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Patriotic Sunday?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by InTheLight, Jun 28, 2015.

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  1. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    What does everyone think of a church having Patriotic Sunday? The church my family previously attended has one every year. Here's the banner from their website for this year:

    [​IMG]

    They would have a presentation of the flag (and there are already several US and state flags in the church) by veterans, a tribute to the veterans, sing patriotic songs--the National Anthem, God Bless America, Onward Christian Soldiers, etc., and then a sermon about how the U.S. founded was on Christian principles and ideals. How God is on our side, democracy is the best, other systems of government are inferior, etc. etc. At times, IMO, it borders on worship.

    Given the recent ruling by SCOTUS on SS marriage, along with the millions of babies aborted each year, plus the filth and violence (among other things) that is in the culture, what exactly is there to celebrate?

    I can understand an acknowledgement of our veterans, preferably on Memorial Day weekend or the Sunday around Veteran's Day, but this full blown tribute to the U.S.A. in this day and age I feel is misplaced. Thoughts?
     
    #1 InTheLight, Jun 28, 2015
  2. TadQueasy

    TadQueasy Member

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    worship services are to worship God, not the USA.

    No thanks on any patriotic services.

    There are plenty of other times and events that can and should be patriotic, just leave it out of the church worship service.
     
    #2 TadQueasy, Jun 28, 2015
  3. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I think it is misplaced. As Christians we are to be "good citizens" insofar as it is not disobedience to God. But I have huge issues with the direction our nation is taking (which was a part of my leaving the military last year) so I may not be the best to answer the question. One part of my concern is whether or not we should be elevating our nation to such esteem.

    I always tried to miss church on Vet Day and Memorial Day because I believed it gave us honors that were inappropriate (especially Memorial Day, which was not to honor living vets). But I was always embarrassed when I had to stand and people acknowledge my service instead of focusing on Christ and what He has done for us. I suppose if this were done as an event apart from the worship service it may have been a bit different for me.

    A larger concern, however, is that I do not believe it the place of the Church to celebrate our nation. Our current situation only magnifies my opinion.
     
    #3 JonC, Jun 28, 2015
  4. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    :thumbs::thumbs:

    BTW, Where ya been, TadQueasy? Have not seen you around for awhile.
     
    #4 JonC, Jun 28, 2015
  5. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    We have services that honor moms, dads, godly homes, godly public servants and this country. Such services are intended to recognize that we believe we should honor God and being the foundation and forefront of our country. The failures of others do not change this.

    We will continue to do so and it is inflammatory and childish rhetoric that suggests doing so is worship of the country or patriotism. Someone needs to learn what worship is or what churches actually do in these services. It could not be farther from the truth.
     
    #5 Revmitchell, Jun 28, 2015
  6. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    :thumbsup: I agree completely.
     
    #6 JonC, Jun 28, 2015
  7. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    You haven't been to my former church, so how would you know "what it actually does in these services"? Everything that happens in a usual worship service is replaced with something patriotic. The songs, the prayers, the sermon. Flags are paraded down the center aisle (literally, and with servicemen in full uniforms) and placed near the pulpit. It's essentially a worship service where the center of attention is not Christ, but country.
     
    #7 InTheLight, Jun 28, 2015
  8. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    "everything" seriously? I have been involved in many of them over the years. If God is completely ignored and the only thing talked about is the country that is inappropriate. I have to wonder though if such descriptions are not over exaggerated.
     
    #8 Revmitchell, Jun 28, 2015
  9. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    The church I go to would never be foolish enough to mix Caesar with Christ.
     
    #9 Crabtownboy, Jun 28, 2015
  10. TadQueasy

    TadQueasy Member

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    Just had a lot on my plate for a few months.
     
    #10 TadQueasy, Jun 28, 2015
  11. TadQueasy

    TadQueasy Member

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    There has not been anything inflammatory or childish stated.

    Talk about exaggerations.
     
    #11 TadQueasy, Jun 28, 2015
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