Allegiance to Christ or Country?
READING TIME: 19 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/421485291684518/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth.
I just want to say before we begin that we know this is a touchy subject. We are not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings especially those who have lost loved ones in wars. We know that citizens of the United States have been raised to say the pledge of allegiance, to sing the National Anthem, to be patriotic. When anyone even wants to suggest that these activities have an element of idolatry to them then people want to organize a lynch mob. The mantra of “America –Love it or Leave it” is automatically thrown in people’s faces. So much for free speech, you know. And, while, we don’t expect any different reactions from unbelievers, I would like to challenge believers who may be listening, to truly think and pray about what we have to say in this discussion before you throw stones.
Throughout this discussion I would ask for true believers to keep the following scriptures in mind and to view everything we present in terms of these scriptures:
Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Eph. 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Heb. 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
You know, I don’t know how anyone can read these verses and many others and then teach that we are to give our allegiance to any nation because our citizenship is in heaven.
July 4th has always involved a lot of celebrating since the founding of this nation and now we see an attitude of pride for this nation becoming more and more evident since the election of Pres. Trump. So many think we dodged a bullet because they think we were heading straight for communism if Hillary Clinton had been elected. Now, they believe America is turning the corner concerning the economy, our status in the world, and our treatment of Israel. I read an article on Elijah’s List where a “prophetess” said this: “Recently I heard the Lord say we had reached a turning point, and have entered a season in which America goes to the top.” She went on to reference Deut. 28:1-14, which is about the blessings resulting from obedience. Verse 13 says: "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them." (http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=20428) (And, of course, we repeatedly heard the make America great again mantra all during the election season and it continues today. This absolutely ties right in with the fact that so many in the “church” world have lost any sense of preaching the true gospel of salvation and are pushing this “your best life now” dream-destiny nonsense. In addition, many are pushing an ecumenical let’s all join hands, sing kumbaya, and then supposedly we can solve all the world’s problems position. Those who don’t want to join in the false unity parade will at least vocalize an attitude of being tolerant of other religions because, of course, freedom of religion is one of those rights for which people have died. Or, so the talking points go).
Concerning the 4th of July, specifically, many will make such statements as REMEMBER FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! around this time of year. And, of course, they are referring to the soldiers who have died during various wars in which this nation has been involved. I believe this is just one of many ways the enemy gets us to focus on man rather than Jesus. Our ultimate liberty is found in Jesus, and while we have no desire to disrespect any soldier or veteran, we believe many people have lost the proper allegiance true believers will have for Christ alone.
Others will insist their allegiance is to Christ and that they just respect the flag and this nation and those who died so others could have these freedoms. They insist they can do both; worship Christ and respect man. But, because our carnal flesh is so prideful, we end up placing the focus overwhelmingly on man.
For example, many have heard the following phrase: Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom. (But, I am literally shocked that any true believer would even think it is all right to put Jesus and mere man in the same sentence like this. There is absolutely no comparison between what Jesus has accomplished for us and what any man has done. And, besides the statement is incorrect because no man has died for our freedoms, not really. True freedom is found only in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. And, you know, every person who is able to talk has freedom of speech. We are all able to say anything we want. Now, of course, the consequences for what we say are different from country to country. But, I don’t see anywhere in God’s Word that we are to hold back due to possible consequences. John the Baptist didn’t hold back; Stephen didn’t hold back; and many others. Did they lose their lives? Yes, but according to Col. 3:3 that I already read, we are dead anyway and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. And, then verse 4 says, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. This should be our focus, not some particular “rights” or “freedoms.”
And, since we have mentioned war I think it would be a good idea to briefly mention the American Revolution which patriots recognize as the war that made this nation free from British rule. While I realize the Declaration of Independence contains a list of grievances against King George III, and the British Parliament, such as the quartering of British troops in colonists’ homes and lack of Parliamentary representation for the colonists, most historians agree that the Revolution was a “tax revolt, first and foremost.” In regards to taxes, the mantra “no taxation without representation” should ring a bell to every American. However, the truth is even during the events leading up to the Revolution taxes were significantly lower in the Colonies than in England! In fact, “The tax burden of the nearly two million colonists was per capita only one twenty-fifth of the tax burden for the roughly 8.5 million residents of Britain.” Unfortunately, the reality that Parliament could impose taxes, led the colonists to fear that further controls would be taken. Sadly, as history shows, some colonists believed that this was all part of some conspiracy to eventually eliminate all liberty, so they took up arms and fired the first shot at Lexington. But rather ironically I would say, the relationship between the Colonies and England was no different than modern U.S. policy in Puerto Rico – whose people get taxed without representation. (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2012/07/04/just-jesus-july-4th/) (But, saying all that to ask, were the colonists truly justified in waging war against the British especially if they were founding a Christian nation which most people think they were? That is something to certainly think about).
Now, I want to share some from a recent article in Christianity Today to make the point that America is not now, and never has been, a Christian nation. Once people understand we are not then it becomes obvious we shouldn’t pledge allegiance to a flag or a nation.
The author of the article says, “There is nothing in our Constitution that makes that assertion. Zambia has declared itself a Christian nation, as have Denmark and Costa Rica and a few others. But we have not. (In fact, just to insert here, the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli announced firmly and flatly to the world that "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." This treaty was begun by George Washington, signed by John Adams and ratified unanimously by a Senate still half-filled with signers of the Constitution).
Continuing with the article, It is often said that our founding leaders were mostly Christians and they shaped the nation to that end, if not formally. This is patently untrue. While some were devout Christians, others were deists (like George Washington), and some were hostile to orthodox Christianity (like Thomas Jefferson who created his own Bible by cutting out any references to miraculous events and just to note he did not accept the doctrines of the virgin birth, the resurrection of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus, nor did he believe in original sin or justification by faith). (https://infidels.org/library/modern/michael_buckner/unchristian-roots.html) To be sure, the founders crafted our founding documents in a time when Christian values hung in the air. Their goal, however, was not to create a Christian nation but a free people. These are the simple historical facts of the matter. (And, I know that will upset some people especially all those who posted scriptures on July 4th such as whom the Son has set free is free indeed along with pictures of the American flag. But, that scripture has nothing to do with this country so I have no idea why anyone would post this except that people have been majorly indoctrinated to think this is a Christian nation).
I think the confusion arises because there is much information to point to the fact that for many years America seems to have been comprised of a largely “moral and religious people.” For example: Some of the founding fathers quoted scriptures in their letters to each other; many of them attended churches; public misbehavior was punished publicly as with the Puritans; during colonial times the New England Primer was used to teach the alphabet, syllables, and sentence formation, and contained practice sentences such as “in Adam’s fall we sinned all;” and the majority of people will check off Christian on any form asking for their religious affiliation. However, now with that identity slipping away, we see calls for the 10 commandments and prayer to be allowed back in the schools. But, true believers know that neither morality nor religion can be deemed the markers of a true Christian. Matt. 7:16 says “ye shall know them by their fruits.” Gal. 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. And, with these in mind here are two more reasons from the above-mentioned article that the United States cannot be considered a Christian nation:
The first is the conquering and subjugation of Native Americans. This land was not a barren, unpopulated wilderness when Europeans arrived. From day one, there have been a variety of people here—Navajo and Sioux, Choctaw and Cherokee and more than 500 other groups. Each with a unique language, culture, and history. Each bearing the image of God. And each, one by one, mercilessly conquered and then pushed aside into reservations. There is no other way to put it. During its westward expansion, the United States signed more than 500 treaties with Native American nations, and each and every one was eventually broken unilaterally by the US. This is not national behavior one could call Christian.
Second is the enslavement of Africans, which began officially in 1641 when the Massachusetts Colony passed the “Body of Liberties” and ironically permitted slavery under certain conditions. Our Constitution recognized the legality of slavery and the unequal status of slaves with the three-fifths compromise. With this small beginning emerged a cruel system that encompassed nearly 4 million slaves by the beginning of the Civil War. It would be hard to deny that the early economic growth of our nation depended on the use of slave labor.
What should give Christians pause is the fact that devout Christians justified the conquering and often the slaughter of Native Americans as well as the brutal enslavement of Africans in our land. These are not incidental moments of injustice, but deliberate and steady, justified decade after decade with the Bible in one hand, and expedience in the other, by millions of believers.
The point is this: Can we in any way, shape, or form say that America was founded on Christian principles when its very existence and prosperity were set on a foundation of unimaginable cruelty to millions of other human beings? (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/july-web-only/july-4-christian-nation-great-terrible-galli.html
And, to return to the point from the article that nothing in the Constitution makes the assertion we are a Christian nation I want to present a few points that show the Constitution is actually in direct conflict with the Bible (https://historymythbusters.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/mythbuster-case4-by-their-fruits-ye-shall-know-them/)
1) making “we the people” rather than God the source of governing authority. (Preamble)
2) rejecting the Bible in favor of “this constitution” and all treaties and human laws “made in pursuance thereof” as “the supreme law of the land.” (Art VI)
3) outlawing all Biblical requirements for public office. (Art VI)
4) contradicting God’s First Commandment to “have no other gods before me” (First Amendment) by allowing freedom of religion which means that people have the freedom to blaspheme God and worship idols. (And, there are many more points that could be made along these lines. I also want to add the fact that James Madison, the 4th president, praised the new Constitution for keeping faith out of federal officeholding, which would welcome individuals "of every description, whether native or adoptive, whether young or old, and without regard to poverty or wealth, or to any particular profession of religious faith") (http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/02/living/america-christian-nation/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29).
So, we believe all these points support the position that the United States is not now, and never has been, a Christian nation. These facts should certainly make Christians wonder why they are giving their allegiance to a flag and to a nation.
Let’s move on and discuss the pledge of allegiance for a few minutes now. Something most people probably don’t know is it was written by Francis Bellamy, a “Christian Socialist” pushed out of his post as a Baptist minister for delivering pulpit-pounding sermons on such topics as “Jesus the Socialist.” (https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/whats-conservative-about-pledge-allegiance)
Then, in 1953, the Roman Catholic men's group, the Knights of Columbus, mounted a campaign to add the words "under God" to the Pledge. The nation was suffering through the height of the cold war with Russia and her communist ideals, and many Americans began to call for a uniquely American pledge. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_pled1.htm)
When the words, “under God,” were added to the pledge in 1954, President Eisenhower said, “From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty....(But, that doesn’t make any sense for him to have mentioned “dedication to the Almighty” because with freedom of religion as part of the Bill of Rights there are any number of different religions represented by the children in any classroom across the United States on any given school day).
And, interestingly enough, the Jehovah’s Witnesses argued that “reciting the pledge violated their prohibition against venerating a graven image.” In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. How interesting is that? And, of course, we are not promoting the religion of the Jehovah’s Witnesses before anyone thinks that.
Now, we want to mention part of a sermon given by Donnie Swaggart on July 1 concerning the 4th of July and the flag and so forth. We are not picking on him because we know many evangelical pastors would have given a patriotic type of message this past Sunday. You know, a question we really need to ask is why are there flags on the platforms of so many churches in this nation? Sadly, we have been indoctrinated to think this is just fine. But, Sister Tammy, would you share what you have prepared with us at this time?
The independence of the Nation of USA- Donnie Swaggart expressed his love for nation, wanting best for nation and claimed twice he was proud to be an American.
The flag he asked to be brought on stage even stating some would maybe be offended by this but that he did not care less, told people to get out of the country and go to Cuba or Venezuela and not to come back. – How terrible a way to speak to people that have a genuine concern for flag idolatry and country worship! Even mixed with the gospel, it makes it a faulty gospel!
Donnie exclaimed how the flag was not just cloth – He said it represented freedom. Liberty and gave the right and privileges to speak your mind! No disrespect but it is only a piece of cloth and what it stands for really in these people’s eyes is what the nation’s Government stand for, what the country stands for! So let’s take a look at what the USA actually stand for, one thing Donnie got right is that it does really give you the right to worship as you want, let’s look at what God’s Word states about this – False teachers are to be rebuked and exposed, other religions will never be given the freedom to be expressed by God, even though men and women choose to bring in false gods and idol worship, God is not giving Christians the command to encourage this so that we get our freedom from the political system to speak freely. We speak freely no matter what country we are in and if we are in a country that has a government in which allowing Christians the right let’s say to say what they want or not, then this should make no difference on how we are to be faithful to God.
Religious liberty is thought to be a concept that is biblical, but really can we see God in the Old or New Testament advocating this? He told us to obey God over man and if people want to argue about this then just let’s look at a simple analogy, look at the sin of murder for instance and let’s say murderers want freedom to be able to murder, well if we were to say yes to a system that advocated this so that they would let us preach the gospel, would we do this? Would we pledge our allegiance to this and give time in our church services to this? Or would we just preach the gospel and live right lives before an unsaved world? Obey the Lord and peaceably as much as it lies with us? Not going around like brute beasts causing unrest but simply being as gentle as doves and wise as serpents in a pack of wolves? Do we purposely go out of our way to disobey God? Not at all. The Apostle Paul would preach in any situation, Peter and John the same, in chains or not! The gospel actually was spread the more persecution that arose. It is very scary to me to encourage people to pledge to a flag, or that which it stands when it represents idolatry, false worship, allows for gay marriage, abortion, pornography, gambling and greed! Can we honestly say that this is what we would want to give our loyalty to? My conscience and God given changed heart cannot for one second bow the knee or stand in respect to this after knowing all Jesus came to do for my sin on the cross!
Donnie went on to say that the flag gave him the chills, - “there is no flag that gives me the chills, like the chills I get when I see the old stars and stripes”
He said how again he was proud to be American and how God granted the grace to be born in America and he was not ashamed of it. The Bible is not really looking to a location where you are born, God is looking for men and women with a heart after Himself, that are born again and looking to Jesus and of course be grateful for all He provides and help other with less, but not to for one minute make the country as though it is better than others because having wealth and things is not a means to godliness. 1 Tim. 6:5 - Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Donnie went on to say that he cherished every right and freedom and honoring every man and women that have given their lives for these liberties enjoyed! Again these people dying for people to have the right to put out a false Jesus is not really something I personally would like to congratulate; it is love that matters and love that God gives in the heart that we do all things unto. The world can and does not know God unless they have been redeemed. These are fighting for freedom to have a peaceable life where everyone can believe what they want and all are fed and watered with no animosity and at the end of it will lead to a one world religion with the Antichrist as its head because they refused to acknowledge the Only God. Not one that receives all religions!
Within nations we see that these do not all make up born again believers within the nations. We see in places like America and the UK that there are Jehovah Witnesses, Muslim, Catholic, Mormon, Christian, atheists, pagans and so on. This is the same in many nations and just because the government of that nation says they are One Nation Under God, we must ask what God? What kind of God does that government portray? We can see in America it is a god that believes Muslims, Jews and Catholics have the same God! The same I can safely say of the UK, according to the interfaith dialogues we are constantly witnessing and ecumenical pushes for a One World Religion, all at peace with one and all!
Just to finish up, Donnie exclaimed that “we will never bow when the Anthem is played, we will always stand” – This I believe was Donnie way of saying he would respect the flag and pledge the allegiance to it because he truly believes it stands for Christian principles, but I think we can safely conclude with this discussion and a little study that this is contrary to his belief. I do not mean to ever sound rude or disrespectful when sharing about these things but we must not be deceived by the ways that the enemy is using to draw souls into idolatry and eventually an Antichrist system.
Thank you so much for all of that, sister Tammy. I just want to mention that after he said all this the choir and the singers started singing “God Bless America.” Now, we have mentioned the fact many times that there is a spirit behind all music and if it isn’t the Holy Spirit then we know what spirit it is. Something most people probably don’t realize is the composer of “God Bless America” is Irving Berlin and he was a Freemason. So, true believers won’t have anything to do with this song considering the spirit behind it.
I don’t have anything else at this time, sister Tammy, except to say that the born-again, child of God is free no matter the country in which they live. We are free from bondage to sin and free from the eternal penalty for sin because of the price Jesus Christ paid on the cross. To Him and Him alone is our allegiance due.
READING TIME: 19 MINUTES
The following are the notes to the discussion found at this link (https://www.facebook.com/tammy.cheetham.77/videos/421485291684518/) for anyone who would like to study the subject more in depth.
I just want to say before we begin that we know this is a touchy subject. We are not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings especially those who have lost loved ones in wars. We know that citizens of the United States have been raised to say the pledge of allegiance, to sing the National Anthem, to be patriotic. When anyone even wants to suggest that these activities have an element of idolatry to them then people want to organize a lynch mob. The mantra of “America –Love it or Leave it” is automatically thrown in people’s faces. So much for free speech, you know. And, while, we don’t expect any different reactions from unbelievers, I would like to challenge believers who may be listening, to truly think and pray about what we have to say in this discussion before you throw stones.
Throughout this discussion I would ask for true believers to keep the following scriptures in mind and to view everything we present in terms of these scriptures:
Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Eph. 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Heb. 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
You know, I don’t know how anyone can read these verses and many others and then teach that we are to give our allegiance to any nation because our citizenship is in heaven.
July 4th has always involved a lot of celebrating since the founding of this nation and now we see an attitude of pride for this nation becoming more and more evident since the election of Pres. Trump. So many think we dodged a bullet because they think we were heading straight for communism if Hillary Clinton had been elected. Now, they believe America is turning the corner concerning the economy, our status in the world, and our treatment of Israel. I read an article on Elijah’s List where a “prophetess” said this: “Recently I heard the Lord say we had reached a turning point, and have entered a season in which America goes to the top.” She went on to reference Deut. 28:1-14, which is about the blessings resulting from obedience. Verse 13 says: "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them." (http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=20428) (And, of course, we repeatedly heard the make America great again mantra all during the election season and it continues today. This absolutely ties right in with the fact that so many in the “church” world have lost any sense of preaching the true gospel of salvation and are pushing this “your best life now” dream-destiny nonsense. In addition, many are pushing an ecumenical let’s all join hands, sing kumbaya, and then supposedly we can solve all the world’s problems position. Those who don’t want to join in the false unity parade will at least vocalize an attitude of being tolerant of other religions because, of course, freedom of religion is one of those rights for which people have died. Or, so the talking points go).
Concerning the 4th of July, specifically, many will make such statements as REMEMBER FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! around this time of year. And, of course, they are referring to the soldiers who have died during various wars in which this nation has been involved. I believe this is just one of many ways the enemy gets us to focus on man rather than Jesus. Our ultimate liberty is found in Jesus, and while we have no desire to disrespect any soldier or veteran, we believe many people have lost the proper allegiance true believers will have for Christ alone.
Others will insist their allegiance is to Christ and that they just respect the flag and this nation and those who died so others could have these freedoms. They insist they can do both; worship Christ and respect man. But, because our carnal flesh is so prideful, we end up placing the focus overwhelmingly on man.
For example, many have heard the following phrase: Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom. (But, I am literally shocked that any true believer would even think it is all right to put Jesus and mere man in the same sentence like this. There is absolutely no comparison between what Jesus has accomplished for us and what any man has done. And, besides the statement is incorrect because no man has died for our freedoms, not really. True freedom is found only in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. And, you know, every person who is able to talk has freedom of speech. We are all able to say anything we want. Now, of course, the consequences for what we say are different from country to country. But, I don’t see anywhere in God’s Word that we are to hold back due to possible consequences. John the Baptist didn’t hold back; Stephen didn’t hold back; and many others. Did they lose their lives? Yes, but according to Col. 3:3 that I already read, we are dead anyway and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. And, then verse 4 says, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. This should be our focus, not some particular “rights” or “freedoms.”
And, since we have mentioned war I think it would be a good idea to briefly mention the American Revolution which patriots recognize as the war that made this nation free from British rule. While I realize the Declaration of Independence contains a list of grievances against King George III, and the British Parliament, such as the quartering of British troops in colonists’ homes and lack of Parliamentary representation for the colonists, most historians agree that the Revolution was a “tax revolt, first and foremost.” In regards to taxes, the mantra “no taxation without representation” should ring a bell to every American. However, the truth is even during the events leading up to the Revolution taxes were significantly lower in the Colonies than in England! In fact, “The tax burden of the nearly two million colonists was per capita only one twenty-fifth of the tax burden for the roughly 8.5 million residents of Britain.” Unfortunately, the reality that Parliament could impose taxes, led the colonists to fear that further controls would be taken. Sadly, as history shows, some colonists believed that this was all part of some conspiracy to eventually eliminate all liberty, so they took up arms and fired the first shot at Lexington. But rather ironically I would say, the relationship between the Colonies and England was no different than modern U.S. policy in Puerto Rico – whose people get taxed without representation. (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2012/07/04/just-jesus-july-4th/) (But, saying all that to ask, were the colonists truly justified in waging war against the British especially if they were founding a Christian nation which most people think they were? That is something to certainly think about).
Now, I want to share some from a recent article in Christianity Today to make the point that America is not now, and never has been, a Christian nation. Once people understand we are not then it becomes obvious we shouldn’t pledge allegiance to a flag or a nation.
The author of the article says, “There is nothing in our Constitution that makes that assertion. Zambia has declared itself a Christian nation, as have Denmark and Costa Rica and a few others. But we have not. (In fact, just to insert here, the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli announced firmly and flatly to the world that "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." This treaty was begun by George Washington, signed by John Adams and ratified unanimously by a Senate still half-filled with signers of the Constitution).
Continuing with the article, It is often said that our founding leaders were mostly Christians and they shaped the nation to that end, if not formally. This is patently untrue. While some were devout Christians, others were deists (like George Washington), and some were hostile to orthodox Christianity (like Thomas Jefferson who created his own Bible by cutting out any references to miraculous events and just to note he did not accept the doctrines of the virgin birth, the resurrection of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus, nor did he believe in original sin or justification by faith). (https://infidels.org/library/modern/michael_buckner/unchristian-roots.html) To be sure, the founders crafted our founding documents in a time when Christian values hung in the air. Their goal, however, was not to create a Christian nation but a free people. These are the simple historical facts of the matter. (And, I know that will upset some people especially all those who posted scriptures on July 4th such as whom the Son has set free is free indeed along with pictures of the American flag. But, that scripture has nothing to do with this country so I have no idea why anyone would post this except that people have been majorly indoctrinated to think this is a Christian nation).
I think the confusion arises because there is much information to point to the fact that for many years America seems to have been comprised of a largely “moral and religious people.” For example: Some of the founding fathers quoted scriptures in their letters to each other; many of them attended churches; public misbehavior was punished publicly as with the Puritans; during colonial times the New England Primer was used to teach the alphabet, syllables, and sentence formation, and contained practice sentences such as “in Adam’s fall we sinned all;” and the majority of people will check off Christian on any form asking for their religious affiliation. However, now with that identity slipping away, we see calls for the 10 commandments and prayer to be allowed back in the schools. But, true believers know that neither morality nor religion can be deemed the markers of a true Christian. Matt. 7:16 says “ye shall know them by their fruits.” Gal. 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. And, with these in mind here are two more reasons from the above-mentioned article that the United States cannot be considered a Christian nation:
The first is the conquering and subjugation of Native Americans. This land was not a barren, unpopulated wilderness when Europeans arrived. From day one, there have been a variety of people here—Navajo and Sioux, Choctaw and Cherokee and more than 500 other groups. Each with a unique language, culture, and history. Each bearing the image of God. And each, one by one, mercilessly conquered and then pushed aside into reservations. There is no other way to put it. During its westward expansion, the United States signed more than 500 treaties with Native American nations, and each and every one was eventually broken unilaterally by the US. This is not national behavior one could call Christian.
Second is the enslavement of Africans, which began officially in 1641 when the Massachusetts Colony passed the “Body of Liberties” and ironically permitted slavery under certain conditions. Our Constitution recognized the legality of slavery and the unequal status of slaves with the three-fifths compromise. With this small beginning emerged a cruel system that encompassed nearly 4 million slaves by the beginning of the Civil War. It would be hard to deny that the early economic growth of our nation depended on the use of slave labor.
What should give Christians pause is the fact that devout Christians justified the conquering and often the slaughter of Native Americans as well as the brutal enslavement of Africans in our land. These are not incidental moments of injustice, but deliberate and steady, justified decade after decade with the Bible in one hand, and expedience in the other, by millions of believers.
The point is this: Can we in any way, shape, or form say that America was founded on Christian principles when its very existence and prosperity were set on a foundation of unimaginable cruelty to millions of other human beings? (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/july-web-only/july-4-christian-nation-great-terrible-galli.html
And, to return to the point from the article that nothing in the Constitution makes the assertion we are a Christian nation I want to present a few points that show the Constitution is actually in direct conflict with the Bible (https://historymythbusters.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/mythbuster-case4-by-their-fruits-ye-shall-know-them/)
1) making “we the people” rather than God the source of governing authority. (Preamble)
2) rejecting the Bible in favor of “this constitution” and all treaties and human laws “made in pursuance thereof” as “the supreme law of the land.” (Art VI)
3) outlawing all Biblical requirements for public office. (Art VI)
4) contradicting God’s First Commandment to “have no other gods before me” (First Amendment) by allowing freedom of religion which means that people have the freedom to blaspheme God and worship idols. (And, there are many more points that could be made along these lines. I also want to add the fact that James Madison, the 4th president, praised the new Constitution for keeping faith out of federal officeholding, which would welcome individuals "of every description, whether native or adoptive, whether young or old, and without regard to poverty or wealth, or to any particular profession of religious faith") (http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/02/living/america-christian-nation/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+CNN+-+Most+Recent%29).
So, we believe all these points support the position that the United States is not now, and never has been, a Christian nation. These facts should certainly make Christians wonder why they are giving their allegiance to a flag and to a nation.
Let’s move on and discuss the pledge of allegiance for a few minutes now. Something most people probably don’t know is it was written by Francis Bellamy, a “Christian Socialist” pushed out of his post as a Baptist minister for delivering pulpit-pounding sermons on such topics as “Jesus the Socialist.” (https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/whats-conservative-about-pledge-allegiance)
Then, in 1953, the Roman Catholic men's group, the Knights of Columbus, mounted a campaign to add the words "under God" to the Pledge. The nation was suffering through the height of the cold war with Russia and her communist ideals, and many Americans began to call for a uniquely American pledge. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_pled1.htm)
When the words, “under God,” were added to the pledge in 1954, President Eisenhower said, “From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty....(But, that doesn’t make any sense for him to have mentioned “dedication to the Almighty” because with freedom of religion as part of the Bill of Rights there are any number of different religions represented by the children in any classroom across the United States on any given school day).
And, interestingly enough, the Jehovah’s Witnesses argued that “reciting the pledge violated their prohibition against venerating a graven image.” In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor. How interesting is that? And, of course, we are not promoting the religion of the Jehovah’s Witnesses before anyone thinks that.
Now, we want to mention part of a sermon given by Donnie Swaggart on July 1 concerning the 4th of July and the flag and so forth. We are not picking on him because we know many evangelical pastors would have given a patriotic type of message this past Sunday. You know, a question we really need to ask is why are there flags on the platforms of so many churches in this nation? Sadly, we have been indoctrinated to think this is just fine. But, Sister Tammy, would you share what you have prepared with us at this time?
The independence of the Nation of USA- Donnie Swaggart expressed his love for nation, wanting best for nation and claimed twice he was proud to be an American.
The flag he asked to be brought on stage even stating some would maybe be offended by this but that he did not care less, told people to get out of the country and go to Cuba or Venezuela and not to come back. – How terrible a way to speak to people that have a genuine concern for flag idolatry and country worship! Even mixed with the gospel, it makes it a faulty gospel!
Donnie exclaimed how the flag was not just cloth – He said it represented freedom. Liberty and gave the right and privileges to speak your mind! No disrespect but it is only a piece of cloth and what it stands for really in these people’s eyes is what the nation’s Government stand for, what the country stands for! So let’s take a look at what the USA actually stand for, one thing Donnie got right is that it does really give you the right to worship as you want, let’s look at what God’s Word states about this – False teachers are to be rebuked and exposed, other religions will never be given the freedom to be expressed by God, even though men and women choose to bring in false gods and idol worship, God is not giving Christians the command to encourage this so that we get our freedom from the political system to speak freely. We speak freely no matter what country we are in and if we are in a country that has a government in which allowing Christians the right let’s say to say what they want or not, then this should make no difference on how we are to be faithful to God.
Religious liberty is thought to be a concept that is biblical, but really can we see God in the Old or New Testament advocating this? He told us to obey God over man and if people want to argue about this then just let’s look at a simple analogy, look at the sin of murder for instance and let’s say murderers want freedom to be able to murder, well if we were to say yes to a system that advocated this so that they would let us preach the gospel, would we do this? Would we pledge our allegiance to this and give time in our church services to this? Or would we just preach the gospel and live right lives before an unsaved world? Obey the Lord and peaceably as much as it lies with us? Not going around like brute beasts causing unrest but simply being as gentle as doves and wise as serpents in a pack of wolves? Do we purposely go out of our way to disobey God? Not at all. The Apostle Paul would preach in any situation, Peter and John the same, in chains or not! The gospel actually was spread the more persecution that arose. It is very scary to me to encourage people to pledge to a flag, or that which it stands when it represents idolatry, false worship, allows for gay marriage, abortion, pornography, gambling and greed! Can we honestly say that this is what we would want to give our loyalty to? My conscience and God given changed heart cannot for one second bow the knee or stand in respect to this after knowing all Jesus came to do for my sin on the cross!
Donnie went on to say that the flag gave him the chills, - “there is no flag that gives me the chills, like the chills I get when I see the old stars and stripes”
He said how again he was proud to be American and how God granted the grace to be born in America and he was not ashamed of it. The Bible is not really looking to a location where you are born, God is looking for men and women with a heart after Himself, that are born again and looking to Jesus and of course be grateful for all He provides and help other with less, but not to for one minute make the country as though it is better than others because having wealth and things is not a means to godliness. 1 Tim. 6:5 - Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Donnie went on to say that he cherished every right and freedom and honoring every man and women that have given their lives for these liberties enjoyed! Again these people dying for people to have the right to put out a false Jesus is not really something I personally would like to congratulate; it is love that matters and love that God gives in the heart that we do all things unto. The world can and does not know God unless they have been redeemed. These are fighting for freedom to have a peaceable life where everyone can believe what they want and all are fed and watered with no animosity and at the end of it will lead to a one world religion with the Antichrist as its head because they refused to acknowledge the Only God. Not one that receives all religions!
Within nations we see that these do not all make up born again believers within the nations. We see in places like America and the UK that there are Jehovah Witnesses, Muslim, Catholic, Mormon, Christian, atheists, pagans and so on. This is the same in many nations and just because the government of that nation says they are One Nation Under God, we must ask what God? What kind of God does that government portray? We can see in America it is a god that believes Muslims, Jews and Catholics have the same God! The same I can safely say of the UK, according to the interfaith dialogues we are constantly witnessing and ecumenical pushes for a One World Religion, all at peace with one and all!
Just to finish up, Donnie exclaimed that “we will never bow when the Anthem is played, we will always stand” – This I believe was Donnie way of saying he would respect the flag and pledge the allegiance to it because he truly believes it stands for Christian principles, but I think we can safely conclude with this discussion and a little study that this is contrary to his belief. I do not mean to ever sound rude or disrespectful when sharing about these things but we must not be deceived by the ways that the enemy is using to draw souls into idolatry and eventually an Antichrist system.
Thank you so much for all of that, sister Tammy. I just want to mention that after he said all this the choir and the singers started singing “God Bless America.” Now, we have mentioned the fact many times that there is a spirit behind all music and if it isn’t the Holy Spirit then we know what spirit it is. Something most people probably don’t realize is the composer of “God Bless America” is Irving Berlin and he was a Freemason. So, true believers won’t have anything to do with this song considering the spirit behind it.
I don’t have anything else at this time, sister Tammy, except to say that the born-again, child of God is free no matter the country in which they live. We are free from bondage to sin and free from the eternal penalty for sin because of the price Jesus Christ paid on the cross. To Him and Him alone is our allegiance due.