The Flag and the Steeple

August 9, 2009

The Flag and the Steeple

Ok, I know Americans can be almost ridiculously patriotic. I know that sometimes Christianity can become the backdrop for this culture so that we confuse patriotism with religion. I know that American Christians sometime need to stretch themselves to be more aware of the broader world out there. But I’m amazed at the rancor with which some Christian thinkers disdain the American flag and believe it id sheer idolatry to allow flags to be displayed in churches or to sing a patriotic song in church. Some pastors, under the influence of this puritanical strain of this flag-free faith, have caused great conflict within congregations when they removed the flag from the sanctuary or refused to say the pledge in church during VBS. That will tork-off congregants like little else – not a smart thing for pastors to do.

Let’s think for a minute about church architecture and the placement of the flag. Most churches have the flag off in the corner of the sanctuary. It isn’t in the center, it doesn’t hide view of the cross, it doesn’t receive worshipful praise and adoration. Perhaps near patriotic holidays, Christians may sing a patriotic song. But the vast majority of songs sung are addressed to Christ as Lord and not the Lordship of Uncle Sam or the flag flying free. Most Christian I know are both happy to be Americans yet very appreciative of other cultures. Having a flag in church doesn’t necessarily make me less appreciative of the world church.

That being the case, I think the architecture, the placement and the hymnology all indicate that the inclusion of the flag and the patriotic element generally does not border on true idolatry. It is only reasonable that Christians express appreciation for their citizenship in a country that has allowed them great freedom and done them great good. While this is not central to our faith, it certainly has a reasonable background role. Paul expressed the importance of recognition of the powers of the state in Romans 13. Peter does the same in 1 Peter 2:12. If they could express appreciation for the beneficial role of the Roman state in the days of Nero, certainly we have reason to do the same. I do not believe having a flag in a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of the risen Lord Jesus comes any where near idolatry.

If you are a pastor, use the placement of the flag a teaching point. Use the scriptures I’ve mentioned. Our spiritual values and temporal values must coexist. The cross is central yet our love for country and appreciation for its freedoms is real. The cross is positioned at the top of the steeple. The flag is located in the narthex or sanctuary corner. Its placement says something about the placement of these values. We value and love both kingdoms, yet we worship and serve only our Creator. St. Paul and St. Peter would do the same.