It is not uncommon at American churches to see an American flag. Sometimes the flag is flying out front. Sometimes its in the building. Sometimes the flag is even placed in the sanctuary, giving the appearance that it may somehow be part of the liturgy. This could be symbolic of the confused relationship of politics and faith in much of the Church.
In many ways, the Church has wrapped the Bible in the flag. (figuratively) It has molded the Christian faith into a sort of American faith. In one of my recent blogs, I discussed the idea that the United States is a "Christian nation". America isn't Christian. The ideals of America aren't God's ideals. Yet many try to fuse the two together. In this blog, I'm asking, is it appropriate for churches to display flags?
I have heard it said that many Christians have made the Bible the fourth member of the Trinity (because of the extreme emphasis on biblical inerrancy and infallibility, neither of which I believe in). I do agree that many Christians engage in Biblioatry (the nerdy way of saying many Christians worship the Bible). I also believe that many Christians have made the American flag the fifth member of the Trinity. The flag represents not only America, but democracy and capitalism. Many Christians treat America as God and democracy/capitalism as the savior of the world. When I listen to some Christians, it seems as though the words "free markets" have become a holy mantra.
Growing up in America has blinded Christians. Americans have been pounded over and over with the merits of capitalism, democracy, and the American way of life. This has happened so much that they bring this into their faith. An example is the healthcare. In polling, many conservative Christians say they believe healthcare is not a right, but a privilege. I don't see how any logical person could say that. But moreso, I don't know anyone who has read the Bible and says they're a Christian could say that. This shows how blind some Christians have become. Are some Christians really more concerned about keeping their money rather than making sure everyone has access to healthcare? That is not only outrageous, its anti-biblical. Another example is illegal immigration. The majority of illegal immigrants come to the United States to escape poverty. Illegal immigration is a bad thing (Though legal immigration is a very good thing; blog about that soon). But what's the focus of many conservative Christians? Stopping illegal immigration. It isn't the terrible, impoverished lives the people of Mexico are leading. They are so concerned about their own security and peace of mind that they are too busy to sympathize with the illegal immigrants as people are or understand the roots of the problem and what's causing it. It is their own lives, not the illegal immigrants, they are concerned about. The bible doesn't talk much about defending one's country, but it does talk over and over about helping the poor, lost, and exiled.
In its worst form, this nationalism has been transformed into racism. In the past, this racism has been against blacks or Native Americans. Now it has been transferred to Hispanics and Arabs. Many fervently promote jobs staying in America (especially factory jobs), as if Americans own the jobs or have some sort of right to them. What logic is there to this argument besides racism or nationalism? Many times when I've heard Christians promoting the War on Terror (even saying its God's will) there have been anti-Arab overtones. Jingoism is based in racism and nationalism. This is just one instance. Even with some good intentions Christians have often promoted racism. (Examples being Manifest Destiny, the enslavement of natives by conquistadors, the enslavements of blacks, or the destruction of Native American society, or the Crusades.)
Historically, every time church and state haven't been separated, it hasn't turned out well. Usually it leads to opression and death for many people. Politicians can easily use exploit religion for political goals, getting naive citizens to go along with them. (See rise of the Nazi party in Christian Germany). NO matter how great America may be, it is important to maintain a distinct separation of church and state.
As I've said America isn't perfect. Democracy isn't perfect. Because politicians are elected, it often leads to corruption and bribery. Often elected officials don't truly represent their citizens. Capitalism isn't perfect. Too often it's abused and leads to a few becoming wealthy and most being exploited. I'm not saying America is evil, democracy is evil, or capitalism is evil. They aren't. There is no perfect country or perfect political or economic system. Many Christians need to stop worshipping a certain country or political or economic system. They need to realize that no political system, no economic system, and no country can save the world. Only God can.
For this reason, I don't think flags should be displayed in church. I would prefer a globe, to remind churchgoers that God wants to change the world. Not through a country or an economic system or a political system, but through Jesus. To remind churchgoers that God cares about everyone in every country. I don't think its appropriate to sing patriotic songs in church. Most Americans have been raised with an ethnocentric worldview, but one of the most important points of Jesus' message is to transform that into a Godly worldview.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
your post is really interesting. I agree with u, all the politicians are elected and they tend to do the corruption. In my country, this is still a big issue. thank u for giving me an inspiration. all the best for your studies. :)
Thanks :) And good luck to you as well.
I agree with you on some points and disagree with you on others. For instance, I agree with your statement, "The ideals of America aren't God's ideals." I also agree that there is a "confused relationship of politics and faith in much of the Church."
But I think to some extent you commit the fallacy of cum hoc ergo propter hoc. While I agree that most self-styled "conservatives" are both Christians and in favor of democracy and free markets, I don't think that's because most are "treat[ing] America as God and democracy/capitalism as the savior of the world" or because "'free markets' have become a holy mantra [i.e., integrated into Christian practice]." Rather, I think it's because free markets and Christianity are both the traditional points of view in our society.
Thus, when you say, "Growing up in America has blinded Christians. Americans have been pounded over and over with the merits of capitalism, democracy, and the American way of life," I agree. But when you add, "This has happened so much that they bring this into their faith," I disagree. Another example of cum hoc ergo propter hoc is when you write, "In polling, many conservative Christians say they believe healthcare is not a right, but a privilege." This is a sort of tautology, since conservatives generally are not in favor of widespread socioeconomic rights (i.e., legislated rights); so of course those Christians labeled as "conservative" will likely (and tautologically) adhere to the conservative view. My comments apply equal to your comments on illegal immigration (though I would note that Mexico is actually ranked #51 on the Human Development Index, in the "high" grouping).
In your conclusion, I likewise both agree and disagree with you. I very strongly agree with your statement, "I don't think flags should be displayed in church. I would prefer a globe, to remind churchgoers that God wants to change the world. Not through a country or an economic system or a political system, but through Jesus. To remind churchgoers that God cares about everyone in every country." I think this is a good idea.
On the other hand, I disagree with your comment that, "I don't think its appropriate to sing patriotic songs in church." I think your statement implies that it is impossible for an individual to celebrate his or her background, "race," culture, or country without inherently denigrating all other backgrounds, "races," cultures, and countries. I don't agree with that zero-sum outlook. I have a very global worldview. I think the culture and history of other countries and peoples is fascinating. I want all the best for them and want to promote policies that are fair to my countrymen and foreigners. But I also am proud of many of the U.S.'s achievements and what our country represents. So I think patriotism can be a much more positive-sum act, potentially.
Well, I'm not trying to argue that there is a causation or correlation between conservative American Christians' political beliefs and their faith. (Though that is sometimes the case.) If anything, I'm really arguing the opposite. There isn't an appropriate distinction made between many Christians' political beliefs and their religious beliefs.
I think there is an inappropriate relationship between the two sets of beliefs for many American Christians. They have fused the two together so that closely that it it is hard to distinguish the two, even though they are based on two totally different value systems.
Any Christian should strive to have the priorities of God, both in the political realm and all areas of life. (The priorities of Jesus should be ascertained through careful study of the Bible as well as prayer). Through this study Christians can develop a Christ-centered, Godly view on politics. The problem, I believe, is that so much of American is so polarized and partisan that many people hear the same political philosophy so often from their family in childhood (I would argue that most people take the politics of their family and/or community, even moreso than religion), or from their associates and friends as adults without listening to any other political perspectives that it almost becomes like gospel truth.
It's like the old saying that if you tell a lie over and over eventually people will believe it. When people aren't exposed to legitimate diversity of opinion (like people who might watch listen to Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh all day and watch Fox News for their news coverage, or people that only watch MSNBC and listen to Air America, or citizens of totalitarian regimes who eventually came to follow evil leaders after constantly hearing their messages without being allowed to hear much objection), the type of thinking and reasoning becomes so ingrained that they develop a antipathy toward differing beliefs and, even worse, antipathy toward people who hold those beliefs. Soon it devolves into political nihilism. And that's what we see today on many news broadcasts and most political talk show programs, not legitimate discussion of the facts, or talk of collaboration, but simply insulting the "other side" and personal attacks.
Every area of a person's life should be transformed by their Christianity (or whatever religious beliefs they hold). Any religion (except Secular Humanism, which some may label a religion), and most certainly Christianity, should transcend politics, but not exclude them. Genuine Christianity should lead to a humility that leads to an open heart and an open mind. Yet many professing Christians are static in terms of belief, and aren't open to differing beliefs. It's like they never grow out of spiritual infancy. Many Christians demonstrate this by proclaiming Christ but still being indebted to materialism, still actively holding and fostering hatred and grudges, not being anymore forgiving than non-Christians, and living just as immoral as non-Christians. However, this may be most evident in terms of politics. So instead of truly measuring their political beliefs against scripture, they either don't even look to the bible for guidance on politics, or they cherry pick verses to support their beliefs, without looking at the whole narrative of the Bible. And they simply never change their political beliefs. I would argue that any Christian who goes years without changing any elements of their political philosophy does not have a biblical view of politics, because reading the teachings of Jesus and scripture constantly challenges one's beliefs and priorities. As Paul says in Philippians Two, we should continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It's not a one-time event where we're good to go, but a lifelong process of sanctification and theosis. And this means you're constantly learning (via the Holy Spirit), which means your beliefs and some elements of your philosophy should constantly be evolving and changing. I know since I decided to follow Jesus my political beliefs and priorities have totally, radically changed. Furthermore, I would argue that any Christian that considers himself or herself to be a hardcore "liberal" or a hardcore "conservative" doesn't have a biblical view on politics, because, I would argue, that it is VERY clear that the Bible supports some elements of traditional right-wing political philosophy and some elements of traditional left-wing political philosophy. Neither side has a monopoly on the truth, and Christians have to go deeper to discover a new kind of understanding, which is a more holistic and powerful.
The Bible is clear: government, nor any political philosophy, be it democracy, fascism, communism, anarchy, etc, nor any economic systems, be it capitalism, socialism, georgism, etc, etc, is NOT the answer. The Republican Party is not the answer, nor the Democratic Party. Humans are imperfect, so governments are obviously imperfect.
The problem is that people put their faith in political and economic philosophies. No matter what political philosophy rules it can't save humanity. And the problem many Christians have is that they worry so much about politics, acting like advancing a certain political and/or economic philosophy is absolutely essential to God's work. But Jesus, and scripture very rarely touch on politics, often purposely avoiding the subject, to show that God's plan is much bigger than politics. In fact, even though HE couldn't have fulfilled God's plan in a more hostile political environment, HE still didn't make politics HIS focus. Instead, HE let HIS life, death, and resurrection. Yet we have so many Christians that put the utmost importance on the current political situation, with many even making it a major priority to "take back America for God". (Since they believe that America was once actually Godly.) The Bible makes it clear that the government is not the apparatus to save people. The politics of and philosophy of Jesus are the only politics that could save humanity. Only the politics of Jesus could lead to true, lasting harmony and peace on earth.
I would argue that the stances many conservative Christians hold on illegal immigration, healthcare, and "enhanced interrogation methods (aka torture) are blatantly anti-biblical and blatantly go against Jesus teachings'. (I would also argue that many other policies such as capital punishment, and most wars that many conservative Christians readily embrace, as well as various other positions, are extremely anti-biblical, but those issues are a little more debatable.) Furthermore, many Christians do not only embrace politics and positions that are anti-biblical, but they engage in an ungodly discourse, where they don't see those with political differences as children of God, needing love and forgiveness, but with hate and arrogance, belittling them.
And that's the crux of the issue. Many Christians are so set in their political beliefs that they avoid what the Bible has to say about them, or rationalize their political beliefs when they seem to contradict the bible. They stay in spiritual immaturity, unwillingly to yield all areas of their life to God. I would contend that this inappropriate relationship is akin to a marriage between a devout Christian and a non-Christian. You're unequally yoking two things, the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World, the impure politics of power and aggression the politics of love and humility. As Jesus also says, you cannot serve two masters.
I say many Christians have been blinded by the American way and the constant talk of how great capitalism and democracy are (I personally believe that a mixed market, with elements of both capitalism and socialism, is what the bible teaches is most appropriate for earthly governance) because they don't even question it, and in fact directly go against scripture. I'm not advocating a theocracy; I believe a theocracy is very anti-biblical because it is impossible to try to combine the politics of God and imperfect government of imperfect people. Laws can't change people's hearts. Not everyone will ever agree with Christianity (or any religion), and because many people wouldn't start with the same religious foundation and would therefore have differing moral views and worldviews, it would be impossible to pass laws based on one religious perspective that could provide any semblance of order, as well as being wrong to force people to submit to laws based on a foundation of truths and a worldview they don't agree with. (And I would say that many drugs laws, abstinence-only education programs, and other laws dealing with morality, with such things as prostitution and gambling, which are largely based on the philosophy of a select faction of society, and partially come from theocratic beliefs are ineffective. I don't believe simply legislating morality is truly pleasing to God, because people hearts aren't changed. God doesn't want people to be forced into obeying His Laws, that's violates free will; He wants people to choose to to obey his moral precepts only of their own volition. And the responsibility falls on committed Christians to go make disciples who want to follow Him.
Note: While Mexico currently ranks 51st on the Human Development Index (it's actually 53rd currently), the vast majority of Mexican illegal aliens do emigrate due to a dearth of economic opportunities and/or because they are impoverished or to escape crime.
I simply do not think church is the appropriate place AT ALL to sing patriotic songs or even have flags. (By the way, Mike Slaughter stated this position once in a sermon and said that he said it once at a major conference and caught a good amount of flack for it). Greg Boyd, maybe most of all, has eloquently explained the the inappropriate relationship. I very much agree with him, and with his opinion on America's status as a Christian country. (He wrote about all this in Myth of a Christian Nation.)
I think it's fine, and actually important, to celebrate our national heritage. (Though this is different from worshipping our from of government and our nation, which is what many American Christians want to do, seeming to forget about the evils we've perpetrated alongside all the many good and noble things we've done.) The church should be the place we celebrate our Christian heritage.
I think when reading the Bible with an open mind, the political priorities of God are remarkably clear. And most of the contemporary American theologians/pastors that I respect/agree with most, such as Gregory Boyd, Michael Slaughter, Tony Campolo, Adam Hamilton, Rick Warren, and even Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, and Shane Claiborne, have all espoused similar political priorities and values and condemned this left-right political fight many Americans Christians, both left and right, are involved in.
I LOVE the idea of a globe. And I, too, am fascinated by other cultures and countries, which is why I'm so interested in disciplines like history, sociology, and anthropology.
Well, Jordan, I think I agree with you on what is perhaps your most fundamental point, albeit unstated: too many people conflate or otherwise mistake their political dogma with/as religious dogma.
Post a Comment