some of the liberals understand God Bless America is a prayer and they will quit saying it at public events. Want to see a mass exodus of SBC members , take the American flag out of the church and tell them why.
John Barry,
My sentiments exactly.
Has anyone ever seen the video with Red Skelton in regards to the Pledge of Allegiance?
Not sure if I can post the youtube link here, but search Red Skelton and Pledge of Allegiance. It is soooooo much needed here.
Does anyone even know who he is?
Ed Chapman
Oh I see. Red Skelton > Biblical reasoning. That will surely fix all of our issues here.
John. My point is sadly being made by Ed in this thread.
He is confused by this issue and so are countless others
Jim, my post has nothing to do with the 2016 election. Please keep such comments to yourself.
Dean, I wasn’t responding to you. I was responding to John Barry and making a contextual observation. I will make such comments as I see relevant.
Jim Perry, You injected the 2016 election into the discussion of the subject. Are you saying the majority of worshipers that go to a church who has a “large” fourth of July ceremony go there for the patriotic message? You do not think they go there to be in the House of the Lord and worship? I will not get into the politics of the election of Trump to stay on topic. I can go to a meeting about helping abused children at the Boys Club, say the Pledge, sing God Bless America and not get confused about the purpose of why I am at the Boys Club. I can go to Sunday Worship sing a few patriotic hymns, hear a heartfelt God Bless America message and be thankful to God for all the blessings in life. I do not get confused about my salvation , why I am there or feel that my brothers and sisters think God is from Merca as some one else snidely mentioned. This kind of stereotyping and generalization of SBC members has really come on strong the past few years. If the present or future leaders of the SBC feel this way about the hearts and mindset of the SBC general membership they should be clear about it and put their cards on the table. It is really a sub context of the low esteem the average SBC member is held in by many in the leadership positions and some of our future leaders. Many SBC members think God loves football, has blue eyes, loves Chevys , looks like Jeffery Hunter and only blesses American because we are Americans. They do not see the danger of singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, America or God Bless America. America has a special convent with God because America has done well so that proves it. Is that the thought process or am I misstating something.
Jim, as the author I have the responsibility to keep this comment stream on point. We are talking about patriotic services not the 2016 election.
John
What do you think of Eds responses? He is obviously majorly confused on this topic. There are many others as well
You have not dealt with what he has said IMO
My first comment above was an attempt at humor. This one is more serious.
It seems like even though on the surface Calvinism / Traditionalism would have nothing whatsoever to do with this topic, my perception is that Calvinists seem to be the ones inclined to oppose patriotic services while Trads lean more to supporting them. I am not judging one side or the other to be more Godly, Theological or whatever, I am just stating a perception. If this is accurate, why would that be so? Curious as to the thoughts of others on this.
Why would you go there? It seems to me that any minister of the gospel should be concerned about the worship of God?
Have you ever really studied the idea of worship and what it means biblically? What about Nadab and Abihu? The touching of the ark as it was transported from the Philistines? These are prime examples of exactly how God is concerned with “how” he is worshipped. Again, worship should me that we meet together to ascribe honor and glory to God-right? Why would any true minister of the Gospel want to trivialize the worship of God and substitute it with patriotism? Isnt it difficult enough for pastors to emphasize the importance and imperative of Gospel worship?
Shouldnt worship focus solely and specifically upon God?
Pastors often chastize the flock over their lack of worship attendance and then subvert worship w the affairs of man. Really?
This is certainly NOT a cal/noncal disagreement. More like Regulative Principle vs Normative Principle of Worship issue.
I have friends of all stripes on both sides of this issue. My posts are meant to get churches to think about what they are doing and calling it worship some of which is not worship.
I don’t disagree.
“Have you ever really studied the idea of worship……”
Glenn,
There was absolutely no need to be condescending and insulting in your response. You can disagree with my observation without personal attack.
I was about to make the same observation. I also suspect it is highly generational.
Maybe we need to put out a sign this week saying… If you want to show your love for your country and enjoy some patriotic music, go somewhere else… we have no interest in that being a part of our church testimony.
Add to it…
Now if we come knocking at your door and inviting you to church or wanting to share the gospel with you… make sure you stop and listen. We want all to know we mean business… Jesus business only. No time for small talk or anything other than Jesus talk… unless you join our blog and we will discuss Baptist stuff because we don’t worship when blogging. So if you want to hang out with other believers and not worship, come on over to SBCvoices. We save our worship to Sunday. Keeping the Sabbath holy… you know.
From one part time worshipper to another.
Les – this wasn’t directed to you. It was meant to be ridiculous because this whole thread has become ridiculous… to me.
Can’t wait to see next years resolutions, especially the one on idolatry and patriotism the same thing if done on Sunday.
So glad we worship on Fridays. I’m such a heathen. Lord forgive me for being a Friday church goer. Is there any hope for me? Also glad Ramadan and EID has ended.
Scott, it does go back to roots and what you believe as foundational. Our Puritan founders in New England were stern and severe on their Sunday church services. No choirs, no polyphonic hymns, no art, no creature comforts. Church attendance was mandated and no distractions allowed. The sermon was the only reason to be there and the sermon was usually written and read exactly. There was no celebration of Easter or Christmas as the thought was Sunday church was sufficient for all. The intellectual pursuit was a prime consideration and no distractions allowed. The Puritan church model scaled down to the nuclear family with the father (minister) as the leader and the duties were clear. This is one of the foundational strengths of our nation and endured even into the secular world. So it goes back to church is for worship with no frills. Think that ship has passed. Give SBC members credit enough that they can distinguish between being thankful to God for their nation but knowing Jesus died for personal not national salvation. Again we are a nation of Christians not a forced Christian nation. We can see the sad results as the church loses its influence in society. If the Battle Hymn of the Republic is not sung on occasion in church , where would it be sung? and when? or is it just not needed anymore.
Great point about Cals and non-Cals. Dave may have hinted at that in his Moore/Graham comment as well.
I am curious though…do guys like Moore still salute the flag, recite the pledge, and stand at attention with hand over the heart during the national anthem? Did anyone notice Moore or anyone else prominent not participating in this at the annual convention?
I have a friend who grew up traditional SBC but then “converted” to 5-point Calvinism (as well as a post-millennialist eschatology) a few years ago. He says he now no longer does any of the patriotic things I just mentioned above. It’s not due to any sort of protest, but rather a somewhat extremist view of “the kingdoms” and what deserves our allegiance.
Dan:
This is an interesting thing about more modern Calvinists.
In the past, Calvinists were post millennial. They believed in “reforming”, and the state was a big project of reformation. Calvin and all of the reformers, for the most part, believed in a state church.
The Calvinists in the SBC today do not go in for that at all. That is why they are not truly Reformed. They believe in Reformed soteriology, but not much of the Reformed project.
That’s why when you read traditionally and thoroughly Reformed people, they are somewhat critical of Dr. Moore’s approach. It’s because they cannot see a consistent Reformed philosophy.
They see the SBC going hard after issues like Abortion, Racism etc., speaking to the State, and saying “this is the way of God.” That is consistent with the Reformed mind.
But on other issues, they see the SBC withdrawing. The SBC may maintain a conviction about marriage (one man, one woman), or homosexuality, but when it comes to the public square, they see the SBC retreating on these issues. And they ask, “If our calling as Christians is to see God’s Kingdom expand, and for that reason we call out on abortion, racism, immigration, why should we not also call out on these other issues?” They ask if it’s a matter of tactics, then perhaps it’s understandable. We just can win on sexuality any more, so we will be prophetic in people’s personal lives, but not calling the nation to have just laws in this area. But it seems to be a matter of theology. That is, some issues seem to require our calling to speak power to the State – abortion, racism, immigration, but other issues are part of the 2 kingdom approach, so we kind of punt.
I am not critical on these issues because I see the tactical difficulties.
But truly and totally Reformed Christians are asking the SBC if it is Reformed or not.
And in many current cultural debates, the SBC Traditionalists seem more Reformed than the SBC Calvinists.
Again, I am not critical here. I am simply repeating what I have picked up in the Christian subculture over the last couple of years.
I would enjoy hearing from any young Calvinist Reformers on this question.
Louis,
If I may state a few things and then inquire further of you. The SBC is not Reformed. The SBC is not governed by a denominational body that decides on the theology espoused by the member churches. In order to participate voluntarily in the SBC, a certain level of doctrinal agreement is necessary, but this leaves a great deal of flexibility to the individual churches. Thus, the SBC can have a wide range of sotierological range and still participate together because we do not require adherence to Calvinism or Arminianism or Traditionalism, just not heresy(ism).
Baptists by definition are against state churches. We do not believe that the government has any right to dictate religion to people but should uphold the freedom of religious liberty. That is the extent of the Baptist involvement in government’s reach into religion (theoretically).
I am curious as to what you mean by, “But on other issues, they see the SBC withdrawing.” Who specifically is they? How do they perceive the SBC to be withdrawing? Why do you think that Traditionalists are more Reformed in this context than Calvinists?
I believe that you can also understand the decline in post-millenialism to the aftermath of the ravages of war within the US, like the Civil War which followed the Great Awakening as well as the continuing spiral of darkness that seems prevalent within the world following such worldwide horrors as WW1 and WW2. Curious to hear your thoughts.
Grace and peace,
Chad Dougless
We set aside a few minutes at the beginning of church as community time. During this time we recognize birthdays, anniversaries and achievements of members of our congregation (winning a sports trophy, academic achievement, retirement, etc.) We do not do this as a form of worship (in other words we do not worship the people being recognized) but as a time of community building and encouraging one another. During this time on Sunday we will sing one patriotic song and I will say a prayer of thanks for the freedoms we have while asking God to give us the strength to stay true to His Gospel even when our country goes against it. That will be the extent of our fourth of July recognition. Then we will continue with our worship time as usual.
For the record, I served in the Marine Corps and pastor a church with veterans from all branches of service as well as those who have never served and people from across the political spectrum. So far no one has ever approached me complaining that this observance was too much or not enough. It is not the focus of our service but a moment observed.
Johnathon, well and simply said. This would be the “norm” in many a small or medium size church. This is a non issue unless it is another chipping away of the traditional and common sense understanding that most SBC members have. Do you know any Christian Marines who thought their love and loyalty to the USA and the beloved Corp even came close to their belief and loyalty to our Savior? God Bless Chesty Puller, without men like him I would have to sneak out to worship our Savior. Spending a few minutes to honor and be thankful for our Christian foundation great nation is not going to get believers believing God is an American, NASCAR fan who celebrates the Fourth of July. American is not a governmental Christian nation, it was and is (at present) a nation of Christians who know from “Whom All Blessings Flow” and I do not think they mean Washington D.C.
That seems like a reasonable practice to me, as one who wishes churches would be careful in this area.
http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-patriotism-have-a-place-in-church?
David, thank you for posting this article. It is very helpful and offers great guidelines for patriotic recognitions.
Thanks for the informative link, it highlights the divide here and that is going to be more pronounced in the SBC. In all my travels and different home churches I have never observed a Sunday Morning Church service recite the Pledge of Allegiance . Not saying it does not happen but certainly a rare not common event. So most SBC churches are at their core very patriotic and supportive of American values. Once again I think this has always been held in proper perspective and in no way is our great nation worshiped but being appreciated and treated as a blessing from God. Someone earlier queried if this is a Calvinist vs Traditionalist and I am beginning to think it is. This is a foundational issue of showing respect, love and gratitude to God for this great nation of Christians and most SBC members are in no way confused on why they are in church on any Sunday, to worship and praise our God. They do not come for the praise music, special effects, gospel music, stage plays, special effects and social interchanges thou these events may happen they are there to worship . If I go to any church on July 4 and they spend time with a grateful patriotic message that would not lead me to believe they put patriotism before God. America needs the influence and direction of the church not a retreat from society that we are removed from.
John,
If a church doesn’t celebrate Independence Day, it isn’t necessarily repealing from culture. Many churches that don’t celebrate this holiday put limited focus on others as well. It usually boils down to an issue of regulative principle views and application.
You are right that Calvinists generally have a more strict view of the regulative principle.
Part 2:
http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-would-you-lead-an-overly-patriotic-church?
I do not think that many of the non Calvinist people commenting on this topic are surprised at John Piper’s views on this subject. Again this is the split that is developing in the SBC with the average SBC member being completely unaware of what is happening with Calvinist views taking over the SBC leadership and filling up the bench. 90 percent of SBC churches are going to have an observance or message on the fourth of July and not dwell on it other than they are blessed to be born in the USA. We have indeed made a mountain out of a molehill of an issue.
One question of which i would certainly hope we all know the answer:
What is the purpose, function or mission of the church? That alone should determine our worship and every area of ministry. What our people want or enjoy should not be the question. What offends them (or visitors) should not be the question. But, what has God through His Word said? What did He tell the church to do and be? I haven’t seen anything about secular patriotism. Doesn’t make patriotism sin, even though the day may very well be coming when it is exactly that. Patriotism can have a role in our lives just like ball or golf for some. But don’t play in the church.
Les,
I agree with your analysis, and it points out that this isn’t about patriotism, but how hard a church holds to the regulative principle.
There is a point I think some are missing:
It’s been said that no one complains that a patriotic service is a stumbling block… Right, Ed wouldn’t, would he?
The point is that there are many, even as Ed said, that would walk away from our churches of we failed to do patriotic services and took down the USA flag. Would these complain that such services are a stumbling block to them? Of course not.
But yet they would leave the congregation if such services weren’t performed. If that is true, then such services are a stumbling block to them they are just unaware of it.
This issue has been around for centuries. Read what Augustine said about Rome.
It’s also exacerbated in the US context because out of nation’s unique founding – Pilgrims, Colonies, Founding Fathers etc. The idea that God (and the explicit Christian vision of God) was behind our founding is central to the US project. I know there were lots of Deists among the Founding Fathers, but even their Deism, in a moral sense, looked like Christianity.
Also, when we engage in Civic life, we argue for the application of true and just laws – based on the Bible. Take abortion or pedophilia, or marriage. We Christians tell the state and our fellow citizens who have different thoughts on these issues that the Christian vision of these things is what should be the law.
We are not worshipping the state in these instances, but the interaction of the City of God and the City of Man is still there.
We also take our cues from the culture around us. We are much less patriotic as a people today than 50 years ago.
Also, I will add that those churches that have a more patriotic flavor are often the quickest and most vocal to voice dissent.
Who would be the loudest dissenter today, Jerry Falwell or Tim Keller?
Scott H. It was a simple question. Have you ever studied the idea of Biblical worship. Nothing underhanded meant. It was a simple question. I know that I had not until several yrs into the ministry
Thanks
Glenn,
My offense at your comment came because I asked a simple question and you corresponded with a question I found belittling as it seemed to question my Biblical literacy unnecessarily. Your question had nothing to do with my question about Calvinists and Traditionalists today. You may not have intended offense but that is how I perceived your tone. For the record I have studied and preached on worship. Having said that, that revelation doesn’t answer why Calvinists today seem to be most of those opposed to Patriotic services and vice versa on Traditionalists.
Dean,
I really like the idea of memorabilia tables. I think our church may do that for a future service, maybe around Veteran’s Day. Set up a table for each of the Armed Services and ask church members to bring in their or a loved one’s items to place on the table corresponding to that branch, such as dog tags, uniform items, flags, etc. Is that how you are doing it?
Jeff, we are asking people to bring their own card table but we will provide about 150 ft of tables for those who don’t. We do not break it up according to branch. We just give each person about 3 ft. They fill the area with dog tags, flags, award ribbons, uniforms, pictures, etc…
Dean,
I wanted to say thank you for writing this post. I fully support you, David, and others who have these kind of services.
It’s not what we do at our church, but I believe the SBC is big enough to have all kinds of churches in it, and from reading what you have written over the years, I am sure you and your church are not idolatrous in the sense that you would put the USA over your love for God.
I hope that the SBC does not become the kind of place where churches that do what you do are mocked or belittled, or worse, marginalized. If the SBC becomes that kind of place, we will be more judgmental an Pharisaical than we already are.
Dean
Thank you for the excellent, encouraging post! It is good to know that there are still some Christian people in America who have common sense.
Woody
I don’t think it is too difficult to thank God for, and pray for, our country, while still worshiping God. Baptists have been doing so for a long time.
Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. -Matthew 22:21
Some of my previous thoughts on this subject:
http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/04/patriotism-and-christian-worship.html
David R. Brumbelow
American “God & country” Evangelicals see the world through a strange fog when it comes to their country. When God tells us that we are in the world but not of the world, and that He has called us out of the world, and that we are not to love the world or the things of the world, where does the USA fit into that? Is it the world or is it part of the Church, or is it some blurry-lined conflation of the two? If it’s the world, then it’s against the Church and it will hate us as it hated Jesus. But we seem to have tried to coopt the world as far as this country is concerned, making it something similar to occupied enemy territory—a part of the world that we’ve laid claim to and will try to defend as ours.
This doesn’t just show up on patriotic holidays, but throughout the year as sermons are eisegetically preached on “If my people which are called by my name…” as if America were as much a covenant nation as Israel, and all the covenant promises to Israel apply to the New Israel (America). And this theological error goes all the way back to the Pilgrims. But regardless of well-intended Christians at our founding, we never were a covenant nation–God has only ever had one of those and He wants no more.
We are salt and light, and America has been blessed because of the existence and influence of a large number of Christians within its borders; but that’s all we are. There are no “Christian nations” and God is not an American.
Excellent Ken
Amen!
Exactly Ken.
It’s not whether you the pastor or a few of the members get the difference between the USA and Israel or the New Israel, is about those in the congregation that don’t get it.
In my town there is a Christian radio station that plays much of American Family Radio productions where church and state are often conflated. Where the idea is that the USA is a Christian nation. And all the baggage that goes with that.
So maybe y’all see the difference but there are a whole lot of conservative type Christians that don’t.
And these are the weaker brothers we need to help. And we aren’t helping them if we, in a sense, worship the USA, even occasionally, in the church service where E should be worshipping God alone
Ken, your comment is exactly the type of comment I had in mind when I wrote the post. No one I know personally lives in a fog thinking America is the church or the covenant successor to Israel. America or any nation can be a friend of the redeemed or an enemy of the redeemed but not the redeemed. It is so ludicrous to think anyone believes God is an American that I have never thought to tell people He isn’t. Parsonmike responds in the most unbelievable way that some are worshipping America. Sunday for a good laugh I am going to tell my church family to make sure you don’t worship America or believe America is really the church then we will continue on with our service thanking God for the nation that the Bible clearly says He has provided us.
Dean,
I’m sorry you are taking that attitude.
Let’s consider that we are told by the Word to keep ourselves from idols. Now an idol can be what some consider a good thing: like family, like work, like sports, like nationalism or patriotism. These all can be idols.
So are you saying that in your congregation, including those not yet saved and also the saved, that no one struggles with idol worship of any kind?
Or are you saying that they do struggle with idols but you know that none of their idols is patriotism, nationalism, or America?
Parsons, I don’t have a bad attitude. I simply don’t believe what you claim. I can’t fathom someone sitting through any of our services and thinking it is about worshipping America. Parsons I find that thought amazing. Our service will glorify Jesus from beginning to end and in doing so we will thank God for America.
We are to keep ourselves from idols but it is clear John was speaking of established idols. Patriotism can be an idol. A preacher can be an idol. A singer can be an idol. A building can be an idol. You are cherry picking what you are comfortable telling others to avoid so they want create an idol.
Dean,
Anything said can be ripped apart, but that doesn’t make it untrue. I can imagine some saying, “When, Lord? Name one occasion when we saw you hungry and did not feed you or saw you naked and did not clothe you! Why, no one I know personally has ever even seen you hungry or naked—much less, didn’t help you. It’s just ludicrous to think that any of us would do that!”
You did not answer my question, which was, “When God tells us that we are in the world but not of the world, and that He has called us out of the world, and that we are not to love the world or the things of the world, where does the USA fit into that? Is it the world or is it part of the Church, or is it some blurry-lined conflation of the two?” You only replied, “No one I know personally lives in a fog thinking America is the church […]” Am I to assume, then, that everyone you know sees America as the world out of which we have been called, and with which we are to remain separate (“in the world but not of it”)? Is America part of the world that Jesus said would hate us because it hated Him? Or are you contending that Jesus was wrong, and that sometimes the world can be “a friend of the redeemed?”
I’ve considered this for a long time. I was raised in an Evangelical church, and am part of one still (in my 50’s). Regardless of your denials, nearly all of the many congregations I’ve been blessed to be a part of held America in high moral esteem as some sort of sanctified government and nation—a Christian nation in the highest sense–while simultaneously mourning its moral backslide away from God. Just this past Memorial Day, I sat through a sermon that reminded us that the Pilgrims made a covenant with God, and “on that godly foundation this Christian nation was established.” The Preacher went on to expound the text, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves…” You know the rest. It was preached that the moral woes of America are the fault of the American church, and that text is meant for us. Nevermind the fact that it was actually meant for the covenant nation of Israel. I can’t count how many such sermons I’ve heard. In OT Isreal, there was a real sense in which God’s people were the whole nation. Now, God’s people are the Church. But when we conflate the OT with the NT and thus, Israel with the USA, then whether we realize it or not, we’re conflating the Church with the nation.
I see nothing wrong with being thankful or patriotic. But why does it have to be in the local church? And why in a church service dedicated to the worship of God? Isn’t it interesting that when Joshua met the Captain of the Host in Joshua 5 and asked which side He was on, He said “neither.”
I did not accuse anyone of believing God is an American. I simply stated that He is not in order to order to get you to think about your own perspective. All of us look through lenses of one kind or another. The trick is to get us to consider the lenses we do have. Sometimes a statement that seems too extreme may be just what we need to reset our focus a little more accurately.
Have your patriotic service. I for one would not be there if I know that’s what it will be. And, no, I’m not Liberal at all, but the opposite. I spent 12 years in the Army, and love my country just as you do. But the Church and the world ought to remain separate—and that’s not a Liberal idea.
Ken, having read you through the years no one can accuse you of being liberal. My answer indicated America is not the church, it therefore is the world.
But let me ask you a couple questions , is the church the church only when it gathers for worship or are we the church as we go? Surely we are the church 24/7. You say America is the world and I agree, is it appropriate for you to love America, the world which hates he church?
Another question, just curious, would you allow the traditional pledges to be said during VBS worship rally?
I don’t ask these questions to declare you are inconsistent but to show my admiration for America is not different than yours.
Dean,
Undoubtedly, your love for America is no different than mine. I only mean to criticize the practice and not your intentions or heart.
Yes, we are the church as we go–24/7. And yes, we ought to love the world which hates the Church. No, if it was up to me, the pledge to the American flag would not be said in church.
And yes, you probably can find inconsistencies in me if you look hard enough.
A little background for those who don’t know me. I spent over a decade as a missionary to the Philippines. It never bothered me if a congregation had a flag of the Philippines in their sanctuary or said/did something to express patriotism, loyalty, or gratitude to their country. I was a guest in their country, after all.
Fast-forward to the present. I live in El Paso (TX), and most of the members of my current congregation have some kind of military connection (they are either in the military, retired from the military, or married to someone who is/was). Needless to say, that makes us a patriot bunch.
We recognize veterans on Veteran’s Day, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, and our choir will be doing a few patriot songs this Sunday. I don’t see this as alienating to those who were born elsewhere. We are a multiethnic church and I can think of two of the choir members (one being my wife) that are not yet US Citizens.
My preaching is usually not directly related to these celebrations–I just continue with whatever series I’m doing. I do tend to say things (in the public prayer time) to express gratitude for freedom of religion when we have these kind of services.
I can see where patriotic expressions could go overboard in a worship service, though I don’t pretend to know exactly where the line is and when it is crossed. But I don’t have an issue with showing some gratitude for the freedoms and blessings we enjoy in America, especially if it relates to a specific holiday.
Kevin,
I don’t think most of the people here have any issues with expressing gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed in this country. I would even venture to say that most do not have an issue per se with the American flag being on or near the stage. I think the concern is when the worship service becomes dominated by patriotic songs rather than worship songs. Further, should something like the Pledge of Allegiance be said within the context of a worship service? Those are the questions that I think people are struggling with.
We are called to pray for our leaders and I believe that should take place both publicly and privately and should be set as an example from the pulpit whether one agrees with the current political motivations of our leaders or not, perhaps especially if they do not. Recognizing those who have served in the military on those days is not an issue I would guess with anyone here either. I could be wrong though. I hope that helps to hopefully clarify a few things.
Grace and peace,
Chad Dougless
Kevin,
Good post. I think this subject matter needs to be more like you speak of than presenting one way is better than another. I once pastored in El Paso (Scotsdale Baptist). It was a great time in our lives. We also did it up big for patriotic days. From my experience,the day was a day we worshiped freely and thanked God for the men and women who serve(d) and for the God who allows us to live in such a great country. I think it would be easy to say, some might think we went overboard at times but at the end, I saw God honored… God promoted… the gospel shared… people encouraged… people thanked.. and a country once again prayed for more directly and intentionally.
Interestingly (the reason I posted in reply to you) was the El Paso connection but the largest number of people in my church are from the Philippines. I am pastoring in Dubai. With more than 38 nations represented weekly, we do not focus on July 4 as much as we focus on God’s blessing of giving us freedom. Most of our people have some sort of national independence day (even the UAE does). Some are from countries now in skirmishes hoping for independence.
Blessings brother and win El Paso for Christ.
Great to hear from you, Jon! I am familiar with that church you mentioned–I’ve met the current pastor.
Some of the younger OFW’s in your church may have met me if they went to school in Manila.
PS: email me (from my blog) when you have time and tell me about your church.
You have my e-mail. At the very least as one who names the name of Christ to be courteous and give a reason why not to allowing me to comment.
Jim, we’ve had extended discussions with you on your commenting. You’re on moderation for a reason. That means every comment someone has to manually approve, which is more work for us. I can speak for me personally, when I see a moderated comment, if I don’t feel like it adds to the discussion, I trash it. The burden is on you to contribute productively, not on us to defend why we do or don’t approve your comments.
For the record, Jim, arguing about how and why you were put on moderation doesn’t add productive discussion to the comment thread, so comments about that will not be posted. You had several moderators speak to you in another thread about your comments and tone before you were placed in moderation. Again and for the last time: comments that add productive input to a discussion will be approved, others will be trashed, at our varying discretion depending on who’s moderating at that moment.
Please join in by writing respectfully, clearly, and on-topic so we can all have a nice day together.
Interesting…Well, it seems to me that there is a lack of education on the part of the SBC in regards to our founding fathers intent on America, even in its declarations of national holidays.
If my people…heal their “of the world” land.
Ed, it’s the exact opposite, in fact. I came to reject the view that the founding fathers set out to create a Christian America precisely through education. David Barton, the foremost proponent of the Christianized founding viewpoint, has been thoroughly discredited by historians, even conservative Christian historians.
It’s not that we don’t know about it or are uneducated – it’s that we do know about it and reject that viewpoint.
If you would like to know more you can see, for example:
CHRISTIAN HISTORY: HOW DAVID BARTON IS DOING IT WRONG
https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/evangelical-history/2017/05/12/christian-history-why-david-barton-is-doing-it-wrong/
Were the Founding Fathers Christians?
http://www.nathanfinn.com/2011/05/10/was-america-founded-as-a-christian-nation/
I base my opinion on Founding Fathers quotes, including those of which I attempted to post, from George Washington, and John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, and there are tons more that I didn’t post that I can come up with.
Sorry that we disagree on this issue. Our constitution was made for a religious people, not a secular one…that is from a founding father.
Ed, if you would spend some time with the articles I posted, including following the linked material in them, you would see that very often those quotes are taken out of context or the authors that promote that kind of thing employ “quote-mining” which means they only point out statements that seem to align with their thinking while ignoring other statements that contradict their thesis.
It isn’t that we disagree, it’s that you are using poor historical sources and it’s led you to misunderstand the nature of the religious language the founding fathers used. Why not spend some time reading what I posted for you rather than dismissing it? You accused us of being uneducated, but you’re the one dismissing the work of credible historians who are trying to be fair with the data.
http://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/why-benjamin-franklin-hated-going-church
Benjamin Franklin
Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Unites States Constitution
“Here is my Creed.
I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.
“That the most acceptable service we render to him is in doing good to his other children. That the soul of man is immortal, and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental points in all sound religion, and I regard them as you do in whatever sect I meet with them.
“As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see;
“But I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequence, as probably it has, of making his doctrines more respected and more observed; especially as I do not perceive, that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of the world with any peculiar marks of his displeasure.”
–Benjamin Franklin wrote this in a letter to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University on March 9, 1790.
Thomas Jefferson
3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?
That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever…”
–Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.
“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”
Please explain your point in posting these. I said above that there are plenty of quotes that can be taken out of context or made to appear like they support the idea of a Christian founding, when they actually do no such thing.
Neither Franklin nor Jefferson were Christians, nor claimed to be. The final quote you give by Jefferson is the perfect example. He’s not claiming to be a Christian, he’s redefining it the same way modern day theological liberals do. i.e. It’s not important that he believe in Jesus as God’s Son and Savior, but rather a “real Christian” is a person who follows his ethical teachings – which as evangelicals we completely reject.
I guess that the quotes are in the eyes of the beholder, then.
From Ben Franklins own words, summarized, he was a Christian that doubted the deity of Jesus, because he didn’t trust the church of England, but did not think that God would punish those who doubted. He didn’t like going to church because the preacher was more concerned about making people better church GOERS than proper citizens. In Christ’s Law, we have Love God and Love people. But the preacher was only preaching the Love God part, and not the Love People part. And it turned Ben Franklin off.
But the rumor mill is going around, from your Christian historians that Franklin is a deist that rejects such and such. He didn’t reject those at all. He rejected that only half of the story was being presented at church.
I don’t see what you see, and you don’t see what I see. Your historians are not my historians.
Respectfully.
Ed Chapman
Franklin himself claimed to be a deist, rejected the divinity of Christ, and believed that God didn’t punish unbelievers. That’s not a Christian viewpoint — and if you think it is that probably explains the disconnect in our conversation more than any other single point. We started this conversation because of your accusation that people around here need to be “educated” on the founding fathers, now you’ve gone post-modern and we all have our own historians and there’s no hope of agreement. That won’t do. There’s truth. Not your historians vs. my historians.
You’re engaging in what’s called “confirmation bias” where you discount information that doesn’t align with your conclusion. It’s a temptation for everyone, but it’s pretty clear when “your historians” are discredited, having been shown to use fake quotes and quote mining, and you discount actual academic historians — who have written credible books and articles on the subject — as the “rumor mill”.
Quotes please.
Obviously, we see the word, “unbelievers” differently.
The word he used, “unbelievers” had to do with those who doubted the deity of Jesus, based on the teachings of the Church of England, which no one trusted.
But that word in no way is an indication of atheists, or deism as you claim it to be.
In a pamphlet for Europeans titled “Information to Those Who Would Remove to America,” 1754, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Atheism is unknown there; Infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age in that country without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an Atheist or an Infidel. And the Divine Being seems … pleased to favor the whole country.”
Reading your last three comments is causing me to doubt that you know what deism is… it’s not atheism.
Franklin claims to have embraced deism in his autobiography. His comments you quoted above are consistent with a deist perspective .
Ed,
Dr. Thomas Kidd of Baylor University just wrote an incredible book on the piety, belief system, and person of Ben Franklin. He gives ample evidence that Franklin was only a deist, and a poor deist at that, and that in numerous conversations and letters shared between George Whitefield never came close to accepting the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. Dr. Kidd is an excellent authority on all things Colonial religious history and the history of the faith of our founding fathers. I encourage you to check him out. He’s pulling his information directly from primary sources, letters, speeches, etc.
Chad:
Thanks for the question and your observations.
I agree with the way you describe the SBC.
I would put a bit of a twist on your view of how Baptists view the State. I agree that we do not believe in a State church or that the State can dictate religion to others. But there is a tension here, is there not?
I would argue that any time Christians seek to bring Biblical truth to the legislative process and argue for that, that we are, in fact, “dictating religion” to others.
When we seek to impose a view of abortion in law as the taking of human life, and we do that even in part on theological grounds, we are seeking to impose our religion on others. When we try to outlaw gambling, we do the same. Or when we try to say that marriage is between one man and one woman, that is a religious view. We then seek to impose that on others. Why shouldn’t the Mormons and Utah been allowed to join the U.S. without giving up polygamy? It was specifically because of the imposition of religion.
This is an inevitable tension in our faith. True, we do not impose belief in Jesus on others or require that they join a church (though not long ago, Christians did that, or at least came really close to it).
The issue is when Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you …” he gave us the command to evangelize and disciple. But the question is to what extent teaching and discipling others involves, in a democracy, teaching what is godly and good to the culture around us, and seeking to impose that by law.
Was Wilburforce wrong to trying to abolish slavery, or should he have said, “Well, it’s the culture around me. I will take care of the kingdom of God. This is the kingdom of this world?” Or should Martin Luther King not have agitated, on explicitly Christian theological grounds, for the equal treatment of races?
And if we are going to use the Bible to speak to the Kingdom of this World and call for it to reflect God’s truth, isn’t that the imposition of religion in some form?
And if we do it in those instances, why not others? Is it just tactical, that is, we have lost this battle, so we move on to other things?
If it’s not tactical, but we take a different view on other issues of justice and social ills, what is the theological basis for dividing these issues up and saying on the one hand “Thus sayeth the Lord”, and on the other hand, “Well, that’s the kingdom of this world and it’s not the kingdom we are trying to redeem or create.”
Don’t get me wrong. I am not being critical. I am just asking.
You are right that the “SBC” is not monolithic on these questions. But these are areas where we do have an agency that works for us that addresses these things, so in effect, “We” are speaking.
My sense is that there are different camps in the SBC right now. The Reformed crowd, lots of younger guys, are really gung ho about some issues and are willing to speak to the culture about it and speak to other churches about it – say, for example, race, immigration. But that same crowd has no interest in an issue that motivated our Baptist forefathers for decades – alcohol consumption. And I sense that while they believe in marriage, that many of the younger Reformed guys have no interest in the SBC filing an Amicus brief in support of marriage at the Supreme Court. But that they would on race or immigration.
I hope I am making sense here.
Again, I am not trying to be critical. I am describing what I am seeing and what is motivating a new generation of young people in the SBC.
I would be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on this subject.
Are we seeing churches just divide up on the issues, or is there a really principled theological difference in our churches?
Just a question that I would like feedback on. How many readers here have been to a Sunday church service where the Pledge of Allegiance was done? I have been to many Bible Belt 4 of July services but that has not been a part of any service. How about Thanksgiving which is a uniquely American holiday, should churches not have a Thanksgiving acknowledgement or not? I think Louis has a good point, this is a social and political tinged viewpoint that will decide on how your church service is conducted. Where will young people learn of the impact that Christians had on the course of this country, certainly not from public education. The straw man argument of most SBC members believe God is an American is tiresome and insulting to SBC members. The idea that Americans equate the Old Testament convents to America is also demeaning to the great unwashed filling the SBC pews. I do think that most SBC members I have known believe America has been blessed and had worldly success because it was founded on and acted on Christian values. They know when they sang God Bless America on the fourth it was a prayer not a statement. As Christian values and influence wane in the secular world of culture, politics and society the outcome will not be good. If the majority of SBC churches were aware that this a serious debate/issue for some leaders about showing their gratitude , patriotism and love for America in the place they worship , they would be perplexed over why? What brought America to the dance, good old Christian values instilled in our churches and fidelity to our Christian values is the core of American success . Again we know from “Who All Blessings Flow”. Christianity in Europe has lost all its influence and you can see the results.
James,
I have been to services where the national anthem has been sung and the Pledge has been done, certainly not every Sunday but on memorial holidays at times. I do not think that anyone is arguing that most of the SBC members believe that God is American. Who is advocating that?
However, there are a great deal of cultural Christians that cannot distinguish the church from American identity. I have spoken to people who identify good American citizenship as regular involvement in church. Does that not speak strictly against what you are discussing here? I do not believe they were SBC, but I also will not deny that some within the SBC do think along similar lines. I would not even want to venture a percentage guess because I am sure that it is very low in any event.
I also don’t think people for the most part are against the mentioning of holidays, the recognition of veterans, prayer for the nation, etc.
Grace and peace,
Chad Dougless
James,
Great name by the way.
I was an intern while in college at a church that not only said the pledge to the American Flag, but to the Christian flag, and to the Bible every single Sunday morning after the opening pastoral prayer. I was only a summer intern with this church and a part of a program that the Arkansas Baptist State Convention had at the time that paid for interns to work in essentially dying churches. This church was uber-patriotic and wouldn’t even read Scripture before pledging allegiance to the American Flag. There was always a big presentation when the deacons would march in and carry the flags and gigantic Bible down the center aisle and place them in front of the pulpit so we could pledge. I found this ridiculous and never once pledged my allegiance to America during the morning service.
James that’s exactly what bothers me about churches that do Awana or RA’s/GA’s (if anyone does that still). Where we teach kids not only to do the Pledge of Allegiance–which, secularly speaking, is good insofar as we do not seek to undermine the country whose benefits we enjoy–but then a made-up pledge to the Bible, which the Lord doesn’t command we do, and a made-up pledge for a made-up “Christian” flag, which to me, raising a flag for Jesus that Jesus didn’t institute is an abomination. We lift up the Savior, not a flag.
Louis,
I disagree that when we seek to limit sinful behavior we are imposing religion upon people, though we can seek legislation that would in fact do that. We are not seeking people to adopt the reasons for why we are against abortion but to seek the end of abortion. They are free to disagree with our reasoning as well as free to disagree with the morality of abortion, but that does not mean that we should not strive to have legislation that protects the innocent.
For most people they would not associate morality with religion which is why we have the prevalent culture of moral relativism. Further, I would not associate morality with religion per se, but would identify moral judgment as obedience to the revealed will of God. There are times when our attempts at legislation are purely from a desire to enforce religiosity upon people in an effort to hopefully improve their morals, but those are precisely the times we should be most cautious about our own desires.
We, humanity in this instance, have been given government to restrain evil. It is not wrong for us to petition for legislation to be enacted to restrain evil, but we should not rely upon that process for moral change. Our job is to make disciples, which relies upon the power of God and not upon the whims of man. Regardless of what the culture advocates, we should always be focused on obedience to the Word of God.
Seeking to educate others on the path they are on and petition for legislation that protects others from walking down that path is not wrong, but is not our end game. Jesus tells us that others will know that we are his because of our love for one another, not because of our relentless pursuit of moral legislation and our unrelenting opposition to certain cultural axioms. If we act like the church we will be strange enough that people will inevitably wonder why and what we believe. I don’t think we need to acquiesce to the culture and isolate ourselves in Christian bubbles hoping for people to come to the light so to speak, but we must be careful that the mission of the church is not overwhelmed by our strident advocacy for legislation and intertwining with the government that people cannot split out faith from moralism.
I don’t know of any people in the Reformed camp who are more willing for the SBC to file an amicus brief in regards to immigration than in defense of marriage or opposition to abortion, but that could simply be a result of who I know or me being out of the loop in that regard. I am sure that there are a number of individuals who are very invested in race and immigration who want the SBC to invest heavily into that area, but I would be shocked for them to state that we should get out of the defense of the family arena in favor of these others. Whether Traditionalist or Reformed or other, as far as I can tell within the SBC the family is the foundation of society and should be defended and protected.
I think we have churches dividing on issues as well as on serious theological grounds. My concern is that these divisions are a reflection of the polarity within our society and are not properly reflecting the unity we should strive for in Christ. We can disagree theologically on some issues and still gather together for worship, prayer, and mission. I know that some of these issues certainly seem as if it is impossible for agreement to be reached or cooperation to be had, but I believe that it is either human pride standing in the way or opposition of Satan blinding us to the love we should have for one another.
At this point I don’t know if we are still on track or not or if I have answered your questions, but hopefully I have. I look forward to more dialog.
Grace and peace,
Chad Dougless
Chad:
You may not know of Reformed SBCers, especially the young ones, who are enthusiastic about public engagement on things like race and immigration but not on homosexuality or marriage, but I do. I suspect their tribe is increasing, but I admit that is just a sense of things.
If you oppose gay marriage, homosexual unions etc., and want to see that imposed on society by law, against the wishes of others, you are seeking to impose your religious beliefs on others. I know you don’t want to see it that way, but it is still the case.
Louis,
I think we are talking about a couple different things perhaps as I have had an opportunity to reflect more about this. Morality is a reflection of theology not religion. If you are intending religion as equivalent to theology then we are probably just missing each other as we talk. Your understanding of moral truth is based upon your understanding of theology. But I want to clearly distinguish between religion and theology as not the same thing. Religion has to do with the external practices that comprise exercise of faith.
When we seek laws that we believe clearly reflect the moral truth of God, we are not imposing religious beliefs upon people. We are not even imposing moral truth upon them as the law does not require that they obey it or even believe it. We can blur the lines between laws that promote moral uprightness and laws that push religious exercise. However, we are not seeking laws that would force people to practice religion.
Further, many different groups can push for moral legislation for very different reasons, but it cannot possibly be true that they the law that is enacted imposes the varying religious beliefs upon people. That would be categorically odd at best. For instance, an evolutionary sociologist may determine that we should have strict laws against murder, not because God values human life and condemns murder but simply because the murder of other members of society tears at the fabric of the society itself. Their agreement or push for such a law does not impose their atheistic belief about murder upon other people. They could likewise develop similar thinking for abortion, euthanasia, etc.
The culture at large wants to trumpet the imposition of religious belief narrative anytime we use Scripture to support a pro-life view (for instance). However, you can make an argument for the value of human life without any appeal to Scripture. Does this make it a religious imposition then? I hope that this makes a bit more sense to what I am talking about.
Grace and peace,
Chad Dougless
I’m a pastor of a small rural church in north TX filled with traditional, conservative, patriotic folks. We have flags (U.S. and Christian) in the front corners of the auditorium, off the stage, but still visible. On patriotic holidays, we usually have a patriotic floral arrangement at the front of the room as well. The only elements of the service that call any attention to those types of holidays are the recognition of veterans at the very beginning of the service along with other announcements (really prior to what I would consider the official start of corporate worship, which we signal by the public reading of Scripture and prayer) and mentioning our gratefulness for freedom in our opening prayer. I might also, if it fits, use a historic illustration in my sermon that points to our founding or something similar. No patriotic songs, no pledges, no fireworks. I have seldom, if ever, received complaints about our level of (or lack of) patriotic emphasis in the worship service.
That being said, I do have a question for those advocating full patriotic celebrations during the corporate worship hour: understanding that many in the congregation have experienced the kind of love that has resulted in marriage, believing that God is ultimately the source of that kind of love, and believing that God would have us celebrate the covenant of marriage as a gift, would you find it appropriate to have the congregation sing love songs (nothing lewd or unseemly, just good, wholesome love songs…think a nice Nat King Cole tune or a solid 80’s power ballad like Journey’s “Faithfully”) during corporate worship? Is there a difference between singing songs expressing gratefulness for our nation and songs expressing gratefulness for our spouses in corporate worship?
I promise I’m not trying to be combative or play “gotcha.” I’m just trying to think through implications. Thanks.
David,
Hey, Brother! Its Chad from Olney. I think along the same lines you do. I don’t ignore the holiday totally, I even put in the song “God of Our Fathers” in the set. I like the words to that one. I also like the fact that it is set to Russian music. That is confusing, compelling, mischievous, and relevant to current events- all in one song! But that’s about as far as I go with the music. I acknowledge the holiday in different ways as you have mentioned. I don’t think people care one way or another. There are fireworks shows and parades and other things people can do in our community to celebrate.
My convictions on this were set once when I showed up to a service at FBC Dallas while we were on a vacation. We happened to show up the week they did their big extravaganza. It was over the top and ridiculous. I will never forget looking around and seeing all those people waving little flags in the sanctuary while the “Stars and Stripes Forever” played and fireworks went off. My eyes rolled so hard they nearly flew out of my head. All I could do was shake my head and think “Wrong Kingdom, guys!”
As to your question about music. what about at Christmas? Can we do “Winter Wonderland?” “Rudolph?” Evangelicals somehow can go from zero-to-ridiculous in just a few years.
Hey Chad, good to hear from you. Hope things are well in Olney. I agree with what you’ve said here, and grew up in a large church that really pulled out all the stops for patriotic holidays. It left a bad taste in my mouth for sure.
Louis,
If I understand you, you are mixing up morals and religion.
Because of what we believe we seek to conform laws to our view of righteousness but that is not imposing religion. Which religion? For Islam is opposed to gay marriage, Catholics are opposed to abortion, Mormons are opposed to stealing and so forth.
Besides we don’t impose our understandings simply because we advocate for them. We are not saying the law should say “gay marriage is wrong because the Bible says so” we are saying that according to our Lord and King, we believe gay marriage is wrong, and our country is better off conforming to God than being against Him.
That’s not imposing religion on people. And I think you know that.
Morals are based on an understanding of what is right and wrong. And that is an inescapably religious question.
Louis,
So an atheist can’t offer up a bill that legalizes or criminalizes an activity because he’s not religious?
Who offered up there law that made gay marriage legal? What religion were they? Did they impose their religion on you? You are not thinking this through my brother.
For those who wish to use a church service to promote patriotism in a big or little way:
Maybe you should not just focus on how GREAT the USA is but also on the great sin and wickedness that prevails throughout the land.
And mention the sins we as a people (Americans) have embraced and are embracing all the more: adultery, pornography, gay marriage, millions of children murdered each year by their moms, greed, materialism, the worship of sports and fame, gambling, fatherless homes, and many more, most of which are sanctioned by the government, and some even encouraged by the government.
And while we Whoopi it up on the fourth or at church and gush over the USA, do we not forget what God did to His own nation-state Israel when they turned from Him and to sin and false idols?
Parson:
Of course an atheist may suggest a bill on a moral question.
But while the atheist may not want to admit it, what he thinks about right and wrong are moral judgments that are derived at through faith.
Some legislative questions are decided by utilitarianism or empirical observation. For example, a road with a 30 mph design speed shouldn’t be posted with a 55 mph speed limit.
But many legislative questions involve moral judgments that cannot be “proven” to be right and wrong.
Age of consent laws, who may marry whom, racial discrimination etc. are all decided by people on an inherent sense of “what’s right.” Transcendent morality. That’s involves religious assumptions regardless of whether one is theistic.
But remember the point I was making.
It was that people of faith seek to impose their religious views about what’s right and wrong on society all of the time.
What do you think about abortion, marriage, sexuality, racial discrimination?
I suspect that what you believe is determined by what you believe about the Bible and what God says about these things.
And I suspect that you are more than willing to vote, lobby etc. to see those things become law. And I suspect that you are therefore willing to force these views on others.
The question for Christians is how to exercise this responsibility in a democracy.
There are books written about these topics. If you would like some suggestions, let me know and I can send the info through Dave or Brent.
As it relates to the SBC the question is whether we have some clear theology on this, whether Reformed or otherwise, or whether it’s just the issue d’jour.
Louis,
So if a Muslim proposes a law banning gay marriage, he is imposing Islam on you?
Parsons Mike,
When a church includes some patriotic elements in the worship it is not doing so to tolerate, condone or otherwise overlook sin. On the contrary the church is merely giving thanks to God for the freedoms that we enjoy in this nation that are rare in other parts of the world. Expressing gratitude is just as necessary as the call to repentance.
I don’t see anything in Scripture that would keep Christians anywhere from acknowledging the goodness of God. Can patriotism become idolatrous? Absolutely, but the Church in the United States in 2017 is not in any grave danger of that. There are many other trivial pursuits that are much further ahead at stealing the hearts of Christians than healthy patriotism.
Blessings in Christ
woody
Woody,
Right,
you are expressing a moderation that the OP did not.
We should be grateful TO God for the blessings we have received and are receiving here in the USA.
But that is NOT celebrating the USA, that is celebrating God. Waving the flag and other overt displays of nationalism is not gratitude to God or celebrating the God from whom all good things come. And, brother, that line can be easily crossed, maybe not by you, but there are millions of conservative Christians that do cross that line because in their minds it is blurred.
In defense of his position, one poster gave this Scripture to defend his opinion [and against mine};
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. -Psalm 33:12 NKJV
The nation spoken there is not as he supposes, the USA. For we, as a nation, do not bow to Jesus as Lord. Neither are we, as a nation, chosen to be His own inheritance.
And that brother is a respected servant of the Lord. And if he is crossing that line, what of his people?
So thank God for the blessings He has given us, but don’t celebrate the USA in a worship-of-God-alone service.
This reminds me of the church that had a wall in the entrance that had plaques and pictures of servicemen and women from the church that had given their lives in the military. One day as they were leaving, a little boy inquired, “What is that?” His dad explained that the wall was to honor the people who had died in the service. To which the little boy replied, “Was that the morning service or the evening service?’
America was founded on Christian principles by Christian people. That does not mean all the founders were perfect Christian people. But they had a profound respect and reliance on the Bible and Judeo-Christian beliefs. Their early writings often referred to God and the Bible. Our earlier monuments are filled with biblical references.
http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2013/06/is-america-christian-nation.html
David R. Brumbelow
“Our earlier monuments are filled with biblical references.”
I agree in part, but they’re also filled with Egyptian mythological symbols, Masonic symbols, the Knights of Templar liturgy and symbols, and a whole host of other non-Christian things. Any early American historian can tell you that.
Not all the founders were even really Christian to begin with, but even the most agnostic among them allowed that the Revolution was successful not by their own might, but thanks to Jehovah God specifically, God generally, or Providence broadly. They knew this liberty came from whomever created mankind, and honored that. But this in no way makes America a Christian nation, any more than Ireland or Italy are Catholic nations.
I disagree completely with this article. I grew up in a small, white, independent Baptist church where we sang Patriotic songs and where love for America and love for Christ were often conflated. I am currently a member of a multi-ethnic SBC church plant with black leadership. I have discussed this topic many times with my pastor. I believe minorities and others who may, understandably, have a complex relationship with America and her history are very alienated by unbridled displays of Patriotism in church and that this sort of thing does terrible damage to our witness. I am very thankful for God blessing me with a country where I can serve him freely without persecution. I am also very thankful for our military for protecting those freedoms. But I think that we don’t need any confusion about who or what we are worshipping in our church services.
Should the believer be different in a church service than they might be at a football game… the grocery store…? Do we only worship God at the church service… or… Should we live in a way that worshipping God is a 24/7 lifestyle?
I’m not suggesting breaking out in a hymn but worship is a matter of the heart, not the meeting. We may want to be Baptist enough to pass the plate at the game – kidding – maybe.
Maybe worship in the church has a problem the other 51 weeks if we do it so wrong early July. It’s not really a July 4 problem is it… really? We
Jon,
The problem is that we humans too easily seek identity from the world and thus at the expense of who we are first and foremost: children of God.
Thus every identity that us ours in this world, our country, our skin color, our gender, our family name, our marriage, and so forth, are to be under submission to our identity in Christ.
The purpose in gathering together with our brothers and sisters in the Lord is to honor God and to celebrate the cross of Christ, wherein all those other identities have been made temporal, and like the flowers, fading away, and like the grass, withering. It is to celebrate and to worship God, the One who has redeemed us out from the world and from its disunity and confusion and translated us into the Kingdom of the dear Son: where we are to be united in peace.
If you took the Christians out of America, or looked at it as if we were not there, you would see the hatred of God, the disdain for His righteousness, the love of sin and evil. What has made America great is Christians, and specifically born again God loving and God serving Christians who led by the Spirit put their worship of the Holy One above all else. Thus it is God who made America great through us. And it is God, who raises up kingdoms and smashes empires, and one day will have no need for the USA as a country, it is God alone we should venerate and celebrate on the Lord’s Day, 52 weeks a year, and also every time we gather together.
I believe it is perfectly appropriate for a church to have a patriotic worship service, or not.
It seems to me the most strident and dogmatic here are not the ones who think a patriotic service is admissible, and can even be evangelistic – but those that are saying a patriotic service is wrong by anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Lighten up; we are not denying the Faith.
Happy Independence Day!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. -Psalm 33:12 NKJV
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. -Proverbs 14:34
David R. Brumbelow
David,
Which nation is it “whose God is the Lord?”
Ken,
I don’t think anyone is denying there are other nations where God is not sovereign over. As Americans, we celebrate our nations importance to us… as citizens.
Many kids in our churches have birthdays near our own kids but we don’t celebrate the other kids birthdays as we do our own. Why? Because they are not our kids.
David,
You wrote. from the Word:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
This nation, as a whole, and neither by its majority, worship Jesus as its Lord.
There is only one nation that does that and Jsus said that His kingdom is not of this world.
You them wrote from Proverbs:
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Since the USA is awash in sin and thus as a whole a reproach before God, should we, as Christians, take time from our worship of God to extol the wonders of a country whose blatant sin and rebellion to God runs rampant across its land?
Parson:
If a Muslim seeks to ban gay marriage, of course he is seeking to see that the tenets of his faith are applied to the larger society.
I cannot see why you are having a hard time with this concept. It is really elementary.
That is what is causing angst in Europe right now. With the large Muslim migration, there are increasing calls for the imposition of Muslim lifestyle regulations across various societies in Europe. Surely you don’t deny that is happening?
In the case of gay marriage, the tenets of the Christian faith agree with those of Islam. Thus, there is no tension.
But the absence of tension on one point does not change what is happening. The Muslim is trying to argue for what he feels is a good society in accordance with the teachings of his faith.
There is nothing wrong with that, btw.
That is the point I am making, and the question I am exploring.
But to get to a point of discussing what is the proper theology and application, we have to start with at least the admission regarding the place that religion (or assumptions about transcendent right and wrong – which is religious, not scientific) plays in the formation of cultures and law. If we can’t admit that, we seem uniformed.
Traditionally, Reformed Christians really understood this well. Hence, Calvin! They have been able to articulate this well. That seems not to be the case as much among the Reformed in the SBC because the SBC Reformed guys are not truly Reformed as that has been defined over the centuries.
Notwithstanding that, the SBC has lobbied hard over a century on the alcohol and gambling questions, which to me are secondary to and not nearly as clear as other issues.
Louis,
So yes, then, a Muslim who wants to ban gay marriage is imposing Islam on you.
And the Deists who were a part of the founding of this nation imposed their Deism on you as well?
If Muslims gained control in USA and made it a crime not to bow to Allah and attend a Mosque, I wouldn’t have Islam imposed on me. I would not bow. Would you?
For if the law passed is evil, I stand against in the power of the Lord.
And if the law passed is good, I obey it in reverence to my Lord.
And it makes no difference the motives of the one who proposed the law, in either case. And so in either case, no religion is imposed on me.
Just because religion has played a part in informing culture and nations as to laws, does not mean that those religions are imposing law on the people. If they object to those laws, they have choices: to move or even to die if necessary.
Louis,
My last line should read:
Just because religion has played a part in informing culture and nations as to laws, does not mean that those religions are imposing RELIGION on the people. If they object to those laws, they have choices: to move or even to die if necessary.
Parson:
You seem to believe that so long as I am not required to pray to Allah or enter a Mosque that there has not been an imposition of religion?
Do I get that right?
You see the imposition of religion as requiring veneration or worshipping in a certain way?
That is where we disagree.
And the is question that I have been discussing.
What is the role of Christians and the Church when it comes to seeing that just laws govern a society? Maybe if I put it that way, we can communicate better.
Reformed people (with a capital “R”) have historically articulated that it is part of the individual Christian’s and the Church’s calling to “teach whatsoever I have commanded you” by teaching the larger society what good and just laws should be. So, when missionaries went to India, they did not just build churches and invite people to worship, they changed the laws so that widows were not burned on the funeral pyres of their deceased husbands etc.
I am asking the question about the current thinking in the SBC on such questions.
Where does our obligation begin and end with respect to this? And on what questions?
Do you have opinions on that? I would be interested to hear them, if you did.
Is it a settled theological point with you, or do you have a handful of issues that you care about, and a handful of issues that you do not?
Let’s leave off the issue of “imposing religion” because we were getting stuck on that, and now that you see only imposing worship practices on people as imposing religion, we can lay that aside because that is not what I am asking.
Thanks.
Louis,
First, my name is Mike and I go to Parsons Baptist, so name because it is located on parsons Avenue. My apologies for any mix up.
The problem i am having with what you say is the word imposition.
An imposition is caused by imposing something on someone, which is to impose on them and the definition for impose is as follows:
1.force (something unwelcome or unfamiliar) to be accepted or put in place.
“the decision was theirs and was not imposed on them by others”
synonyms: foist, force, inflict, press, urge; More
2. take advantage of someone by demanding their attention or commitment.
“she realized that she had imposed on Miss Hatherby’s kindness”
synonyms: take advantage of, exploit, take liberties with, treat unfairly;
If you agree with a thing, it is not an imposition. And what is being imposed is not religion but a law, which as already demonstrated can be acceptable by many religions nd even the non-religious.
Next, you can’t teach those who don’t want to learn. The Reformers were in a different time and place living under a different culture. Even the culture of the Founders of this nation is not the same now as then.
Our obligation is to do whatever the Lord commands us to do. To some it may be to enter the public arena and wield Gospel influence there, to others, it may be to travel to far away places and wield Gospel influence there. And to some, it may just at their jobs, others, just in their neighborhoods or schools, and some on the internet. Their is no one size fits all. But all any of us can do is to do as we are called to do: be witnesses to the crucified and risen Savior Jesus the Christ.
But Louis, this conversation is not about all of that, but whether we should celebrate the USA in our worship of God alone services.
“First, my name is Mike and I go to Parsons Baptist, so name because it is located on parsons Avenue. My apologies for any mix up.”
I’m never gonna sing Winter Wonderland again without saying, “We’ll pretend that he is Parson Mike.” Mark it.
For those wishing to have a biblical, patriotic worship service this Sunday, a few possible Scriptures:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. -Psalm 33:12 NKJV
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. -Proverbs 14:34
Romans 13
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
1 Peter 2
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Proverbs 8
15 By me [wisdom] kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
All the judges of the earth.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Matthew 22:21
Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Of course, John 3:16 is always appropriate.
David R. Brumbelow
David,
None of those Scriptures tell us to celebrate a country running amok with evil during the time we have set apart for worshipping the Holy One.
Happy 4th to you, and yes…
John 3:16 is always appropriate
Who is celebrating a country running amok?
We can celebrate a nation which gives us freedom and justice. The greatest country in the world.
Do you pledge allegiance to the flag? If so, why pledge to a flag that represents such an evil country?
Do you sing God bless America? If so, why ask God to bless such an evil country.
Use your nation running amok thought when answering these questions.
Who is celebrating in their worship-of-God services a country that has run amok?
From what I read here on this blog: a lot of congregations are.
True freedom and justice is found only in Christ. The freedom and justice we have in the USA is due to God alone. Thus it is Him alone we should celebrate and worship in the time we have set aside to gather to do just that.
I pledge allegiance to the Lord alone, for this country is just one country of every country that is under God, and many who say that don’t even believe it.
I pray that God will continue to bless America, first and foremost with repentance. I also pray that God will bless all other countries, and the work of His people in each, so that the gathering together of the truly greatest nation, which is everlasting, and is comprised of people from every land and tongue and tribe, with the goal that it will be completed to His great glory.
The greatness of the USA is because of God and God alone. Why celebrate the created thing when we are gathered together to celebrate the Creator?
And I also see America with an unbiased eye, that she is corrupt and sinful and running amok with rebellion against the Lord. And that even His own nation, Israel, when it acted the same, was upheaved and overtaken by foreigners and aliens, destroyed and brought low. Why Jon do you think this secular nation will fare any better than they?
Instead of celebrating, we should be mourning and pleading for repentance and mercy.
Parsonsmike…
I think pledge allegiance to many thing and are not outside our complete allegiance to God.
I pledge allegiance to:
My wife
My church
My kids
My employer
If a believer is only allowed to pledge allegiance to God without being in sin, then you must support a total military where no Christian can serve. No Christian to ever serve as POTUS or any political office? Is this what you believe?
Where does it end?
Jon, Before I answer you brother, how far behind is Ohio timewise from where you are?
Just curious.
My problem with any pledge that includes and invokes God is that it is usually said by many without real grasp of God, and thus using His name in vain.
With the pledge of Allegiance, inherent in the words is a lie: the idea that we are one nation under God means that we as a nation are submitting to the Creator, to the Trinitarian God, to the Father, Son, and Spirit.
So why should I lie?
Maybe in times past it might have between true, but God is not pleased with lip service: “They praise Me with their mouths but their hearts are far from Me.”
Another lie is the idea that we as a nation are indivisible. We are not.
Blessings brother.
Parsonmike,
I am 8 hour ahead of you (EST). So as I type this it just turned 1:00 PM on Friday… Making it 5:00 AM in Ohio.
Church ended about an hour ago.
You can find some things out about my church at ebci.org . There is much more to the church than the web site mentions but it gives a decent picture.
If you use google you can search for Emirates Baptist Church International, Dubai. It will show up.
If you believe God has led you to take the stand you are taking, I pray he never places you near a military base. The mighty fine men you will need to reach and will have in such a church live out their pledge to America so that we can continue to live free enough to tell them they are wrong, if they are believers, to pledge their allegiance to their country.
We must still become all things to all people so that we may win some. A church which celebrates July 4th with fanfare does not mean they are taking their eyes off of Jesus. Rather, because of Jesus, they celebrate his blessing upon this nation, from its beginnings and until today. God’s hand is still upon this nation, in spite of us.
Exactly why many of us feel that overt patriotism has its place – honoring the king is also commanded in some of the other passages you posted… But that place is not in a corporate worship service.
Can anyone hear really imagine Paul leading a patriotic worship service? Or Peter? Or James? It’s not like patriotism didn’t exist in the minds of early Christians…
Matthew 22:21 – Jesus says to render unto Caesar his stuff… And to render unto God his stuff… Patriotism is Caesars stuff (or in our case American civil stuff) …corporate Worship services is God stuff.
“Can anyone hear really imagine Paul leading a patriotic worship service? Or Peter? Or James? It’s not like patriotism didn’t exist in the minds of early Christians…”
If they had been American, they would have.
That’s an assumption you can’t possibly prove.
It is reasonable though to to assume that there were connverted Jews and Gentiles who were patriotic and yet we see no evidence of “patriotic worship services” in scripture.
certainly there were those who were nationalistic snobs – and the New Testament authors spent a lot of time telling them they shouldn’t be.
I’m not accusing you here of being a nationalistic snob… But I’m saying that there is New Testament evidence of cautions being given and corrections being laid out for those who were of an overly nationalistic Mindset – especially when it impeded or distracted from the advancement of the Gospel.
Again, I don’t think the author of the post or you are at the nationalist snob level – but when we have people arguing that the United States flag should “hold the place of supreme prominence iour churches” – and standing by that statement when challenged – There’s a problem.
JOHN ESTES:
“Can anyone hear really imagine Paul leading a patriotic worship service? Or Peter? Or James? It’s not like patriotism didn’t exist in the minds of early Christians…”
If they had been American, they would have.
OBJECTION, YOUR HONOR. PRESUMPTUOUS.
None of these scriptures, in fact, condone or in any way encourage celebrating said nation in the gathering of God’s people for corporate worship.
I really like Star Wars, I think the story is one with a lot of moral lessons, and concepts that help us think about our world and our place in it. But I wouldn’t play the score or dress in costume or re-enact scenes from it in the worship service.
No one would suggest we take C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, an allegory in many ways for Christian theology, and make a worship service out of it. At least I hope not.
There are obviously good things about America, and bad things about America. We should preach on both.
For those of you who are so negative – think real, real hard. Maybe you can think of something good about the country in which we live.
Are some of you actually saying the verses quoted above should not be used in a worship service?
I plan to have a great 4th of July, both in and out of church. I think God for many, many things about America.
Hope you all have a Happy Independence Day as well.
David R. Brumbelow
David,
No one said that any Scripture verse wasn’t appropriate to use in worship.
That’s just a bad argument on your part.
Note that you avoided answering my questions and instead postulated a bad argument.
Sure there are good things about the USA. But they are good BECAUSE of God.
But even as you agree, there are bad things about the USA. Should we celebrate the bad things as well?
Of course not.
But in the time set for worship of the one truly good thing as we read from Matt. 19:
And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
…should we celebrate a thing that is both good and bad? evil and blessed?
Why should we take time away from our worship of the Eternal God to celebrate a secular thing, and one we agree is both good and evil in various ways?
Rather, we should be brought down low, knowing how much God has blessed America, and yet we see how rebellious and laden with sin and corruption she has become. Instead of celebrating the USA, we should be in sack cloth with ashes upon us, mourning her state and pleading unto God for His mercy and grace.
If a state senator started out doing good for his people but later on became corrupt and adulterous and greedy, even as he passed a bill that aided your town’s roads, would you have that man in your church and celebrate him?
Mike,
I understand your points about the sin in America, however, compared to the rest of the world, the freedoms we experience are unsurpassed. Have you ever spent in time in China? The reason I ask that is because the Communist government there controls virtually everything. They will not allow any newspapers to be published other than the China News Daily. In 2014, when I was there on a business trip, every morning I would eat a fabulous breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant, but there was only one newspaper available and that was the China News Daily, the organ of the Communist Party. If I wanted to read any news, I had to access the internet in my room. There is no Facebook in China, either. Shortly after I returned to America, I saw pictures of a large Christian church in Southern China which was being bulldozed because the cross on the roof was too dominating in the skyline of the city for the local Communist Party officials and they ordered that the building be destroyed. In America, we don’t face that type of persecution. In fact, churches are able to rent space in public schools even in the most secular liberal cities in our country.
It concerns me the overall anti-American sentiments I am hearing these days, particularly from millennials. I have nephews who will instinctively blame America first for problems in other parts of the world and have bought into the whole 9-11 conspiracy theory. Part of this began with the libertarians like Ron Paul, who seemed to justify the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Centers by saying, “We invaded their country first.” so, therefore, we almost deserved to be attacked.
I wish all of these anti-American voices could be visit the American Cemetery in France for the 9,000 American soldiers who died in the D-Day invasion of World War II which I saw last September. These 9,000 were just 40% of the casualties, 60% of the families chose to have their sons buried in America. People forget that the U.S. military was responsible for freeing Western Europe from the tyranny of Nazism and I find it particularly disturbing that a majority today think the U.S. was wrong for bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki – I guess they thought we should have another 500,000 of our own soldiers killed in defeating Japan (These were the estimates at that time).
The sins you point out are the free choices of the people of the United States – the government is not forcing people to partake of these. However, we have freedom of religion and freedom of the press (and freedom to blog) because of the Constitution of the United States and I think that is what these folks are celebrating when they celebrate the fourth of July, not American culture with all of its pitfalls.
I can understand that many may not be comfortable with having a patriotic observance in the Sunday morning service and I think it would be better if such a service were offered as an additional service (perhaps Sunday afternoon or Wednesday) for those who would like to attend. The church I grew up in has such a service on a Wednesday night – the city has a large military base and there are a good number of retired military in the community.
Final thought: Why does every issue have to be an all or nothing in the SBC? If Dean’s church wants to have the patriotic service and other churches don’t, no problem. And if they don’t want to say the Apostles Creed, no problem. If people in his congregation have a significant problem with it, I am sure they can let him know.
I don’t think anyone here is suggesting it *must* be any particular way as a denomination. We are debating the merits and drawbacks of patriotic services as a whole. We have many strong opinions, just as the Founders themselves had them, as well as fierce disagreements. They didn’t have consensus and neither will we. It’s fundamentally American to disagree peaceably.
I’m sure it must be easy to immediately label some of us as America-hating or liberal, just like Russell Moore is being attacked for supposedly being a liberal and dragging us into Marxism, when nothing is further from the truth! We must be able to take a sober view of some of our destructive policies, and yes, some of our unwarranted military intervention overseas. Most of the “Christian” Founders wanted us to stay clear out of foreign entanglements, and would pale to see how far and wide we are extended.
I will say this: we have Sundays where we observe particular celebrations. The Birth of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (themselves constructs of marketing to sell greeting cards), maybe Missions Sunday and Reformation Sunday. Are we really prepared to suggest that celebrating the independence of a secular nation that will burn just as readily as the rest of the Earth upon Christ’s return is of equal significance to those? Not me.
What we critics are saying (I think) is by all means, celebrate this nation. But keep it where it belongs, outside the regular observation of corporate worship.
“What we critics are saying (I think) is by all means, celebrate this nation. But keep it where it belongs, outside the regular observation of corporate worship.”
Wouldn’t it be more correct to say…
Lead your churches the best way you understand the Lord is calling you to lead. As a believer, we support and respect your right as a church to be autonomous and as a group of believing Priests, it is not our place to tell you or any church how wrong it is to conduct their services. Especially if we were to lead differently.
It would be more correct to say it however you like. As I said, “It’s fundamentally American to disagree peaceably.” So disagreement is implied. Mine was shorter.
Well, we DO have a president that seems to fit that bill… and 80% of the SBC voted for him – pretty proudly, I might add.
NO ONE has said those verses should not be used in worship services – all scripture is profitable…..
NO ONE has said that there are not good things about America. Of course there are things that should be celebrated (an will be in my family). In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a more patriotic person than myself – I just happen to think that Solomon had it right when he spoke of there being a time and place for everything.
OK I am going to use a little humor here – but stick with me – There are lots of good things about the NCAA Basketball National Champion *ACC* UNC Tarheels, or for schools that do not have decent basketball programs – lets talk football – the Iowa Hawkeyes, the SEC Georgia Bulldogs, the SEC Alabama football team who got a *ACC* Clemson tide rolled over all them even a few people still like the SEC Tennessee Volunteers – or in MLB there’s the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals on and on and on….absolutely there is a time and place for celebration of these and other programs and teams as one might be inclined – college or Pro – Shoot for some strange reason unbeknownst to me – some people even like BOXING and HOCKEY (but I repeat myself, LOL).
Anyway – during those celebrations one might wave flags of the team, or sing the team fight song, or in the case of one northern NFL team – wave a stupid yellow towel, or or stand and chant the name of the team or yell OOOOOOOOOOO while doing a tomahawk – there could be any number of acceptable celebratory activities for sporting event games and parties….BUT seriously – I would think you and Dean might agree that worship service is not the place for such celebrations. Not that they are wrong – but just out of place in a corporate service.
NO ONE is saying patriotism and love of country is wrong….we are simply suggesting that a corporate worship service might not be the best place for celebrations it.
I plan to enjoy corporately worshiping Jesus with my church family on Sunday Morning July, 2 – AND also enjoy celebrating America in various ways with my family and friends on Tuesday.
I too hope you enjoy Independence day.
Mike:
That is easier that Parson, and more accurate.
Early in this post I began to discuss things related to Patriotic expressions in worship services. Whether and to what extent one feels comfortable with that is linked to one’s view of the church and the state. And the views of that have changed over time in the church.
The U.S. was founded originally by the Pilgrims who definitely came to establish a religious place. All of the original colonies had a religious affiliation etc.
Over time, as the colonies grew and became States, which eventually became independent from England, more religious freedom grew.
The expressions of the people in the U.S. over the following 200 years have changed. I am not telling you anything that you do not know.
The expressions of elected and ordinary Americans for nearly 200 years have sounded very theological about the nature of the U.S. and its purpose.
Even if you listen to FDR’s fireside chats and public prayers, they are explicitly Christian and very much support a relationship between God and the U.S.
I am not saying all of that was consistent, that there were not other streams of thought, or that is not necessarily controlling.
I am merely discussing the concepts of what the Christian’s obligation is to the State. Reformed thinkers had a particular view. Non-Reformed thinkers had a view.
Baptists had view.
Now the lines, I would argue, are a bit crossed and wavy. It does not seem clear to me what the dominant thinking is. To me, it seems to depend on the issue and what day it is.
All of this, in my view, is connected to Patriotism in the church.
Those who appear to have the strongest views of separation are liberal Baptists and the young Reformed Baptists. I get the liberals. I find the Reformed interesting because it is such a departure from Reformed theology and the Reformed tradition.
Traditionalists are another lot. They can be extra aggressive on alcohol consumption, gambling, prostitution – traditional bad “sins”. This is true even though they do not believe in a State Church.
Reformed people seemed to be really interested in race issues and immigration. In the SBC, these folks have moved away from the Reformed position.
It’s all very interesting.
I think the only commonality that we may have is when we come together on a sin we think is particularly bad.
Louis,
I agree for the most part with what you are saying. However, I will disagree with the idea that the U.S. was founded by the Pilgrims who came to America for religious freedom. While that idea has been taught in schools, it completely ignores the fact the first English speaking settlement was in Jamestown in 1607, which was thirteen years before the Pilgrims landed (in what is now Massachusetts) in 1620. The Jamestown settlers came here to be successful financially and weren’t looking to reform or leave the Church of England. Also, I am not aware that the Dutch who settled the Hudson River valley were particularly motivated by a need for religious freedom (The Netherlands had and still has the Dutch Reformed Church). You can also throw in the French in Louisiana and Spanish in the west who were not facing particular religious oppression in their home countries.
The New England area was considered the country’s Bible Belt until the 1810’s when Unitarianism swept through the Congregational Reformed Church for which the Dutch settlers were members). churches of the Boston area which was followed at the same time by the Sandy Creek Revival in the frontier areas of the South. Up until that time, the Anglicans or Church of England was dominant in the South.
As far as your comment that the present Reformed folks view of the government are in contrast to the views of Calvin, the difference is that in Calvin’s time, the right to vote was limited to a small portion of the population, primarily the large landowners. Therefore, there was a greater chance that the elected government would abide by Christian principles as opposed to today where almost everyone (except for prison inmates)in a mostly secular population has the right to vote.
Good points David
This is from the Charter of Va. Company directly “Lastly and chiefly the way to prosper and achieve good success is to make yourselves all of one mind for the good of your country and your own, and to serve and fear God the giver of all goodness, for every plantation our Father has not rooted shall be rooted out”. Couple that with the Puritan’s not to stay in Holland and their desire to be English and practice their religion freely is the foundation of how our freedoms evolved. We are getting way off topic about the fourth and it comes down to this. The SBC churches can structure their services so as to observe, celebrate the fourth of July or not, that is a local decision. The answer is what is right for the members of that church on this social and culture issue. I stated in my first comment and will say again, the average SBC member does not think or even suggest they are worshipping the “idol” of America, they are being thankful for the blessing of being born in a land founded and guided by Christian beliefs and principles. If a church does not feel it is good to observe any event that is why the country was founded. Either way we are all saved by our Savior, which is what we are all thankful for.
Great history.
But the religious nature of our founding is strong.
And has to who is voting, that doesn’t affect, I don’t believe, the Traditional Reformed beliefs about the nature of the church and the state. At least I have not heard any current Reformed thinkers articulate that.
John Berry –
Good post with the exception… If anyone heeds your comments the fun of the argument must cease. We are too American to give to that freedom to speak (debate / argue our point) and some are to Christian to salute the flag on Sunday’s. Being a flag saluting Christian is fine any day of the week as long as we are not in church service. We are allowed to live differently when not in corporate worship. Or so it seems.
“”Many have prayed that prayer. Few have honored it.”””
I’m not sure what the statistics are that justify the quote above. Perhaps the quote is well substantiated by the data that has been collected, and I’d wager the facts do indeed support the premise of the quote.
All I would like to say is that the statement is much better understood and more deeply appreciated when you serve in situations that give rise to uttering such a prayer. It is probably not possible for anyone but a combat tested vet to really understand the prayer of another combat tested vet.
I don’t believe any of us would want to disparage such a prayer, at least not out of hand.
This week, seven shipmates lost their lives at sea. One such shipmate had a connection to my son, who serves on the same type of ship. He lost his life after saving several drowning shipmates. As he was going down for another, the order came to seal the hatch. The entire flooding incident took about 45 seconds to seal the fate of seven sailors.
My point is simply that when we stand apart from situations giving rise to great turmoil of the soul, it is easy to dismiss the impact that those situations have on a person.
My patriotism is no doubt skewed by the fact I actually served with people who prayed that prayer. Did they become monks or flaming evangelists. In at least one case they did. One such friend and fellow comrade prayed that prayer in a foxhole that was obliterated, yet left him alive.
He has over 146 stamps of different countries on his passports. All places he went to share the gospel.
I agree that any celebration in church should bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ. But, it was the Lord’s own words that give honor to sacrifice. “No greater love has any man than to lay down his life for a friend.”
I don’t understand those so vehemently opposed to biblically justified patriotism, but I respect their right to hold that view. I certainly agree with all those who point out the “garish” nature of some such events, but I do realize that “garishness” may be in the eye of the beholder.
But, certainly, we can all agree that we live in a great country and we owe a great debt to those that have pledged an oath, secured with their blood, to defend our highest virtues. With or without overt celebrations or ceremonies this sentiment can have a place in the heart of all Americans this 4th of July.
I am glad this discussion comes up every year. It allows each one to scrutinized one’s respective opinion and challenge one’s respective biases.
Haven’t had time to read through the whole thread, but I have noticed something interesting… almost to a person, it seems that pastors who support/lead God and Country church services are the same ones who have been (and continue to be) prolific Trump supporters. Not trying to pick a fight, just noting the observation I’ve made over the past several days – in numerous different online threads.
Just musing.
Maybe so, but surely you wouldn’t be surprised that those same pastors were just as patriotic during the dreaded Obama years as well. Love and support for America is bigger than any particular person serving as President.
The thing is, culturally, we’re finally breaking free from mindset that it’s right and appropriate for the Church to embrace and celebrate nationalism as an integral part of our Christian identity. We can certainly express our thankfulness and gratefulness to God for allowing us to be part of a nation which has, until recently, allowed relatively unfettered freedom to worship as we see fit, but making nation adoration a fundamental part of corporate worship is not the way to show that thankfulness.
Your point about the “dreaded Obama years” actually defines my point better than I did, for it shows that in dreading Obama, and loving Trump, and acting as if American Christianity’s success hangs in the balance, those churches and pastors are really showing an troubling aspect of where their faith is grounded – and what it’s grounded in.
Ultimately, nationalism should not matter much in the life of a believer or church. Sure, it’s admittedly nice to not be threatened with arrest for showing up at church, and we can be grateful for that, but the “rah rah” patriotism in corporate worship of ANY church? It simply does not belong, and it really is no different than erecting an idol that we burn incense to… at the very moment that we are a there’d to worship the Creator, the God of the universe. The rah rah stuff has lead generations of Christians into thinking that God is only blessing the Church when a Republican is in the White House, and despairing when one is not. We may say that we can seperate our politics from our faith, but I daresay that these patriotic services are a good indicator that we often really don’t seperate them at all, instead, proclaiming to our church, to the public, and to the world that we consider (GOP) politics to be the fourth person of the Godhead, or at the very least, a close cousin.
Joel,
I don’t know why you’re so critical of what I said. Consistent love and support for the flag/country regardless of who is President (as I noted) is not political whatsoever. The success of American Christianity is dependent on God’s sovereignty and man’s obedience, not the US President. That said, the consequences of obedient faith can be different based on the positions of those in power. Therefore, it’s only rational for Christians to prefer (and actively participate in the selection of) leaders that are most beneficial to our interests. That’s not an argument for a theocracy, it’s an argument for common sense.
As Dean and many others in this thread have noted, a “patriotic service” done right will still lift up Christ and make clear that we are under submission to Him first and foremost. Instead, I think you’re just wanting to take shots at Trump voters and set up straw man arguments about patriotic Christians.
Dan B. , Bingo I think you got it right. This is just the evolution of we are Americans best when we are not Americans first straw man argument . Whoever said they would put fidelity to America over Christ ? that had any statue and following. Just read a quick story about public university in Ok. may take down cross and Bibles out of chapel because of complaint about separation church/state. If true , another example that we are on the road to what some want for us, to be the “faithful remnant ” divorced with not influence in the culture except for issues that are the pet issues of our leaders then we must be involved with the political system. Can one go to church, show support, love and gratitude to God for the blessings of this country that he blessed us with and keep in the proper context that nothing is more important than the worship of God. Yes, I think the majority of SBC have understood and still understand the difference between patriotic appreciation and worship. If not the Jehovah Witness cult had it right on this issue.
Joel, you can make that assumption and state it the way you did or you can say the majority of Never Trump or strong anti Trump people oppose the fourth of July messaging. As it is assumed that about of 80 percent of SBC members voted for Trump it would be perhaps safe to assume (which I do) that the majority of SBC members support the patriotic observations that a local church may have. So it is in the eye of the beholder on the “value” of this issue but again it does show the widening split developing in the SBC. I guess we can go again to the Gospel Coalition and other non SBC venues to get their take on this issue. Perhaps have meetings and a seminar or we could just leave it up to the local self governing churches.
At the end of Sunday’s service, I will give a public invitation.
There will be no question that I am inviting people to respond to the Gospel, for salvation, church membership, service, prayer…
If that’s your service on Sunday as well, honestly and truly, that no reasonable person in the room will think otherwise–then we’re all on the same page.
If your service runs such that some will wonder what they’re being invited to respond to, then I would respectfully suggest you have pushed it too far. This is whether it’s patriotic, building fund promotion, or sales of your Holy Land tour. This is even if it’s been SBC-focused and the question is whether they’re invited to Jesus or Nashville.
If it’s all about Jesus, and all the choices and actions and songs and statements and recitiations (be they Pledges of Allegiances or statements of faith) and sermons support that, then we ought to acknowledge the local character of each church and pray for their service to the Lord Jesus. If it’s about anything else…even the preacher’s good looks, charm, and personal charisma, then we ought to be praying for repentance.
Joel, the tone and tenor of your comments define how you are injecting politics into the topic. Dan B. comments about the Obama years were correct. The patriotic celebrations of our country were just as widely observed and supported under the Obama years as under Bush or now Trump. The patriotic messaging is about our country and being blessed not about Republican/Democratic politics. Your rah rah comments and observations are revealing. The SBC members for years (1932-1968) were mostly strongly Democrats, the Bible Belt was Democrat territory. There was as much patriotic messaging in SBC churches as now . Roosevelt was as close to an SBC idol as we are going to get but the poor uneducated members back then worshiped God not FDR, they just prayed for FDR and felt blessed he was their President. Do you really think that if H. Clinton had won the churches would tone down their fourth of July messaging? Where did the SBC foray into 2016 election come from, the top or the bottom? It use to be the love of country and celebration of fourth of July celebration was a non party, unifying issue. Again this shows the haughty attitude that many have about the average SBC member that is so low info that they cannot separate the issue. This is like some bodies that that allow singing but no piano music. Local issue that is not going to affect your salvation.
I posted my latest comment before seeing this one. Well said, John.
Agree with that. Who’s President doesn’t change the dynamics of this one bit.
Wow. These are interesting comments.
Let me ask this.
Is Patriotism as sin? I have heard it said that in the way we define left/right today, that Patriotism is a virtue on the right, but not on the left. Is this true?
I had some friends who lived in NYC. They were from another country. They celebrated the 4th in a certain part of NYC and really liked it because it was more about fireworks, cookouts, and a good time that people from everywhere could enjoy.
They did not like 4th of July celebrations in places in the South where they have lived because they were explicitly patriotic.
They have since become citizens, but their feelings have not changed. The became citizens for financial and other reasons, not because they wanted to be “Americans” and because of the freedom and values in the U.S. They also wanted to vote to change America to make it more like other places. Both supported Bernie Sanders.
Is this wrong?
Is Nationalism a sin?
Is it sinful because it creates distinctions and preferences? That is, a Christian believer loves his country more than other countries, and promotes what is necessary to preserve what he believes to be the heritage and culture of his nation?
Is this perspective wrong or sinful?
Or must a believer be a globalist? (I know that has lots of meanings). By that, I mean, he must treat the people of other nations just as he treats the citizens of his own nation with no preference given? If the culture of his own nation is threatened, should he not be concerned with that if it pits his own nation against another nation’s interests.
And an interesting follow up – would most Christians living in the U.S. in, say 1960, 1920, 1900, or 1880 or 1776 have a different answer?
And asked the other way around – Would it be sinful for a Christian in the U.S. to stop being nationalistic, if he had been so before, if the U.S. becomes a different nation culturally and he did not like the changes? What if freedom of religion, free speech, free economics etc. are no longer part of the American cultural/political contract? Would it be sinful for a Christian to stop having Patriotic or Nationalistic feelings toward the U.S.?
Would these changes entitle Christians in this country to conclude that some other country is really better, and to not pledge his allegiance in any way to the U.S., but to see themselves as “Citizens of the World”, but basically stuck here by virtue of birth, family, and business?
I guess I’d put it this way… are you proud to be an American? And if you are, then why?
I used to be proud to be an American, and I thought that our country was better than any other, and that we as a people were better for being American. Where do that idea come from? Largely from the influence of the church which presented that rather boldly.
I no longer say that I’m proud to be an American, because I’m not really proud of what our country stands for, as a government, or as a people. I still am incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to live here and raise my family here, even during the waning downward spiral, but that has more to do with other countries being worse than it does America being better. So I am thankful for the freedoms we do still have, though I anticipate they are not going to be there much longer, but I cannot and will not extol the virtues of America as if we stand for something the Lord should be pleased to bless.
Lastly, even if our country DID still honor God corporately, I would still refrain from including it as something to honor alongside my honor of God – especially in a corporate worship setting. There is nothing biblical about that, and every indication to conclude it is UNBIBLICAL to do so. I would keep the celebration of something I considered virtuous as a separate entity from my regular corporate worship of God.
That’s the distinction: Gratitude, rather than pride.
Joel:
Thanks for your comments.
Do you think the U.S. has gone so far such that on the 4th (not in church) you will not celebrate with gusto being an American?
If not, do you have any energy or desire to change that?
Please understand that by my asking, I am really just asking and interested. These are not designed to be pointed questions.
Well, no, to be honest, I will not be celebrating the 4th with gusto. I will be thankful to in a somewhat free country, and that God is using it in my life, and in my family’s life, but no, I won’t attribute anything significant to the country for granting this to me. The country is actively seeking to limit my expression and practice of my Christian faith, so there’s no reason to be glad about what it has become. I am thankful for many aspects of the United States’ heritage, and I teach my children to be thankful for them, and how they have shaped the presentation and reach of the Gospel around the world, but in its current state, there’s no reason to feel that God blessing America for her obedience to Him.
Louis,
I am an American by natural birth.
I am a Christian by supernatural birth, a true Jew, circumcised in the heart by the Spirit.
The USA is good ONLY because of God.
Every good thing is because of God.
The reality, on the ground, big picture, is that the USA has turned away from God, and has taken for granted the many blessings He has bestowed on us.
Every country, just about, has its patriots and it’s nationalism: even Muslim and Buddhist countries. Such a thing is not Christian in nature but worldly.
It’s human to root for the homeland, the home state, the home town, the home school no matter what religion one ascribes to.
But the Word of God calls us to rise above the worldly and the temporal and to consider ourselves of the heavenly and the eternal.
And God has us gather together to do just that, usually on the Lord’s Day. We gather together to worship Him, and to aid us in the separation from the worldly things that pull at us and sell to remind us that we are just men, when the truth is that we are more than just mere men.
Now if we are more than just mere men as we worship God on Sunday mornings, are we not even so all week long?
We are not of this world. We are part of His kingdom which is not of this world. It’s not globalism we should aspire to but the understanding that we are not of this “globe” but of Heaven. We transcend this world in Christ.
Now each country or realm is temporary, brought into existence by the Lord for His purposes, and at the right time, will be undone by the Lord.
Can I be proud to be a buckeye (I’m from Ohio) or even prouder still to be an American or even prouder still to be a prince in God’s eternal kingdom?
I am who I am because of the mercy and grace of God not because I was wise enough to be born in Columbus Ohio, of the USA.
So why look to and celebrate temporal things when we are part of a bigger Eternal thing?
I was a worship leader on staff at a church the last two years. I have seen two 4th’s of July come and go, and I never did even one patriotic song. Pastor mentioned it and maybe preached on how to live as Christians in this country, but we didn’t do patriotic stuff, and in fact, I never heard a complaint for not doing it. And we’re in the middle of Indiana, which is hardly any less patriotic than anyone else.
I have said in the past, perhaps glibly, “I’m here to worship God, not America.” That’s how I see it, personally. But there is so much to deal with on this issue, and it really is a matter of the conscience, certainly not a salvation issue, or perhaps not even a right or wrong issue, though I suppose we only come to positions we believe are right and correct. I don’t hate anyone who thinks differently, and I don’t get angry over it. But here, perhaps, is a suitable explanation of my perspective.
The first principle is that it is incumbent upon those of us in leadership to aim for the higher ideal, closer to the heart of God, and lead our people there. With regard to the “meat sacrificed to idols” topic, much is made of the “brother with the weaker conscience,” but wherein is the strengthening of that conscience? If it is permissible to eat that meat, but we abstain from doing it in front of the weaker brother, are we not to educate said brother and strengthen him so that he agrees with the Lord, “Why call unclean what I have made unclean?” I don’t believe the Apostle was advocating for leaving said brother in his “weaker” state.
We absolutely have to analyze why we think the way we think, in all areas. To find the roots of our sentiments and judge them valid or invalid. First is an appreciation for the undertaking that won us our liberty from Great Britain. I love the Revolutionary War period of history. I will gobble that stuff up. Every 4th of July I make my kids sit down and watch The Patriot, with John Williams’ beautiful score (my son’s named after the guy), and that overwhelming sense of national pride. This and the founding documents are essential to understanding how and why we became who we are as Americans, and Who through His divine Providence made us free.
Second is our contemporary sentiments regarding this country, which are largely generational. We are nearing the time when the veterans of World War II will no longer be among us. It was the last war that I believe we fought on entirely just grounds (save for the first Gulf War, which really was no war, but a brief armed incursion to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait). Many thousands of people died to liberate the European continent and the Pacific theater from near global tyranny. The industry of war finally brought us out of the Depression (which FDR had unnecessarily perpetuated with his disastrous economic policies). It brought us together as a nation for a common purpose. It made us proud to be Americans. We were the good guys for real. We did something really GOOD, and that was something to celebrate.
The World War II generation may be nearly lost to us, but their children remain. They were raised in a country steeped in this good patriotism. My Grandfather was of the World War II generation, and several of you are Boomers, so we are not so far removed from that time we did something truly good. We know and believe what we are taught, and we naturally gravitate toward the familiar. So it is with no great burden that we dutifully recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we stand for the National Anthem with our hands on our hearts, we vote because we believe we should, and we say our troops our “defending our freedom.”
However, I am reminded of a couple things from Eisenhower’s farewell address. Who better to draw from than a man who embraced, and served with distinction in, all spheres of his life? The first is this:
“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.”
We have been so very fortunate that those at the head of the “military-industrial complex” have not sought misplaced power. Our military brass have respected the chain of command, and I agree that all who have served deserve our honor and respect. The problem is that there has been a “disastrous rise of misplaced power” in our politicians, and all our Presidents since Eisenhower have been looking, in one form or another, for that next great military victory that all Americans can again be unified in celebrating.
Trust me when I say that I am not being glib in asking this question, and it is not a reflection on our troops or their commanders, but rather the bureaucrats who command them. Are they really sent to defend our freedom? Were they defending *our* freedom when they were sent to Vietnam, Grenada, Kosovo, Iraq or Somalia? Our military has been sent into action after questionable action, without Constitutionally appropriate declarations of war from Congress, and then when they are sent in, the execution of the action so often becomes subject to political calculation and partisan whim. We all know too well the sins of Vietnam. I now fear my children desiring to serve in the military, and would counsel them against it. I didn’t always feel this way.
The second Eisenhower quote is this:
“As we peer into society’s future, we — you and I, and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.”
Sadly, the World War II generation gave us a great tragedy along with a great victory. That tragedy was the vast behemoth of FDR’s government, which threw out the window every great thing that President Coolidge achieved (or left alone) when he vastly reduced the size, scope and budget of the Federal Government. That World War II generation, and now the Boomers, are beginning to rely on a government program that has itself become insolvent, and may in fact become a “phantom” tomorrow. With the national debt now having increased 800% (!!!!!) since 1980, vastly out-gaining inflation of just over 212%, our government has truly mortgaged the material assets of our grandchildren. By allowing Marxist Socialism into our government and allowing the Federal Government to exceed its Constitutional bounds, we have lost our political heritage.
And who would be culpable in a nation that has lost its spiritual heritage? Perhaps the American Church which has largely worshiped our “Christian” Nation? Examine your own hearts in this regard. How many times to we misappropriate 2 Chronicles 7:14 for America? This is not a promise from the Lord to heal our land, but Israel. And under the New Covenant we are spiritually grafted into Israel, which is a *spiritual* Israel. Psalm 81:13 says, “If only my people would listen to me and Israel would follow my ways.”
God is not going to heal America, no matter how much we ask him. He is interested in the hearts of men and women, and he judged harshly the nations whose god was themselves. So when you raise up America in the focal place where God is worshiped, how can he be pleased? This is what bothers me about Awana or RA’s/GA’s (if anyone does that still). We teach kids not only to do the Pledge of Allegiance–which, secularly speaking, is good insofar as we do not seek to undermine the country whose benefits we enjoy–but then a made-up pledge to the Bible, which the Lord doesn’t command we do, and a made-up pledge for a made-up “Christian” flag, which to me, raising a flag for Jesus that Jesus didn’t institute is an abomination. It’s an offensive trivialization of the Faith. We lift up the Savior, not a flag.
Yes, we ought to be grateful that God gave us this country to live in, where our ancestors settled to be free to worship as they saw fit. Yes we have been blessed by God, but we have taken that blessing and grown fat and lazy. We have “done evil in the sight of the Lord,” and not just “those sinners” who practice abortion and homosexuality, but also “us Christians” who gossip, covet, hate and worship idols.
None of this should be taken as hatred for America, but rather we all ought to cultivate a healthy sense of ambivalence to it. And I mean ‘healthy.’ We have liberties and we should *use* them, even as many of them are slowly eroded away. We must participate in the electoral process, but always demanding the best of our politicians. We should lobby our government for “redress of grievances” as is appropriate. We should not speak evil of her but speak truthfully about the evils within her, and most especially in our own house. We should recognize the erosion of civility with the increase in partisanship and become less partisan ourselves because Jesus is our King, and His is our Kingdom. With the celebration of our founding comes lament in that we have allowed this country to fall so far from it.
In conclusion, I do not feel patriotic observances are wrong. It is not sinful to honor the people who have served in our military. Have the picnics. Have the fireworks. Sing the songs, honor those who died in service to another, and celebrate the founding of “the last best hope of man on earth.” But consider carefully whether it ought to take the place of our singing to the Lord, and singing of him only, and preaching of his Word rather than overlaying it with a flag. To present this as a function of our worship service is wrong, in my view. It is not hope on earth we are trying to secure, but hope in the life to come.
If this issue is framed in terms of America (or any earthly nation) vs. King Jesus, then this is an open-n-shut case. We exalt King Jesus!
But there is a better, more Scriptural, and theologically rigorous way to frame the issue. The Lord Jesus has a will for nations (as well as for the Church or individuals or Israel). As His people, whatever the nation we find ourselves in, an element of our teaching and action is to enthrone His will for nations. This is why it was well that Russell Moore exposed Trump’s flawed character. God wants a nation’s leaders to be men of upright character (e.g., Pr. 16:12). The eternal, perfect King has a will for the temporal, imperfect nations and who will be called give an account to Him.
When it comes to America, has there ever been a nation that championed religious freedom as well as America has? Since religious freedom is: a) ultimately grounded in God’s image in man, b) historically rare, c) constitutionally engraved, and d) won by the sacrifice of so many, I would argue that it is compelling that believers here pause at some point in their times of gathering and offer thanksgiving to God for this precious freedom and honor the men & women who have served (“pay . . . honor to whom honor is owed”). It is wrong to enjoy this freedom on the one hand and play the outsider to it on the other.
When I asked my Bible Study class this morning to share one thing they appreciated about America (and one thing they would like to see changed), the most popular answer was religious freedom. An Indian brother added you can get Bibles in all languages here. And a Latino sister mentioned the opportunities available here. It is truly a great nation – thanks be to God!
So when believers gather, there is nothing necessarily improper about giving thanks to God for the noble things in a nation and celebrating those things. America is a great nation and a grave nation. Much to celebrate and much to be concerned about. Independence Day and Memorial Day weekends are opportune times for shepherds to instruct their flocks on Christianity and country.
Dean,
Hope you had a great patriotic worship service yesterday; we did. Wish I could have heard Squire Parsons sing, and of course, your preaching.
One immigrant at our church, recently saved, commented on how many just do not realize the freedom and blessings in America.
David R. Brumbelow
David, it was a great day. Sunday morning our attendance was up between 1/4 – 1/3 over our average attendance. We had three professions of faith. Squire is facing several health issues and is not a spring chicken but last night his singing was strong. We had a large number show up Sunday evening for the concert and barbecue and everyone seemed blessed by the singing and food.
We have a great nation and we are blessed with the freedom America affords us. I am certain all who worshiped with us yesterday went home thanking God for His blessings. I am equally certain God was pleased with our praise of Him for these blessings.
No wonder the SBC is down in baptisms. Is this really what we will spend our time debating? We once fought in the SBC over the Bible. Now we are fighting (and call it what you want, it is fighting) over whether or not to have a patriotic service in our church. This is some of the most ridiculous commentary I have ever seen. This is only my second time commenting on this site so I’m not a “regular.” John Barry and Ed Chapman were some of the most logical comments I read. Some others were sarcastic, belittling and down right mean. I’m not even sure if this comment will make it onto the thread since the “powers-that-be” don’t like people to disagree with them. Dean, thanks fro writing this. I’m sure you didn’t intend for this kind of discussion. It is an absolute insult to think that most Southern Baptists really don’t know the difference between love for Jesus and love for the U.S.A. You can have a love for both and they don’t have to be in total opposition to one another. We have become such politically correct babies in the SBC. And i do agree with some earlier commentaries that this may have some Calvinists/Traditional ties to this whole matter. Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’ve spent way too much time reading this and most of you, who are pastors and staff have spent way too much time debating this. There is a lost world out there dying and going to a literal hell and we’re discussing whether or not to have patriotic services. God help us!
Ray Blanton, well said and enough said.
I’m opposed to American themed services in general. I think it is good to acknowledge and thank God for our freedoms, but usually these patriotic worship services lean toward the idolatrous more than anything. We have to be careful to keep our focus on God rather than anything in our corporate gatherings.
One other reason I am opposed to these type of services comes from my personal experience maybe 9-10 years ago. I was newly working in campus ministry at the time, and had just joined a new church. There was one young man (an unbeliever) whom I had spent a great deal of time getting to know and had started sharing the gospel with him, meeting weekly to read the book of John. After many months of asking, this young man finally agreed to attend church with me the following Sunday. It just so happened the following Sunday was Memorial Day and unknown to me, my new church was planning an America themed patriotic service. As soon as I walked in the door with my friend I knew things were not going to go well. You see, this young man I had been sharing the gospel with was from Taiwan.
He sat through that service very politely but never stepped foot into a church again, despite me often asking him to come back. Fortunately, I have been able to maintain a connection with him over the years, and we are still on very friendly terms. He later admitted to me that visiting church was not what he expected to be, and frankly although he was happy to be studying in America, I’m sure the patriotic songs confused him. In his mind, “Christianity” became confused with “American” and unfortunately my church did him a great disservice.
Just my experience.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/civil-religion-has-no-place-in-gods-house
So what connection to the SBC does TGC have? Are they the reformed advocates for the SBC members who want to meet with like minded believers. Is TGC the go to site for SBC enlightenment or just another opinion based on reformed beliefs? This is the issue that will have to be addressed soon, the majority of SBC member would agree and understand the members of First Baptist of Dallas viewpoints than the stance of the Gospel coalition concerning the celebration of the fourth. The babylonbee take and commentary is as predictable as Bill Maher, CNN or the Comedy Channel. Again this is a social, political and cultural issue . Have the members of First Dallas and their Pastor lost their Christian values and deserve mocking in the public arena? Of course the membership of FBC of Dallas thought Mayberry represented reality and a documentary actually portraying 1960’s America. They must think America First means before God or they would not have shown up July 1. How confusing to sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic before worship service to illustrate America’s historical reliance on the blessings of God. If a local church chooses not to celebrate any special occasion that is what it is all about but if they do chose to that is not because of their shallow understanding of faith. As they say people vote with their feet. I heard a song on Sunday were the basic message was the cross is our statue of liberty, liberty from sin and death. I do not think anyone was confused or conflicted even when we sang God Bless America because America is where God placed us and we were thankful for that blessing.
The Bee is satire and an equal opportunity “stinger”. I thought it was funny – just as I do when the satire my position on an issue.
Also – in relation to TGC- if you dismiss something out of hand simply because of your perceptions of the host site – WITHOUT actually interacting with what was said in the article – well then maybe you should consider the notion of THAT being a problem.
Also, just so you know –
1. Believe it or not there are many enlightening and important and worthwhile pieces written by persons Outside of the SBC.
2.There are lots of SBC authors at TGC – the author of the piece I wrote is one – I’m pretty sure.
*peice I linked is one
NOT WROTE – lol.
Yes. Joe Carter – who wrote the article I linked above is a Southern Baptist. The church he’s an elder at is a Southern baptist Church plant in the Washington DC area. The church is planted by the Summit church (SBC) out of Durham, NC and connected with the conservative state convention in Va – the SBCV as well as NAMB. On the church website they affirm the BFM2000.
Joe Carter’s article is flawed from the git-go.
He assumes that there is a dichotomy between keeping our Lord Jesus at the center of corporate worship and “celebrating” America.
Americans enjoy religious freedom against the backdrop of a world history where it has been rare. The Lord Jesus, if He is at the center, commands us to give honor to whom it is owed (Rom. 13:10). It is then right to express thanks to God for this precious freedom and honor those who sacrificed for it. Indeed, I would argue that we are even compelled to do as much and the Lord’s Day in proximity to Independence Day is a fitting time.
If some gatherings of believers go astray, it doesn’t necessarily follow that any/all expressions err.
http://babylonbee.com/news/dozens-accept-america-lord-savior-first-baptist-dallas-service/
Ray Blanton, any further judgmental comments against reasonable criticism of a common practice based on scripture? Because arguments in favor of nationalism in our worship services seem entirely based on anecdote and “cuz we want to and we’re so durn grateful.” Thanks for taking the time to chime in what with the literal hell out there and all.
Jim Perry, your sarcastic reply deserves no response so I won’t give one. You’re welcome for me “chiming in” to some posts that were not only judgmental, but sarcastic, judgmental and downright mean. Your use of “cuz” and “durn” are prime examples. I won’t respond any more to this stupidity.
Jim Perry, I sure dues think that ole Mr. Ray Blanton hit the nail on the head. Being one of the average members of a typical SBC church I was just danged confused about what I was their for on the fourth of July, well it be a holy day for our nation that we have to celebrate. I have been learned that God chose Abraham (not Lincoln) the first Abraham and Baptist in the USA as his chosen people. I been thinking that the Andy Griffin Show aka Andy of Mayberry , was a documentary representing reality in 1960’s America. Now I am being told it does not exist and never did. That just shows what good schooling will teach you if you be smart like our leeders. Me and my friends believe the that the Puritans came over , built a church, prayed and God took it from there to make America great the first time. Now it be up to Trump the pagan and us to make it great again. Merca was not built on Christian values Americans just faked it to fool God. My good old boy group hope we elect good leeders like Jefferson and God elects us. Merca never did anything wrong on purpose it was because it did not know any better and besides that my country she be always right cause God chose America. Merca will always be okay no matter how far she strays cause we gonna pray for God to heal our land and he will cause we are Americans. You are rite we be durn grateful and we do like to celebrate the fourth cuz we want too , it makes us feel good that God loves America and Jesus probably looks like Jeffery Hunter. So a big thank you for again in lighting we poor old yokels sitting in the pews with our old white southern inherently nationalist inbreed views. Dab nag it I thought I was right based on that anecdote medicine I got from the Dr. when I drank bug spray by mistake. It may have messed up my noodle and I been thinking God Bless Merca was a statement of fact cause we are the good old boys.
You sure told me, didn’t you?
“cuz” is a perfectly legitimate shortening of “because.” And if “durn” offends you, maybe it’s a you problem.
But your deflection was incredibly well-executed. You want to complain about judgmental sarcasm, what was yours? Tell us about all our wasting time while there are people “dying and going to a literal hell” and you’re not man enough to be held to account for your hypocrisy? And, frankly, your assessment of the “anti” patriotic services people is flat wrong, in that there are people on both sides of this debate who have behaved in the manner you decried–including you yourself. And If my reply deserves no response then why did you?
But by all means don’t respond to any more of this “stupidity.” I don’t think I could take any more.