It is far from biblical to equate patriotism with godliness.

Centerville UMC had a “retreat” that was framed as a church planning meeting to discuss the direction of the church and short term goals. All it turned out to be was 4 hours of ideas for worship services we could do to reach out to our community: armed forces day, law enforcement day, public servant (politician) day, someone even suggested a pet blessing service. All ideas for making something other than God central in worship.

Luckily most of the members don’t really put feet to their thoughts, so none of those will ever happen. I just hate that they do not come to seek God.

We’ll see what happens this week…pastor’s on vacation and I’ve got the pulpit.

The alternative is to faithfully preach the gospel (which is to preach that the entire human race is totally & completely lost & fully deserving of eternal damnation, but the good news is that God out of His lovingkindness saves sinners) and let God draw people. Sadly many churches have focused on bringing people in and entertaining them which has failed (and always will). I recently was told by a co-worker that his church just had Nascar Sunday, what a shame.

Peaching the gospel won’t allow the pastor to make a six figure income and churches won’t be able to spend millions on building new buildings and it may not give you “Your Best Life Now” but it will honor God.

Much much more could and needs to be said but I’ll leave it at that. Keep on Clay!

Further, imagine Jesus standing physically in the room while we sing “The Star Spangled Banner” or the different anthems for the armed services. I don’t think that’s what I’d really be doing if I was keenly aware of His presence and therefore in worship of Him. Now, He is not physically present beyond the “embodiment” of the church, but His presence is just as real nonetheless. Imagining Him there physically just helps my poor mind grasp the reality.

In your last comment you spoke of the country’s influence on the church. I would say that the problem is that the church has put Jesus on the sideline and made us the center of attention. Therefore, we have built ourselves a sandy foundation that Jesus will graciously tear down, and one means might be the influence of the secular world upon the church in America.

Just kidding… no patriotic numbers as long as I am at FBC as worship pastor. (sparklers taped to your drumsticks would be cool tho.) There are better ways to bless servicemen in our church. And there are better ways to reach the community than promoting nationalism.

Aaron – I know you’ll be right there with me, especially with you and your potty mouth comments about America and such.

Matt – What if we still showed our appreciation for our troops and veterans but did so in an event outside of the weekly worship service (i.e. cookout at a park or on church grounds)? I know of many churches that do so and go about normal worship services and they still celebrate the holiday with thanksgiving. We then wouldn’t be flying flags in the sanctuary (or worship Arena) that may cause misplaced worship. Just a thought… thanks for your insight.

Brandon – I think what I struggle with in your comment is your tie between the Great Commission and the birth of this country. America and Christianity are two greatly different things, but I do recognize the sort-of Christian foundation. I’m bothered by the pledge because my true allegiance is heavenly, so I wouldn’t want to confuse the two in a worship service. Get where I’m headed? Good thoughts.

Eric – You’re awesome. And pretty much a sinner.

Josh – Brother, you’re right on the money. We definitely need to be more aware and active in our pursuit of fulfilling the Commission in the world… not just in our neighbor’s mailboxes and church budgets.

Steve – Sure, it’s on the same or similar level as the other types of services you mention, but there’s much more hype involved in the Patriotic Sunday… or at least around here. Usually hype gives people a sense of pride and hearing Toby Keith putting-boots-in-asses-America music doesn’t help the situation of thinking America has it all together. I know I used to think America was the greatest place on earth. And sure, because of our liberty we’re able to worship freely, work and move freely, but there are many things that America has fouled up. The country’s influence on the church is causing the church to sour.

On the church’s involvement in the community, we must not dilute the Gospel to draw attendees. Is mailing thousands of people and not mentioning anything about the Gospel very beneficial? Seriously, there was no mention of Christ on the mailer and it was basically a “come join us for fun Fourth of July celebration!!!!” I have a hard time seeing that as glorifying God… but I may be wrong.

Thanks for your thoughts. Any more?

I think the church as community has a lot to offer by way of celebration of or involvement in the healthy interests of the people in the area. Celebration of God’s blessings and a (relatively) healthy governmental system like ours – i.e. “patriotism” – is often seen in “progressive” circles as corny at best or fascist at worst these days. Obviously, there is a line between appreciation and obsession, sometimes hard to make out just by driving by and reading flyers. There will be some like yourself not at all ministered to by ticker-tape marches through the church grounds. But it’s not going to help anything to rain on the parades of those who are.

…but seriously folks…

I personally think we take our freedoms for granted. We are the richest and strongest nation in the world and yet there are poorer countries doing more missions and evangelism than we are.

I say that if Patriotic Sunday is about encouraging others to use our freedom, resources, strength and inalienable rights to spread the gospel to as many nations and people groups (ethnos) as possible, then let’s do it to it.

But if Patriotic Sunday is about feeling good about ourselves and getting goose pimples and clapping…you see what I’m saying.