National flags in churches

[ayin jade]

From this thread:

 

4. We want churches that emphasize an allegiance to the kingdom of God over an allegiance to a single political party or a single nation.

--------------------------------------------

 

In the U.S. at least, many churches and many false churches (cults) have american flags inside the lobby, sanctuary, or outside on the church grounds. 

 

Is it scripturally sound to have national flags on church property or inside the church building? How do you feel about seeing that? 

 

Your thoughts?

Edited July 29, 2013 by GoldenEagle
<<< To link original thread and quote that spurred the discussion... >>>

[BFP]

Nothing wrong with national pride I would think, it's the Christmas tree that bothers me

[Guest ninhao]

The only scriptures I can think apply relate to equality in Christ.

 

Col 3:10-11  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:  (11)  Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

 

I have no concern with national flags at a Church building but is it possible non nationals could feel excluded.
 

[Guest LadyC]

i've got no problem with an american flag (or a christmas tree!) inside a church.

[The_Patriot21]

Ive got nothing wrong with the american flag in (or national flag for the nation the church is in) inside a church. Its showing honor to our country, and those who died protecting it. With that being said, the focus shouldn't be on the nation, but on God, but as long as the focus is on honoring God, first and foremost, showing a little respect for our country-whether we like it or not, is a good thing, even Biblical.

 

As a side note, I have nothing wrong with christmas trees either, again, as long as the focus is on Jesus, theres nothing saying a christmas tree can't be used to honor God. The secret here, is to keep God first and foremost.

[missmuffet]

I have no problem with a flag or a Christmas tree.

[nebula]

I was trying to find what the flag protocols had to say, but couldn't find it.

 

However, this site makes the claim:

 

Onstage Inside a Worship Center

 

According to the Flag Protocols, the American flag should take the position of preeminence on any stage.

 

 

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_6591202_american-christian-flag-display-protocol.html#ixzz2aPLYRlJH

 

 

The author didn't cite quote, though.

[just_abc]

(or national flag for the nation the church is in) inside a church.

 

 

um.... I think it might depend on the country / culture.... and the meaning / perception in that particular situation by that particular culture / country.  Some countries / cultures might not view national flags the exact same way as Americans do.. for some situations.

 

Where I live.. except possibly for certain situations..  for example a special service for National Day which might also be attended by non-Christians.. or *maybe* one or more other situations..  I usually would not expect to see the national flag being hung inside church sanctuaries over here.  Because the meaning conveyed by such an action might possibly sometimes be very different than what I guess is the meaning in your country.  

 

Just a note.

 

Thanks.

[John S]

"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's".

In other words, Jesus Christ believed in the separation of church and state.

The American flag does NOT belong in a church and a Nativity scene does NOT belong in a public square.

[FreeinChrist]

I see no problem with a national flag as long as your love for country does not outweigh your love for God.

Hebrews 11:13-16

13)  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14)  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15)  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16)  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.