In ancient Rome the line between patriotism and worship was often non-existent. This was not so much a unity of state and religion as we conceive of it in Medieval European terms. It was not the religion that the emperor chose to support, but the popularly accepted way of understanding reality. Naturally, the state used these emotionally packed symbols and beliefs to encourage loyalty among it’s populace. Dead emperors were even sometimes declared to be gods.
As I learn about the Roman popular cult, I naturally compare it to America. We pride ourselves on our separation of church and state (meaning that we have no state-sponsored religion), but where do we draw the line between patriotism and worship? When do our use of emotionally packed symbols and our glorification of past leaders and generations become cultic? It’s interesting by way of example to see what is engraved above ol’ Abes head in the Lincoln Memorial: “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Note the consistent use of religious language.
As Christians I believe we are called to submit to the state and to serve it when necessary. But we need to be sure to “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25)
So far I’ve only really raised the question. I haven’t quite got the answer yet. Something to think about.
Yep. Flags on the church stage continue to drive me crazy, as you well know, dear husband. Love this.
ReplyDeleteOh PS - people have to type in that word verification box to comment on your blog. Maybe you can change it to make it easier?
Now that I think of it, the Abraham Lincoln thing is totally freaky. If aliens were looking down (this is always a healthy perspective to have, the alien one), they would assume we were worshipping there. I mean, you can't even talk loud and stuff, and there's a place to buy things, or donate money.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree... If we just viewed everything from the alien perspective it would be so much clearer. haha
ReplyDeleteSeriously, If you look at a model of the Temple to Zeus and then look at the Lincoln Memorial you have to wonder what the architects were thinking.
Thinking of a different kind of "alien," what do you think international visitors must think when they go to DC?
Flags and patriotic songs and projected images of soldiers and of jets flying over - I can't believe what the church I grew up in did vis-à-vis nationalism. I have moved increasingly from this to a more anabaptist position (in a herky jerky fits and starts sort of way). I've come to appreciate Greg Boyd's writing and own journey on this, don't know if you've read him.
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