A flag is an object to identify a specific nation, community, or group of people. The Christian flag has long been displayed in many worldwide churches, Christian schools, camps, and outside of buildings. Nonetheless, not many people are aware of the history and meaning of it. That is why, in this article, we expect to provide you a needed source of knowledge about its history, symbolic meaning, and usage. Also, even for those who still wonder ー “What is the Christian flag?” Continue reading to find out more details.
What Is The Origin Of The Christian Flag?
The Christian Flag has a long history and story behind them. The history of the Christian flag can be traced back to more than a century ago in New York. In 1897, a Sunday school superintendent, Charles C. Overton, delivered an impromptu speech because the speaker could not attend. His speech initially focused on the appearance of an American flag next to a podium on the stage. At the time, he spoke about patriotism, its history and symbolic meaning. Simultaneously, during the same event, the idea of a flag for Christianity flashed through his mind.
Ten years later, he collaborated with secretary Ralph Diffendorfer to launch it for the first time. Ralph Diffendorfer is the secretary of the Methodist Young People’s Missionary Movement, a leading mobilization of Protestants in the United States to convert to Christianity and bring material comforts to unchurched peoples.
What Does The Christian Flag Look Like?
It appears very simple, with three primary colors: white, red, and blue. It is a rectangular white piece with a blue square in the upper left corner and a red Latin cross in the center portion of that square. Additionally, what does the Christian flag symbolize?
We can see the Christain and American flag share the same colors. It could be explained by how the idea of making it came from Charles C. Overton. Accordingly, these three colors all represent logically interrelated messages when it comes to Jesus and American flag.
Religiously, red represents Jesus’ shed blood on the cross to redeem us, blue stands for fidelity, faithfulness, and the water of baptism, and white denotes purity and peace.
In terms of patriotism, red represents bravery and sacrifice, blue reflects loyalty, truth, and justice, and white symbolizes purity and innocence.
Overton and Diffendorfer created a wonderful religious symbol that is simultaneously appropriate for the country’s identity. America is, indeed, a country of Christianity. Besides, America is a land of liberalism, where people have the freedom to worship their God without fear of persecution, as in many other countries. The subtlety in the color representation truly conveys the true meaning of both one’s religion and patriotism.
Pledge To The Christian Flag
Lynn Harold Hough created the pledge of allegiance to the Christian flag just one year after it was introduced to the public. He is a well-known US Methodist educator who first wrote this Christian pledge in 1908.
“I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands; one brotherhood, uniting all mankind in service and in love.”
The pledge quickly gained recognition in the many places where it had been and spread more widely. However, as different Christian denominations’ perspectives emerged, some modified the phrase to suit them better. This Christian pledge of allegiance could also take the following form:
“I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands; one Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again with life and liberty to all who believe.”
What Is The Purpose Of The Christian Flag?
At the outset of this article, I discussed the general role of flags. Similarly, with its symbolic colors and images of the cross, this flag expresses essential aspects of Christianity. One could argue that an inanimate piece of cloth cannot represent God. To completely deny the connection between God and Christians through symbolic tools of worship, on the other hand, is highly subjective.
A Christian cross flag is one of many things, such as the cross necklace you wear, the cross statue, the chapel, and so on. Although worshipping flags is not directly mentioned in the Bible, it is the tool that helps connect the church with Christians.
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The Christian Flag Usage
Christian Church Flag For Christ Worship
As a flag that represents the background of Jesus Christ, it is commonly used in Baptist churches and chapels to demonstrates the presence of God. In the custom service of churches, they display it to increase the holy atmosphere in its sanctuary. People who go to church then would feel closer to God thanks to a religious tool as a reminder of Him.
When it comes to displaying the flags in a sanctuary, it raises an issue in many churches about how they can show a Christian flag and American flag together. The Federal Flag Code of the United States clearly states that “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America.” In other words, it is a violation of the Code if we put the U.S. flags beneath others. Nonetheless, following Jesus’ word, we know that we shall never put our nation or anything else above Him. We love our country, but it’s unnecessary to make it equal to our love and loyalty for Christ.
So, how should we do it? How could we serve both God and our country in the exact proper manner? Well, Jesus is always explicit in His teachings when it comes to choosing and serving. When He was forced into an unwinnable corner between God and government, He made a clear distinction and told the hypocrites trying to trap Him to “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
Now we must wonder ー If we put up the American flag outside our church, are we bringing our government something that belongs to God?
Indoor & Outdoor Christian Flag
Apart from places of refuge and safety like a church, you can display it as the religious decoration at home. It can be displayed both indoors and outdoors on all proper occasions. However, I suggest you rather hang it outdoors because we want to spread His word to other people as Christians. Such outdoor Christian flags would make a significant impact.
If you’re looking to purchase one, you can find it on.” many e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay,… Otherwise, you can completely handcraft one yourself by taking our guide on how to make a Christian flag. It’s effortless and straightforward to follow.
What Is The Bible Pledge?
“I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God. Amen.”
When Was The Christian Flag Created?
The Christian flag was made and launched for the first time in 1907 by Charles C. Overton and Ralph Diffendorpher. Overton is the man who came up with the idea of creating a flag of Christianity in a spontaneous speech at a Sunday school in New York City.
What Does The Appeal To Heaven Flag Mean?
The Appeal To Heaven flag (or the Tree flag) is a white flag depicting a green pine tree in the center portion with a motto, “An Appeal To Heaven” above. This flag was used for the ships Washington commissioned. The pine tree was a symbol of colonial rage and resistance and multi-tribal support for independence during the Revolutionary War.
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I have dedicated my career to unraveling the captivating stories behind these symbolic emblems. With a deep fascination for history, culture, and symbolism, I explore the stories behind each flag, weaving together narratives that celebrate their uniqueness and global significance. Join me on this enthralling journey to uncover the mysteries and intricacies of flags from around the world.