Wednesday’s Thoughts
“Who Put the Flags In The Sanctuary?”
Currently, in our denomination there is a controversy the seems to be swirling regarding “flags in the Sanctuary”. Apparently, a member of the Board of Church and Society has expressed his dismay that churches would put flags in church sanctuaries. He feels that is an endorsement that runs “counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ and our Christian faith”.
Any time an official member of the a general board of the church makes a statement on anything, any times a Bishop or some other person in the church’s hierarchy states an opinion, or any time there is an opinion from the Council or College of Bishops it carries no weight that dictates an imperative to the church (here or any other place). The only group or intity that can speak for the whole church is General Conference and that happens every four years.
What we would want to struggle with related to the flags in the sanctuary is the issue of patriotism vs. fanaticism. When does a patriot become a fanatic? When do we step over the line in maintaining our allegiance to our flag to the point that we have become chauvanistic nationalists? Patriotism is appropriate. Fanaticism is not appropriate. Fanaticism leads to behavior that is, sometimes, in violation with the basic principles that formed our nation.
Where do we draw the line? Isn’t it important to move beyond “my country right or wrong” to an appropriate respect for the values that formed us without becoming blind to the ways of trying to make our great nation greater? Isn’t it the role of the prophet to ask questions about policy or motivation?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow other people to see your writing click on the “comments” box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
