As July 4 approaches, Pam Durso, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry in Atlanta, Georgia, reflects on the dilemma many Baptists face when church and state converge on Sunday morning.
Given that I have not been on a church staff or been on a church’s regular preaching rotation, I have preached a fair share of “July 4th”sermons. I always assumed that that I was asked because I am a Baptist historian, and Baptist history and freedom themed-sermons go together like peanut butter and jelly. I also always assumed that pastors like taking their vacations that first week of July.
A few years ago, however, I finally figured out the real reason that I get so many preaching opportunities for July 4th Sunday. It is one of the hardest Sundays of the year—if you happen to be a Baptist who is committed to church-state separation.
Because I like to preach and have a good supply of Baptist freedom sermons, I have always agreed to take on the assignments. My supply preacher status, of course, means that I have no little to input into worship planning. So most times I don’t know what to expect when I drive into the church’s parking lot.
In some of the July 4th services, I have been pleasantly surprised by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the worship planning, and some years I have been . . . well, some years I just haven’t known how to respond.
So before you read on . . . you have to know that I am a patriot. I love the United States. I am proud to be an American. I value this nation and the freedom we have. I love singing God Bless America at baseball games, and I get teary-eyed when the Star-Spangled Banner is played by high school football bands. But if I am really honest, I have to tell you that I have a really hard time singing those same patriotic songs in church. I am very uncomfortable saying the Pledge of Allegiance during worship. And I struggle when I see the waving of an American flag in a sanctuary.
As a Baptist who fully embraces separation of church and state, I now hesitate to make pledges in church to anyone or anything other than God. As a Christian who has recognizes that we Americans tend to make idols out of just about any and everything, I struggle when services begin to feel more like celebrations of the American nation than worship of the living God. And as I have embraced an awareness that I am part of a worldwide community of faith, I cringe when I see people from other nations in attendance at a July 4 service—I hope and pray that they are not being made to feel unwelcomed because they are not American.
Lest you think I don’t “get it.” I do. Like most long-time Baptists, I grew up eagerly participating in patriotic services at church—July 4th musicals, flag processionals, and pledges to the flag and Bible are part of my childhood memories of church. And I know how much flag processionals mean to veterans and their families. I know how heartwarming patriotic songs can be for many church members. I know that the American flag will show up in the sanctuary on July 4 Sunday, because most folks want and expect it to be there. I understand—and am sympathetic to those feelings and expectations. But still I cringe my way through most July 4th services.
So what’s a separationist to do?
My best suggestion for Baptists who are supporters of the separation of church and state is to go to church this July 4th Sunday and make it a day of prayer. We need as individuals and congregations to pray for this country that we love, pray for its leaders, pray for its people, asking God to give us courage to stand against injustice, patience in living with one another, civility in our conversations and debates, and boldness in our commitment to freedom for all people everywhere.
My other best suggestion is that the most helpful resources for creative and thoughtful worship planning for the July 4th Sunday are found on the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty’s website! I hope you will visit it often! http://www.bjconline.org
Thank you for this very helpfull resource. We need to be aware of the various openions on separation of church & state.
John Doler at Leland, MS, used to have Baptist Heritage Day each 4th of July at his church. It was a great way to celebrate the Baptist contribution to religious freedom on Independence Day.
Excellent! Some of the best resources are an articulation of what many believe and yet struggle to say and discuss. It’s your best work yet! You should consider writing something on the injustice associated with ministerial tax status.
As an American who has lived outside our country for 30 years, I can identify with many of your observations. I have European Baptist friends who came back from a visit to the USA bewildered after seeing the American flag displayed in congregations along with, or on an equal level with, the Christian flag. Global Baptists who have suffered at the hand of extremist nationalism (ex. Nazi era) warn that Americans should be watchful when dealing with nationalism.
You expressed my feelings on the topic almost exactly. I serve a congregation with people from very many nations. Some are naturalized citizens, some have green cards, some are temporary residents, some diplomats, etc. What does it say to these members when the pledge to the U.S. flag is led as part of worship?
Pam, excellent statement! Last 4th of July weekend, Mary Jane and I visited a large CBF church in Gainesville, GA. It was impossible to tell whether we were at a patriotic rally or in worship. I was personally shocked. Still, as the New Testament teaches, a church has a duty to promote Christian citizenship development. In doing so, however, it should engage in an act of worship, not an act of civil religion.
Well said, Pam! You have inspired me. I think I will be much more prepared and much less nervous on July 4th Sunday. Thank you.
Thank you, Pam, for putting this in such a concise form.