The Flag in the Sanctuary

Virtually every church in our nation has a US flag in it. But that wasn’t always the case. During World War I, the patriotism of anything German was suspect. Sauerkraut was called “victory cabbage” and German measles was renamed “victory measles.” So, in order to demonstrate their patriotism, German Lutheran churches placed flags in their sanctuaries. It seemed like a great idea, and before long flags sprouted up in places of worship across the land. And a new tradition was born.

At first blush, this seems like a good thing. After all, flags are displayed prominently in other public institutions: schools, banks, sports arenas, even car dealers. So, as a public institution, it’s appropriate for a church to fly the flag. However, there’s something different about a church from other institutions. While we are active participants in our nation’s life, our ultimate allegiance lies not with the United States of America, but with the kingdom of God. That’s why churches also display the Christian flag, and in a place of greater honor than the national flag.

To be honest, I’ve always felt uncomfortable about the flag in the sanctuary. It can be misunderstood to be an affirmation of a dangerous “God and country” mindset. It’s dangerous for three reasons. FIRST, it reduces Christianity to a civil religion practiced for the benefit of the country. That’s something Adolf Hitler tried to do, and German Christian leaders like Karl Barth courageously and vehemently denounced it. Their “Barmen Declaration” has taken its place in the Presbyterian Book of Confessions to declare that the church serves Jesus Christ alone. SECOND, “God and country” can lead to the false assumption that Christianity is an inherently American religion. American Christians are somehow more “Christian” than believers from other nations. Such bigotry has no place in a faith like ours that anticipates a gathering around God’s throne from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” (Revelation 7:9). THIRD, “God and country” is dangerous because it claims that the United States is an inherently Christian nation. If you’re a good American, then you’re a good Christian. This is false, even without considering the patriotism and faithful service of the many US citizens who follow other religions, or no religion at all. The United States is a great nation, and we are truly blessed to be part of it. But there are many ways that our country falls woefully short of God’s plan for our world.

And that is why it is not only appropriate but essential for the flag to be in our sanctuary. It is there to symbolize that our country, like each of us individually, stands under the judgment of God. It is there to remind us that our nation’s blessings are a reflection of God’s grace. It is there to hear God’s testimony and challenge for who we should be and what we should repent from.

The flag in the sanctuary is a reminder to everyone who gathers there to worship. The proclamation that we receive in worship is not for us alone. We are to carry its message to our nation: its leaders, its institutions, and its very values.