Should Christians wear patriotic t-shirts? Why not? The USA, my home country, was built on Judeo-Christian values. Simply put, “it is not just a civic duty to love and support America, it is also a Christian duty.” (Brandon O’Brien, ChristianityToday.com)
Wearing Patriotic T-shirts in Church?
I’m a member of a rather untraditional Christian church. Quite a lot of us wear t-shirts to church on Sundays. And not all of them are faith-based, though many are. Some are humorous, others are pretty straightforward. And even others are definitely “in your face” when it comes to politics.
But What About this Separation of Church & State?
Most discussions about the separation of church and state oppose the role of Christianity in the United States and stem from pure ignorance of the Constitution. The “Separation of Church and State” was never meant to keep the church out of politics or politics out of the church.
There are people who insist our Constitution established a separation of church and state. Clueless, they don’t realize their claim, and their obvious self-satisfaction with stating it, simply proves they’ve never read the Constitution and lack any knowledge of what it says.
Can You Say “AGENDA?”
The media often report on this “fact” of the church-state separation and call it professional journalism. The politically correct engage in long and sometimes detailed conversations based on this lie. How can mature, at least chronologically, people hold so tightly to an opinion so obviously false?
Patriotism & Christianity Go Hand-in-Hand
The United States Constitution clearly intends for Christianity to influence how our nation is governed. For example, Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution states: “The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers.”
One of the officers is the Chaplain of the House and is an elected position. The chaplains are paid to open every session with prayer and offer counsel to members of the body.
Would the originators of the Constitution include a provision to perpetuate the great importance they attached to the Christian faith, a provision planned to endure throughout the life of this nation, then say religion could have no part in our governance?
The “separation of church and state” phrase came from Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Baptist Sunday School Association in Danbury Connecticut. However, the letter is not about keeping Christian influence out of government; instead, it’s about the Federal Government not interfering in the free practice of religion.
So, there is no separation of church and state, and Thomas Jefferson lived and supported the Christian faith.
According to the Congressional Record, the first session of the United States Congress started with several hours of Bible study and prayer. All members participated. The practice of starting each session with prayer and Bible study continued for years.
So, the Constitution does not mention the “separation of church and state.” History proves the United States was founded as a Christian nation.
Political or Patriotic T-shirts
Patriotic t-shirts are a great and subtle way to show you both love the Lord and love your country! And since the United States has freedom of speech, you can wear your patriotic t-shirts or hoodies with pride!
