This is my first diary and in all likelihood my last. Typically the things that are running through my mind are expressed far more eloquently by the wonderful writers and wry observers who populate this site, but today I had a unique experience.
Today I walked out of church about a third of the way through the service. A soloist was performing "God Bless the USA." I have always found that song to be especially cloying, but when I noticed it listed in the bulletin I decided to attempt to tolerate it. And I might have managed to do just that had not one or two individuals prompted the entire congregation to stand.
At that moment I felt as though I'd been punched in the gut. And it was a double whammy - not only was I offended politically, I was deeply offended spiritually. I would never under any circumstance stand in tribute to a performance of that particular song. As far as I'm concerned asking me to stand in a sanctuary bordered on blasphemy. How could I in good conscience stand to embrace the lyrics "I'm proud to be an American" in the very same week we learned U.S. soldiers raped an Iraqi woman then murdered her and her family to cover up the crime? What spiritually unwise person planned this nonsense?
The irony is I've never once noticed the congregation being prompted to stand during a solo performance of a hymn or a choral anthem lauding the teachings and sacrifice of Christ. That says something about priorities, I suppose.
I'm sure the intentions were well-meaning, but at some point that becomes inexcusable. My understanding of the Christian God is that he is the God of all nations, and according to scripture the healer of all nations. All nations should be embraced and made to feel welcome in the sanctuary, Christians should not cater to one national identity. Deification of the red, white and blue is thoroughly out of place.
I remember reading about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and how he removed the swastika-adorned banners the National Socialist Party had placed in the sanctuary. He felt displays of nationalism were an affront to God. I'll take my cue from Bonhoeffer. I simply will not accept any flagrant displays of nationalism in church. It's just too disgraceful.
I'm in the KY-OH-WV tri-state area and I'm looking for a new church. Any Kossacks who know of one that is somewhat more progressive and a lot deeper spiritually than the one I've described here, please make suggestions. I'd very much appreciate it.