Is it right to mix religion with nationalism?

Question

A VERY INTERESTING READ:

He said he first became alarmed while visiting another megachurchs worship service on a Fourth of July years ago. The service finished with the chorus singing God Bless America and a video of fighter jets flying over a hill silhouetted with crosses.

I thought to myself, What just happened? Fighter jets mixed up with the cross? he said in an interview.

Patriotic displays are still a mainstay in some evangelical churches. Across town from Mr. Boyds church, the sanctuary of North Heights Lutheran Church was draped in bunting on the Sunday before the Fourth of July this year for a freedom celebration. Military veterans and flag twirlers paraded into the sanctuary, an enormous American flag rose slowly behind the stage, and a Marine major who had served in Afghanistan preached that the military was spending your hard-earned money on good causes.

In his six sermons, Mr. Boyd laid out a broad argument that the role of Christians was not to seek power over others by controlling governments, passing legislation or fighting wars. Christians should instead seek to have power under others winning peoples hearts by sacrificing for those in need, as Jesus did, Mr. Boyd said.

America wasnt founded as a theocracy, he said. America was founded by people trying to escape theocracies. Never in history have we had a Christian theocracy where it wasnt bloody and barbaric. Thats why our Constitution wisely put in a separation of church and state.

I am sorry to tell you, he continued, that America is not the light of the world and the hope of the world. The light of the world and the hope of the world is Jesus Christ.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/07/30/news/church.php

Answer 1

I agree that Jesus Christ is the light and hope of the world. However, I see no problem with churches being patriotic. Churches are made up of people, people desire to be patriotic. Churches also gather in prayer for the safety of our military, and honor those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms, including the freedom of religion. What is wrong with that?

Answer 2

Depends on what you mean by "right". It's commonly done.
And many people approve of it.

That fact that it's a blatant and direct attack on the core Constitutional principles this country was founded on doesn't seem to bother most people.

Largely because so many of them are so selfish and bigoted that they don't think anyone but their own majority is entitled to any freedoms of belief or expression.

For the record, I have no problem with religious groups being patriotic and choosing to support nationalism. It's when they try to blend religion and goverment into a single force that seeks to control people lives that I have a problem.

I'm glad there are still religious leaders like Boyd who have read the Constitution and understand why this country was founded. And who realize that forcing religious conformance at the point of a gun (whether wielded by a mob or by the police) is not the answer.

Religious adherence needs to be voluntary if it is to have any meaning. The same applies to patriotism.

Answer 3

My parents go to church with Scandinavians in a Lutheran Church. During certain holidays and events you see the Norwegian or Swedish flags setup in the fellowship hall. You cant tell a Swede to take down the flag. Though, I don't think they would like draping our German flags in the hall.

No offense, but we (German Lutherans) have the Americans to thank for the American and the Protestant flags setup in the sanctuary. German congregations felt uncomfortable during American Nationalism and Anti German sediment during WWI. So a lot of congregations put up these flags to put their neighbors as ease. I am glad that we do not fly either flag in our sanctuary. Flags are meant to be flown outside and not for the sanctuary.

Answer 4

Indeed...a very interesting read. And a compelling argument for the separation of Church and State. Its amazing that people hang onto their constitutional rights to bear arms, but have no problem ingnoring the constitution's intent with respect to the separation of religion from politics.

I don't believe that we can have a country that is not exclusionary if we allow religion into the political process. We see it in other countries, with other religions. But somehow, the US thinks that Christianity is different...and there won't be the same kind of violence and bloodshed over religion in the good ole US of A! Its shortsighted...and dangerous.

Answer 5

well what he said was very sound. I dont see the problem with his statements but the whole fighter jet thing is disturbing. There are alot of people in the world who have flashbacks from the sounds of fighter jets flying overhead. they certainly arent messengers of peace!

Answer 6

A video of fighters in a church?? That's like mixing fries and fudge.

Answer 7

It's a free country.

Answer 8

why not? it works for me.