Interfaith Group

...I'll have to admit to feeling more than a little creeped out when I see a US flag anywhere near the alter in a church.

It strikes me as a form of Idolatry, a bow to the civil religions of Militarism, Nuclearism, and Capitalism.

Surely such reverence for symbols of the civil religions has got to water down whatever authentic religious messages may be comingled with them at that alter.

Religion at its best is often critical of or even at odds with secular authorities and institutions. But that important oppositional role of religion in society is made more difficult when the symbols of the civil religions are made part of the religious service.

When we join Church and State together as one (in unholy matrimony?) by including the sacred symbols of the civil religions of Militarism, Nuclearism, and Capitalism prominently on the alter, religions risk being co-opted by the State and made harmless, losing their independence of thought and action in the process, and their capacity to present a challenge to unbridled State authority.