Historically, if there has been little serious conflict in the United States between Christian devotion and American allegiance it is not due to the Christian nature of America that some people think exists. Instead this is an indication of the extent that the church has been conformed to American ideals, interest, and identity. No clear distinction between being American and being Christian is even a possibility because the two have become one in the hearts of many. The God they worship is the American God and the nation they love is in some fashion God’s nation. …
By prominently displaying the American flag in church, by singing the National Anthem or other songs that glorify America and foster pride in the nation, by offering special honor to the US military, and perhaps even pledging allegiance to the flag, the nation is invited to take a seat on the throne of God in such tight proximity to the Lord that distinguishing the two becomes virtually impossible. …
Not long ago a friend went to a Sunday morning worship service that had been well advertised in the newspaper. It was billed as a “patriotic celebration.” Indeed, it was one. Not only were “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “The Star Spangled Banner” sung, but as representatives of various branches of the armed forces were presented, the theme song for each branch was played and an announcer offered a few words of praise for the service done by that particular branch. At the conclusion of this ceremony several soldiers impressively rappelled from the ceiling of this very large church building. At a climactic point in the service an enormous American flag … was raised. There were even fireworks. Yes, Scripture was referenced, prayers were offered, and a sermon was delivered. The title of the sermon was, “Who Stole Our Nation?” As my friend told me about the service I could not help but to imagine that Jesus was left asking: “Who stole my church?”
from bowing toward babylon by craig m. watts
My kingdom is not of this world.
Jesus: from the book of John, chapter 18, verse 36