One thing about Baptists that I like a lot is their idea that each individual can and must come to their own decision about relationship with Jesus. One thing that has grown frustrating to me about Baptists is how an American flag is displayed in nearly every Baptist church in America. So let’s conduct a little thought experiment.
What if America was perfect? What if it was perfectly just, strong, safe, and free? Let’s call this perfect government the kingdom of God. Even with respect to this perfect government shouldn’t we expect Baptists to allow their children to come to their own decision about their allegiance?
If participation in the perfect kingdom of God described by Jesus is only to be accepted by the free choice of the individual, then allegiance to the far less perfect government of America should be voluntary as well. But I still have vivid memories of the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Vacation Bible School when children were told to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
Interestingly, the original pledge (without “under God) was written by a socialist Baptist minister as part of an advertising campaign. Here’s the Wikipedia page.
