I think this question is an important one, not just because I happen to have a strong opinion on the matter but also because it addresses symbolic power in sacred space. Most worshiping Christians have some beliefs about symbolic power--whether we have articulated them or not--and about sacred space. And for most of us who worship an invisible deity symbols serve as an essential means by which we access the presence of that deity.
Thus symbols are of critical importance.
One symptom of that importance may be your visceral reaction when you read a question like, "Should we really have an American flag in the sanctuary?" If the appearance of that question--not the "answer," but just the asking--makes you feel righteous, defensive, offended, troubled, proud, or fearful then we have evidence of the power of symbols in our lives.
I have been thinking about the power of this symbol in the Christian worship space for some time. And now I have been asked the question again about the American flag's propriety there. So I plan to take some time to dive into the circumstances that give rise to this question. If you join me, perhaps we'll be equipped to think well about our responses.
And maybe we will better fulfill our calling to love God and our neighbor.
~ emrys
3 comments:
Thank you. A thoughtful consideration is a good thing.
Growing up Catholic and visiting a variety of different faith church's, i never saw an American flag in any of them. Isn't there something in the constitution about keeping faith and politics separate?
Our Constitution does indicate that the State cannot make any religious mandate on the people. However, the Church is not kept from making political statements. Certain classes of non-profit organizations are forbidden (by statute) from supporting particular political candidates; however, this is not the same and refraining from all political commentary.
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