American Patriotism and Christian Worship

Sam Hamstra | Jul 9, 2008

Statue of LibertyIn Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship, author David Peterson summarizes one message of the Old Testament prophetic books: "These deal with the introduction of pagan ideas and practices into Israelite worship, or the attempt to worship other gods whilst still claiming to serve the Lord...." (pg 45).

Reading those words I could not help but think about an experience this past Independence Day week-end while worshiping as a guest in an American Evangelical congregation. With the benefit of hindsight I can look back and conclude that that the worship service included the introduction of ideas and practices that, while not "pagan," were not specifically Christian. More specifically, the service included a patriotic song, a patriotic choral anthem, a prayer for the nation, and a power-point slide of the head of the Statute of Liberty. The service also included several traditional elements of Christian worship, including a musical offertory of familiar Christian meolodies, a scripture lesson, a sermon, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and a benediction.

The service or, if you will, the two services of American patriotism and Christian worship functioned like a two-person relay team throughout most of the hour. At one moment we worshiped God and, the next, we gloried in our country. But towards the end of the hour, the two services intermingled. In what may have been a human error or a technical difficulty, a picture of the head of the Statute of Liberty was shown on the big screen in front of the sanctuary during the reception of the Lord's Supper. What made its presence so strange was the permanently painted portrait behind the screen. Worshipers could see the top half of that painting - a portrait of the ascending Christ. The net effect was that during the reception of the Lord's Supper, worshipers could witness both Christ and Ms. Liberty.

Now, it may be helpful to state the obvious. First, God calls us to honor those in political authority. Second, patriotism is a good thing; I, for one, love this country and am a proud father of a child in the Army. Third, Christians may recite this nation's "Pledge of Allegiance" or sing its "National Anthem." Fourth, Christians may organize a community-wide patriotic service during which citizens of this great land can thank the Lord for America, the land of the free. Fifth, Christians should pray for their nation, even during corporate worship.

My concern here is not patriotism but its seepage into American Christian worship, especially during services held the first week-end in July. It not about Christians singing the "America the Beautiful," but singing those words in response to God's call to worship Him. It is not about pride in country, but the failure of many American Christians to recognize that, by giving voice, while in corporate Christian worship, to our identity as American citizens, we build a wall of separation, one that Christ tore down. We, in effect, cut ourselves off, if but for a moment, from the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church which includes brothers and sisters in Christ from every tribe and nation.

With that in mind, there is another option, one that provides an opportunity for an American Christian congregation to reach out into its community: host a patriotic service, one separate and distinct from the regular weekly gathering. Invite the community, the military veterans, the local high school band. Bring out the trumpets. Sing the "National Anthem." Raise the American flag.

But when planning a Christian worship service, even for the first Sunday in July, keep patriotism out of the sanctuary. Insist that when we gather at God's invitiaiton for worship in the name of Jesus Christ, there will be no distinctions like Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free, American or non-American.


Comments

Nate C. said:

This is an important discussion, both around Independence Day and throughout the election season. I have long been uncomfortable with the enmeshing of faith and patriotism, particularly when it produces a civil religion where nationalism is elevated and true faith watered down.

I’m curious why you say patriotism is a good thing. I don’t mean to be argumentative, I’m just curious. Years ago I stopped saying the Pledge. I still stand respectfully, sing the National Anthem, pay my taxes, cast an educated vote in every election, support our troops both morally and tangibly (including your son, my brother-in-law and others), but I have trouble swearing allegiance to a flag or the country it represents. I am grateful for our blessings, but it’s tough to see the delineation between patriotism and the sort of nationalism that becomes a religion unto itself.

I have two kids and am still trying to figure out how to approach this issue with them. I want them to submit to God and earthly authorities. I want them to be grateful for the blessings and freedoms we have as a nation. I don’t want them to be cynical. But I also don’t want them to think that they hold any greater value because of their country or birth or that the church body somehow stops at the border. I want them to “render unto Caesar what it Caesar’s,” but does that extend to allegiance? Should we say the allegiance flippantly? And if not flippantly or at least with some qualifiers, should we, as Believers, say it at all?

Wrestling…

Sam Hamstra said:

Yes, it is an important discussion for Christians seeking to be in the world, but not of it. Can we join with our neighbors to celebrate our country? Can we attend the Olympics, raise our nation’s flag, and cheer on our Olympic team? Such acts of patriotism seem good, especially when motivated by love for neighbor, i.e., country. There is lies my appreciation for patriotism,

But should we pledge allegiance to any thing or person other than the Lord? Does the apostle Paul’s admonition about vows inform this discussion? Does the Pledge conflict with devotion to Christ? I share your reservations in this area, as well as your concern that the Pledge may confuse our children.

Perhaps it would be helpful for Christians to define allegiance and patriotism, to distinguish between patriotism and nationalism, to try and clarify the often hazy line between the two, and to warn of the possibility that loyalty to country may lead to disloyalty to Christ. It might also be a good time to revisit the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in society.

Thanks for your important contribution to this discussion.

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