“We have included also a patriotic theme in one lancet which includes George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Robert Lee,” Richards wrote in a 1960 letter to a friend, which church leaders discovered in the archives. “We have a strong southern influence here in Boise.”
So, just like the UMC is obsessed with "inclusion" today, it was then as well. The more you lose sight of Jesus, the more problems you get.
It is part of the overall diminution of liturgy, which accelerated with the popularity of the modern evangelical movement that began in the late 60's early 70's.
ReplyDeleteThe "we don't have a liturgy" claim coincides with the phenomenon; every local body has one, it is whatever practice that is adopted. "But its not formal"; of course it is, and easy to see as every member knows exactly what to do at each juncture in the service.
I would argue that there is even no place for a nation's flag anywhere in the focal location (dais, pulpit, stage, etc) because the bible teaches that corporate worship is a form of ascension into the throne room of the King of kings (Hebrews 12:18-28). All kingdoms are below The King, and so placing any national emblem in that location is similar to placing other flags on equal footing with the U.S. flag, a breach of flag protocol.
Symbols convey meaning, and can also slowly change thinking.