The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Flags in sanctuary

Is there a sensible source on the subject in placing an American flag in the sanctuary?

There is a request for us to put a flag in the sanctuary. Are there any biblical warrants in doing so or not? I would think not, but I may be wrong.

John,

1. The 'sanctuary' is the gathering place of the saints for the purpose of worshiping God.
2. The worship of the one true God is to be in "spirit and truth".
3. Only in the inspired written Word of God do we find truth in all things that pertain to God and godliness.

Thus, one would have to find in Scripture where it is either expressly commanded or by good and necessary consequence deduced that a national flag is to be brought into the sanctuary. The American flag nor any other national flag has anything to do with the worship of God, does it? I must conclude that it should not be permitted. It is NOT a matter of, "well, it doesn't hurt anything to have a flag in the sanctuary". Nor, is it a matter of, "well, it isn't as if the flag will be an object of worship"... etc. What it is a matter of is, "Does God command that national flags be displayed in the house of worship or encourage such things?"

That's my

I second Pilgrim's reply. I'll also add this: not only is the inclusion of a national flag in the worship of God not permitted, including the United States flag at the present time seems especially inappropriate. Sure, we love our country because it is our country and because we have reaped many great benefits by living here. (I am as grateful as anyone for these benefits, and I pray that they continue.) Nevertheless, the country itself is bent on promoting evil, opposing Christianity, aborting babies, allowing states to recognize gay marriage, etc. The U.S. at the present time is no doubt under God's wrath. The only flag Americans ought to bring into worship--if they insist on introducing one at all--is a white flag of surrender to God. Introducing any flag into God's worship is a bad idea for the reasons Pilgrim gave. But it seems to me especially bad (and really arrogant) to wave the flag of a nation actively rebelling against God in His face at worship. That's my additional two cents.

Regards,
John

John,

I know of no warrant in Scripture for introducing a flag into the context of our worship assemblies. When we assemble on the Lord's Day to worship God, it is as citizens of heaven. What does introducing our national flag communicate to those gathered, or especially to foreign visitors?