The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Separation of the Church/State?

Last week as I was taking my son to our church's VBS I felt a little uneasy when they had us say the pledge to our nations flag. I am not anti-government and I am a patriot who loves his country, but I do not feel it right that they should bring a flag into a place of worship. My allegiance is to God first, not the state.
Of course they also had every one say the pledge to the Christian flag and than to the bible. In my opinion it should have been in reverse order, bible, Christian flag and than the stars in stripes.

Any thoughts?

Keep state out of Church? single choice
	No
	Yes
Votes accepted starting: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:18 AM
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I answered yes to the poll, but I don't think it is wrong for the pledge to the American flag to be said in Church. I don't think it is wrong because, as Jesus said in Luke 20:25, "'Well then,' He told them, 'give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.'"

We do, in a sense, have a duty to our country to serve it. Part of serving it is pledging to, since we live here, respect serve and protect our country. I do agree with you that the pledges should be said in the opposite order. I've often thought about that myself.

Yes, but in Church? That should be the one place where state should not use it's authority. I think of the state run churches over in China where the gov. tells them what they can and can't preach. If our churches here come under the authority of the civil gov., than what's to stop them from doing the same thing someday? OK, maybe it won't get that bad here, but look at Canada where it's now against the law to preach against homosexuality and pastors are fined/imprisoned for telling the truth.

Just a thought.

I think it is a bit of a jump to equivocate reciting a pledge to the government taking over. Two different things. I could hardly think any of us are espousing the belief that the government should dictate the religious forum. However, I am going to agree that I would not like the POA to be recited during worship. But hey.......I'm not reciting the Pledge to the Christian Flag either.


God bless,

william

Antithesis had some neat stuff on this a while back (just stumbled across it today): http://www.christiancounterculture.com/cc_40701.html

So if I visit your church on holiday from the UK and your congregation recites the pledge, how can I join in? How does this practice enable you to express fellowship with fellow citizens of heaven who are not citizens of the US?

In Christ,

James.

Great point, James! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just curious what on earth is the christian flag ? am afraid I am a scot therefore am quite ignorant on some of these matters.I do however believe very strongly in the state having no power over the interests of the church.

Good morning, Duncan.

Here is a link that explains the Christian flag and also has the Christian pledge of allegience.


http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/chrflag.html

My two oldest sons attended Christian schools and I have taught in a Christian school and the pledge to the Christian flag was part of every homeroom. It bothered me then and continues to bother me now.

I just noticed that the pledge is different from the one I know:

I pledge allegience to the Christian flag
And to the Savior for which it stands.
One Savior, crucified, risen and coming again
With life and salvation for all who believe.

gotribe,

Thank you for the link about the flag was interesting but confess to being a bit unsure about the concept.I am however pleased to hear about the christian schooling.