As we head up to the 11th, I can't help but revisit some things I've mentioned before, but have to review. Please lend me a moment as I sort out these thoughts
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Christians should take their cues from the heroes of Scripture. Right now there's a federal law in our Country (in US Code 36) that when the Star Spangled Banner is played, civilians have to stand, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart. Vets or other Military personnel may salute only if they are in uniform. The same legal protocol applies for the pledge. But Christians should take their cues. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo faced a similar problem. It was decreed in their law that whenever the musical ensemble played, the citizens were to fall down before the Golden Statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. They refused. More directly, Mordecai refused to do Obeisance to Haman, because he was a Jew. Elijah and company refused to bow to Baal. I've never heard a Christian ask why these examples refused to act as they did. It's clear when it's not us.
This is the reason I do not salute the flag. There are a lot of things that lead up to this, but it was ultimately my choice to not pledge myself to a physical leader or nation that causes me to not salute the flag. The one incident that truly confused me and made me make this choice was when my brother chose to enlist. He told us (his family) that he was told by a church leader that true service to God was shown by service to one's Country, and the only way "real men" could show God how much they love Him was by enlisting and going to war.
This kind of confusion of faith is what made me firmly decide that my devotion to Christ comes before any love for America, and if America suffers for that in the end, at least I'm not doing wrong by my savior.
"He told us (his family) that he was told by a church leader that true service to God was shown by service to one's Country, and the only way "real men" could show God how much they love Him was by enlisting and going to war."
This is very disappointing, but ultimately, no longer surprising. Though I do believe that the principles that are taught in Scripture point to pacifism, I do not believe a person has to be a pacifist to be a sincere Christian. I am aware that many do not share these views. The problem you pointed out is actually a little bigger than most churches that have flags in them. While it's quite evident that having a flag up front creates Altar-Nationalists in churches where before this may or may not have been a problem, what you are describing is much deeper, and is seen on both ends of the spectrum. Where military service is required as a sign of proof of faith, (or where pacifism is declared an essential) Christianity is not focused on serving God, enjoying God, or worshiping God. It becomes a means to an end. We forget to find the arguments against us in Scripture and wrestle with them. We only find the arguments to serve our end so we can wrestle with others. There is no "only way" for "real men" to show God how much they love him. There are many Gifts but one Spirit. Oddly enough, there is no listing anywhere in Scripture of fighting or Killing being a Spiritual Gift (unless you want to debate Samson, but it's a precarious objection with a pretty sketchy character.) Mercy and Healing, though, are mentioned repeatedly. I think this leader needs to be more scriptural in his counseling. And if he uses scripture, I would like to know what method he is using to interpret it. -Claven
This is the reason I do not salute the flag. There are a lot of things that lead up to this, but it was ultimately my choice to not pledge myself to a physical leader or nation that causes me to not salute the flag. The one incident that truly confused me and made me make this choice was when my brother chose to enlist. He told us (his family) that he was told by a church leader that true service to God was shown by service to one's Country, and the only way "real men" could show God how much they love Him was by enlisting and going to war.
This kind of confusion of faith is what made me firmly decide that my devotion to Christ comes before any love for America, and if America suffers for that in the end, at least I'm not doing wrong by my savior.
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This is very disappointing, but ultimately, no longer surprising. Though I do believe that the principles that are taught in Scripture point to pacifism, I do not believe a person has to be a pacifist to be a sincere Christian.
I am aware that many do not share these views. The problem you pointed out is actually a little bigger than most churches that have flags in them. While it's quite evident that having a flag up front creates Altar-Nationalists in churches where before this may or may not have been a problem, what you are describing is much deeper, and is seen on both ends of the spectrum.
Where military service is required as a sign of proof of faith, (or where pacifism is declared an essential) Christianity is not focused on serving God, enjoying God, or worshiping God. It becomes a means to an end.
We forget to find the arguments against us in Scripture and wrestle with them. We only find the arguments to serve our end so we can wrestle with others. There is no "only way" for "real men" to show God how much they love him. There are many Gifts but one Spirit. Oddly enough, there is no listing anywhere in Scripture of fighting or Killing being a Spiritual Gift (unless you want to debate Samson, but it's a precarious objection with a pretty sketchy character.) Mercy and Healing, though, are mentioned repeatedly. I think this leader needs to be more scriptural in his counseling. And if he uses scripture, I would like to know what method he is using to interpret it.
-Claven
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