It has always bothered me to see an American flag in the sanctuary of a church. My angst has nothing to do with feelings for country; I am a proud American. My negative emotions arise from the identification of God with a particular nation or people. After all, God loved Russians during the cold war, Germans during World War II and even the Red Coats of the American Revolution. Didn't He?
Certainly we claim no monopoly on the salvation, love or grace of the Christ. God could be said to be both multinational as well as multi-cultural. This is why an American flag in the sanctuary seems a misplaced demonstration of national pride and passion. Our founding fathers (yes they were all men) strongly opposed the idea of a national church. Their wisdom led to the establishment of the idea of separation of church and state. These men wanted the state out of the church. They had seen the abuses and great difficulties such arrangements created in the "Old World" and wanted no part of such in the new one. However, they understood the importance of faith in the public square. Specifically, they understood the necessity of a strong church presence within the affairs of state. George Washington stated the following in his farewell address of 1796,
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
Religion, more specifically, Christianity, is absolutely vital to the continued good health of our nation. If we come to the place where we no longer recognize Christianity as the moral conscience of our people, all petitions for God's blessing will be in vain. One cannot depart God's moral counsel and at the same time enjoy His bountiful blessing. Discipline awaits those who spurn the counsel of God Almighty.
Unfortunately, our secular culture has pressured the church into abdicating its intended function in affairs of state. Popular culture and political pressure have intimidated the church and her people to the point of submission. No longer is the champion of righteousness taking her rightful place at the table of ideas. Christians are told to keep their beliefs personal and out of the public square. The result of this capitulation has been tragic. What we are experiencing today is nothing short of God's discipline or judgement upon a nation which has spurned His moral law.
God help us repent! There is no justice nor prosperity for a nation whose God is anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ.
James
