Hey, it is great that we made it through to the next round of the world cup. I have even bought me a cheeky gold Aussie shirt to wear in amongst the St George crosses that have swamped England.
Should I wear it to church?
(This is a 'serious' question in that I am asking 'is it appropriate to go meet with one's brothers and sisters in Christ flying the symbol of another - and divisive - allegiance'?)
16 comments:
Does turning up in a suit indicate one's allegiance to the corporate world?
well, yes, it might! but since there is a particular reference in the Bible to race/nations...
I find it far easier to be 'nation-minded' [I avod nationalism] while in Australia than out of it. Its more fun and feels more inclusive.
I find nationalism [which is what it feels like out of one's country] to be tiresome after a while.
Love the game. Talk about it. Kill the shirt.
Call me grumpy.
Oh it's tiresome - but is it un\christian?
Guess we (wittingly or otherwise) give off any number of cultural/national symbols every time we walk into church. Is your shirt necessarily saying anything other than the fact that you're Aussie (any more than your accent)? Does it reflect an appropriate support of the boys from home? Or does it indicate a kind of jingoistic nationalism??
It might give off different messages to different people, but I can't think of any reason why it necessarily undermines the gospel's power to cross national boundaries.
"un\christian?"
That would be too strong.
The colours do not bleed into one, do they?
We're talking about Association Football, aren't we?
I guess the clothes we wear to church has become very much less of an issue than it was, say, a generation ago.
Would it:
(a) Make any outsiders who walk in think you're out of your mind (very possibly, with an Australia shirt, actually ;-) )?
(b) Offend and alienate your brothers and sisters and so damage the unity we are called to have as members of a local congregation?
(c) Display a lack of due reverence for the assembly of God's people to render his praise, to receive his word and to encourage one another?
If none of those are a problem, it seems to me that you're fine.
D.
I think a couple of questions need to be asked about why you would wear it to church.
1. What is your reason for doing so?
2.Is it to be cheeky and stir others?
3.Is it because you want to encourage others?
4. Is it because it helps you to worship Jesus more?
5. Does it detract from you worshipping Jesus or does it become a stumbling block to others worshipping Jesus?
I think in its self it is neither good nor bad, and could actually be worn as a symbolic gesture to say in church, there is neither Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And it could be a symbol of the gathering together of of difference in the congregation around Christ in unity, celebrating our uniqueness rather then the separation of nations causing disunity.
The fact that they are born English does not excuse them. Do not compromise your faith MJ, one day they might choose to stop wearing the Red and White and embrace the truth.
I would love to look a guus!
John (in Revelation) tells us that the nations will bring their glory into the New Jerusalem. I love seeing people at church wearing national dress, like Indian women wearing saris, Africans in national dress etc.
However, compared to the dignity of those sorts of outfits, Aussie sporting gear could come off looking a little naff.
yep - wear it!
Mate, I reckon you should show up with green and gold zinc cream on your face. And midway through the sermon leap up and do "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!"
Can we read biblical language about nations directly onto the modern nation state? Wasn't a 'nation' during the Roman empire something very different to today's political structures?
Hey Byron, I told you before... get off the grass!!!
Hey Anonymous, not quite sure what you mean... I generally avoid going outside at all, so grass-going is generally not a danger...
How about a deal: I'll get off the grass if you come out from behind the curtain???
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