We're the only church in the city that does not fly the United States flag in our sancuary. My pastor says some people are offended by that. I don't see what the big deal is. It's our choice. so tell me, why are some people offended by that?
2007-02-01 13:47:06 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think the reason for not flying the flag is that it's kind of like and idol, or a symbol. But I'm not sure.
2007-02-01 14:02:00 · update #1
What is the reason behind not displaying an American flag in your sanctuary?
2007-02-01 13:50:01 · answer #1 · answered by timjim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's an interesting concept: Since the Constitution allows freedom of worship, and therefore allows all sorts of churches to exist, and even tolerates their criticism of our system of government, it should show some respect for the country that supports them and display the symbol of their country. There was a church in my home town which displayed a flag saying "Jesus is Lord" on a flagpole which was taller than the American flag's flagpole; It was also displayed in the center of the three flagpoles (the third displayed a state flag). Every veteran's group in the city was screaming, and no one blamed them. I was screaming too, and I wrote a letter to the pastor. It was a gross breach of flag etiquette, and grossly disrespectful of the country that allowed their lunatic church to exist in the first place.
So yes: I am offended by churches who put their gods before their country. People like that need to move to Iran, if they want to live somewhere that gods are more important than guaranteed freedoms.
*Edit* The irony of this question is that so many vocal Christians accuse atheists of being "Un-American" (George Bush Senior comes to mind), but then have the nerve to refuse to show the flag. Typical religious hypocrisy.
2007-02-01 22:00:30 · answer #2 · answered by link955 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i suppose the people who are offended may be thinking that the people that are your church should acknowledge the fact that so many people from America died in defense of your right to even have this building you call a church . so they figure the least they could do is put up a flag and acknowledge the thousands of lives that were damaged or given up to permit you to practice any religion.
when i started writing this i was thinking OK nationalism may not be correct in a church .
now having finished i still think that but i do think that if you that is you and your church choose not to have a flag then have a plaque or monument to honor all the people that died just really just so you could go into that building and worship freely. they did this for you and they never even knew you .
2007-02-01 21:55:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well frankly I am offended when I see the flag in church. It has no place there. This is a place of worship. This is God's house. There is separation of church and state in this country. If there is no crucifix in the courthouse, there is no reason to have the flag in Church. I am just as patriotic as the next person, but the flag in church is just not right, IMO.
2007-02-01 21:54:15 · answer #4 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think it is a brave thing for your church to not fly the flag. Personally, I think having a country's flag in the church means that there is the idea that God can only bless that particular country.
Without the flag, that leaves room for everyone to feel welcome there.
That is my opinion.
2007-02-01 21:53:25 · answer #5 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not all Christians living in the US are Americans. They could be Resident Alien Green Card holders from different countries, Mexican illegal immigrants and others...
I can also understand that it would not be appropriate for Christians to elevate Patriotism in an attempt to make it become synonymous to the belief in God.
2007-02-01 21:55:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why are some people offended by the language others use? People are different and they some of them don't like things that are different than themselves.
2007-02-01 21:55:24 · answer #7 · answered by Magus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people want to mix church and state into one thing..
2007-02-01 21:50:27 · answer #8 · answered by Ethernaut 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our nation has been attacked - right herein the homeland. We are overly sensitive about things like that, right now. Give us time.
2007-02-01 21:52:07 · answer #9 · answered by north79004487 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We don't either in our chuch except when they have a scout thing .We do display one outside.
2007-02-01 22:11:24 · answer #10 · answered by dianehaggart 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋