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St Mary's In-The-Hills

Episcopal Church in Lake Orion Michigan

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Pub Theology 5/28/19 — Patriotism in the pews

May 28, 2019 By Pete Trumbore

We’ve talked before about politics from the pulpit, but in this evening’s conversation we’re going to turn the spotlight in a different direction. Here the issue is patriotism in the pews.

Memorial Day is just behind us, and with July 4 on the horizon, the question of what we think about religion and expressions of patriotism, or even patriotic worship services, is relevant. Are you comfortable with singing patriotic songs in church, or with national flags in places of prominence in our sanctuaries? Is there a place for patriotism in our worship, or should these be kept apart? If so, why do you think so?

Join us for the conversation this evening beginning at 7 pm at Lockhart’s BBQ in downtown Lake Orion. To get you thinking about tonight’s topic, here are a few links to consider:

The first is a (very) short story by Mark Twain, titled “The War Prayer,” in which he raises some very challenging issues for us to think about, especially as our political leaders bang the drums of possible war with Iran.
https://warprayer.org

The second is from a Nashville, TN pastor who confesses his unease about mixing patriotism and worship.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/this-is-my-confession-i-…/…

The last piece is a full-throated defense of American patriotism from a conservative Christian perspective.
https://americanlibertywithbilllockwood.com/…/the-constitu…/

Filed Under: Pub Theology, Uncategorized

Sunday Service:
8:30 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist
10:00 am - A family friendly service available in person or via our live-stream.

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