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| Hoosier United Methodist News |
July 2002 |
The Cross and The Flag
Patriotism and discipleship, or as some might pose it, patriotism or discipleship. It is hardly a new question. It requires continuing review and it will finally be an utterly personal response. Each having to answer for him or herself. Jesus made it so when he responded to the question of allegiance to Caesar or God.
Recently the question came into play in many congregations regarding the place of the American flag in the church building or sanctuary? Where do faithful disciples and loyal Americans place a flag in home or church building. Sadly, in some instances, great division resulted, and tensions remain. I neither insist nor am offended by the placement of a flag in sanctuary, classroom, or fellowship hall. Others have a different view.
I became aware of the contradictions in a more profound sense as a youngster while in elementary school. It was during World War II. The question was not the placement of the flag, but military service. The two most important males in my life chose different paths. My father served in the armed forces, subsequently seeing "action" in Europe. My "God father" was a conscientious objector, and refused to bear arms for a nation that he concluded did not afford him full citizenship. An early lesson for me in ambiguity!
I have the utmost respect for both the cross and the flag. I worship neither! They are but symbols -- important ones -- of a deeper reality.
Being a native New Yorker, I am not easily impressed. Thus, those who wear and display both do not necessarily impress me of either their discipleship or patriotism. I learned the hard way!
I have experienced those displaying the flag behaving in ways un-American, and those displaying the cross behaving in ways un-Christian. I simply judge by fruits, not symbols.
The cross and flag are important symbols in my life, however. Long before September 11th, a flag could be seen flying aside my front door from time to time, especially on those special national days of observance. The flag that draped my father's casket is now one of my most precious possessions.
As a rule, I wear no cross or flag pinned to my lapel. I believe each American and Christian has the right to make that decision. I respect their decision. But I do not believe those more American or Christian who choose to do so, or those less so, who choose not to.
The flag and the cross have not always represented the best for which each stands. But that has not diminished my profound respect for both.
Civil authorities and newly interpreted law are removing the cross from some public places where it may have traditionally been displayed. I am more disturbed that the values that cross represents are disappearing from common discourse and daily living than the removal of it from the town square.
I am privileged, like you, to live in a land of remarkable freedom -- freedom, in fact, to criticize two of our most cherished institutions -- religion and government. Sometimes we are most patriotic and Christian when we criticize both.
Our national days of Observance, and especially July 4th, will carry special meaning this year. In the midst of all the fun, food and festivities, I shall find some quiet time to thank God for this nation, which has made the world a better place; but at times as a result of its policies and actions, made it less so.
I shall also thank God for sending Jesus into the world, and for the creation of the Church. Like my country, the Church has made the world a better place; but at times as a result of its policies and actions, has made it less so.
Yet, I will acknowledge those times when I failed to be a better American and a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I suspect sometime in a quiet place, or perhaps during the singing of some favored song of the nation, or when a long ago time is recalled, tears will be shed.
I will thank God for America and pray for other lands as well.
And alongside my front door will be displayed an American flag, and I will know why it's there -- I will know!
Last updated on 01/14/2004