For the past two weeks, the sign in front of a church near my house has advertised a “patriotic service” for Sunday, July 2. Other churches around town undoubtedly held some kind of patriotic service as well even though it wasn’t advertised. This is because patriotic services are now a nationwide phenomenon. Although they are not limited to any specific denomination, conservative evangelicals are the worst when it comes to these things.
There are three times each year when churches are likely to have patriotic services: the Sunday before the national holidays of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Veterans Day. These services are extra special (i.e., more blasphemous) when the Fourth of July or Veterans Day happens to fall on a Sunday.
Why?
Why do churches have patriotic services?
Why would a church where God is worshiped, where the word of God is preached, where hymns of praise and thanksgiving are sung, where the Bible is taught, where Christianity is proclaimed, and where Jesus Christ is exalted have a patriotic service?
Why?
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In case you are not familiar with these services, let me tell you what happens at a patriotic service. Some men will wear an American flag lapel pin on their suit coat, or even worse—a Christian cross and American flag or Christian flag and American flag lapel pin. Other men will wear an American flag tie. The pastor might lead the church in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. An image of the American flag might be put on the cover of the church bulletin. Small American flags might be placed around the church property. Extra American flags might be set up in the church building. “God Bless America” might be put on the church sign….