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- Jul 30, 2011
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As a Christian I object to reciting the pledge of allegiance, "honoring" the flag, or any similar acts of nationalism for a couple reasons:
1.) It sends the message of devoting oneself to a government, even if that government's actions go against the teachings of Jesus Christ
2.) These patriotic rituals often cross the line of pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness, characteristics that the Bible speaks out against
I recently attended a church that had a US flag on display in the sanctuary but no cross (though there was one outside). While national flags certainly have their place in society, should it really be in a church? I would be especially curious to hear the opinion of anyone who works at a church or any other place of worship.
This is one of the reasons why I left the Jehovah's Witnesses. I'm not devoting myself to the government when I say the pledge, or let Ole Glory fly. I'm celebrating my nation, and what makes us as a People what we are. Do I have national pride? **** yes I do, but that's not the same as the sin of pride. The sin of pride is self-pride which places oneself above God.
Honestly, if the church focused more on the actual teachings of Christ than his death, I might still be a Christian today.