Can Patriotism Become Idolatry Analysis
Vinoth Ramachandra addressed this in God’s that fail, Modern Idolatry & Christian Mission, as He stated that “What is promoted as ‘faith in God’ often turns out, on closer inspection, to be a means for obtaining emotional security or material blessing in this life and in insurance policy for the next.” The author of Hebrews also warned believers of this in Hebrews 13: 8-9, when he stated “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.” Believers should make every effort to guard them of these false teachings that are being proclaimed in congregational worship
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He goes on to say, “I’m not sure there is a clearly defined moment when patriotism becomes idolatry because it happens in such subtle ways, but you definitely know it’s occurred when you stand in the front of your sanctuary and contemplate where to move the stars and stripes so as not to offend anyone during worship.” As the culture of patriotism has intertwined itself in the life of the church, the solution to this is not something easily done. Zack Hunt continues to say in his article: “I can’t count how many pastors have told me they leave the American flag in their sanctuaries simply because they’re afraid of the vitriol that would be unleashed by some of their parishioners if the flag moved. I’m left dumbfounded every time I hear that story from yet another pastor somewhere in America” Pastors being fearful to approach this issue shows how severe this can be in some cases. The hostility behind this takes root in another issue that plagues many churches, which is tradition. For many people, the tradition of having the American flag in their churches goes back multiple generations. Many have grown emotionally attached to these things and will be reluctant to give up the things that are familiar to them. Change is never easy and those who want to make these changes should understand
He goes on to say, “I’m not sure there is a clearly defined moment when patriotism becomes idolatry because it happens in such subtle ways, but you definitely know it’s occurred when you stand in the front of your sanctuary and contemplate where to move the stars and stripes so as not to offend anyone during worship.” As the culture of patriotism has intertwined itself in the life of the church, the solution to this is not something easily done. Zack Hunt continues to say in his article: “I can’t count how many pastors have told me they leave the American flag in their sanctuaries simply because they’re afraid of the vitriol that would be unleashed by some of their parishioners if the flag moved. I’m left dumbfounded every time I hear that story from yet another pastor somewhere in America” Pastors being fearful to approach this issue shows how severe this can be in some cases. The hostility behind this takes root in another issue that plagues many churches, which is tradition. For many people, the tradition of having the American flag in their churches goes back multiple generations. Many have grown emotionally attached to these things and will be reluctant to give up the things that are familiar to them. Change is never easy and those who want to make these changes should understand