The Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic oath that many Americans recite as a way to express loyalty and devotion to their country. The pledge was originally written in 1892 and adopted by Congress in 1942. It states:
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
For Christians, pledging allegiance to anything other than God can raise some questions. Does saying the Pledge of Allegiance violate any biblical principles? Should Christians refuse to say the pledge out of loyalty to God alone? What does the Bible say about showing respect to earthly authorities?
The Bible Encourages Submitting to Governing Authorities
The Bible makes it clear that Christians should submit to and respect earthly governing authorities. These authorities have been instituted by God for our good (Romans 13:1-7). Respecting authorities includes honoring symbols like flags that represent them. There are plenty of examples in the Bible of God’s people showing deference to authorities:
- Joseph served faithfully under the Pharaoh of Egypt (Genesis 41:46).
- Esther risked her life by approaching the king of the Persian Empire (Esther 4:16).
- Jesus said to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” regarding paying taxes (Luke 20:25).
- Paul said to pray for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:2).
Therefore, Christians can in good conscience say the Pledge of Allegiance as a way of honoring governing authorities that God has established. Reciting the pledge demonstrates respect for the nation and gratitude for the freedoms it provides.
The Pledge Is Not a Declaration of Ultimate Loyalty
It’s important to recognize what the Pledge of Allegiance is and isn’t. It’s an oath of loyalty to the United States and what it represents, but not an expression of worship or ultimate allegiance. Christians pledge highest devotion to God alone:
- “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
- “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).
Rather than competing with loyalty to God, the Pledge of Allegiance complements it. Honoring the authorities God has placed over us is part of our service to Him (Romans 13:1-7). The pledge is simply a way of expressing love for America alongside our higher commitment to God.
The Bible Commands Us to Love Our Neighbors
Saying the pledge allows Christians to follow another important biblical principle: to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). Part of loving others is caring about what they care about. Our neighbors in America deeply love this country and expressing that patriotism means something to them. Out of love, Christians can choose to participate in the pledge even if their convictions about it differ:
- “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
- “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).
Rather than sitting out the pledge, Christians can see it as an opportunity to come alongside their community in a spirit of harmony and goodwill.
The Current Pledge Includes the Phrase “Under God”
One reason Christians may feel comfortable reciting the pledge is that it contains clear recognition of God. The phrase “under God” was added by an Act of Congress in 1954. This addition came about through lobbying efforts from Christian groups like the Knights of Columbus. It distinguishes America as a nation that acknowledges God’s sovereignty.
By including God, the pledge affirms that America is “one nation under God” who rules over all earthly authorities. This phrase makes it clear that any loyalty signified by the pledge is secondary to the highest allegiance Christians owe to their Creator. It allows them to pledge faithfulness to America without compromising commitment to God.
Whether to Say the Pledge Is Matter of Personal Conviction
The Bible does not directly address whether Christians today should say the Pledge of Allegiance. There are good arguments on both sides. It likely comes down to each person’s conscience and convictions before God (Romans 14:22-23).
Some Christians may choose not to say the pledge out of caution to avoid any potential idolatry or divided loyalty. Others may view the pledge as an appropriate expression of respect for civil authorities that complements their devotion to God.
It’s best for Christians on each side of this issue to follow their conscience but not force their perspective on others. As Paul wrote regarding disputable matters:
- “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” (Romans 14:4)
- “Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13)
This allows for unity in the church even when opinions differ on whether or not to participate in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. The main goal is for every Christian to be “fully convinced in their own mind” before God (Romans 14:5).
Does Saying the Pledge Violate the Second Commandment?
Some Christians object to the Pledge of Allegiance based on the Second Commandment:
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them” (Exodus 20:4-5).
They argue that pledging allegiance to the flag may border on idolatry and violate the command against worshiping images and objects. However, most Christians do not view the pledge as actual worship in practice. Saying the pledge is seen as simply a symbolic gesture of respect rather than an act of religious devotion that breaks the Second Commandment.
In a similar way, the Bible records God’s people showing deference to earthly authorities without violation of the Second Commandment. Examples include bowing before kings (1 Kings 1:16) and addressing rulers with respect (Matthew 27:29). Such honors did not conflict with sole worship of God.
Therefore, most Christians do not consider reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with hand over heart to be inherently idolatrous or a violation of Scripture. It can reasonably be viewed as a ceremonial sign of respect that falls short of real worship or service.
How the Early Church Related to Roman Culture
Another factor to consider is how the earliest Christians related to the pagan Roman culture in which they lived. The apostle Paul wrote the following to the church in Corinth:
- “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10).
Paul made clear that Christians should be distinct from the rampant sin of their culture but not totally removed from associating with unbelievers. With prudent discernment, they could still participate to a degree in the civic life around them.
Likewise, American Christians can determine to what extent they engage with national customs like the Pledge of Allegiance. Their highest loyalty is to Christ alone, but they need not completely withdraw from the culture. Wise, discerning participation is possible.
The Example of Daniel in a Pagan Culture
Daniel provides a positive example of how to live faithfully within a pagan culture. After being exiled to Babylon, Daniel resolved not to defile himself by eating food sacrificed to idols (Daniel 1:8). Yet he still trained for service in the royal court of a foreign king without compromising devotion to God alone:
- “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank…” (Daniel 1:8)
- “Among them all was Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.” (Daniel 1:19)
Like Daniel, Christians today can determine what practices align with their convictions and what aspects of civic life they can engage in. Daniel avoided violating core commandments yet still served the earthly authority over him. Similarly, Christians can possibly say the Pledge of Allegiance while maintaining primary loyalty to God if done with wisdom and discernment.
All Things in Moderation for the Sake of Gospel Witness
Perhaps the best way forward for Christians is one of moderation regarding the pledge. Some may choose not participate due to personal convictions. Others may decide they can in good conscience say the pledge out of respect for the nation. Either way can be valid depending on each person’s conscience.
It is good to avoid fanaticism on either extreme. As Paul wrote:
- “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone” (Philippians 4:5).
- “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3).
Being moderate allows Christians to focus on more eternal priorities of gospel witness and building God’s kingdom. Their ultimate purpose is bringing redemption to the culture rather than endlessly fighting “culture wars.”
By avoiding extremes over disputable matters like the pledge, Christians can devote energy to what matters most – shining gospel light in a fallen world by the power of God’s Spirit. This brings true transformation more than rigid stances on issues like this.
Conclusion
Whether or not Christians should pledge allegiance to the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance is a complex issue. Good arguments exist on both sides. Each Christian must follow their conscience on if participating in the pledge compromises their loyalty to God in any way.
The Bible encourages honoring governing authorities, but our highest allegiance is to God alone. Loving neighbors may include participating in civic customs that matter to them. But we should also live as wise, discerning citizens and be in the world without fully conforming to it.
Moderation and flexibility guided by the Spirit may be the best approach. This allows Christians to focus on making Christ known more than fighting culture wars. Our purpose is bringing gospel redemption within whatever culture God has placed us.
With prayer and study of Scripture, each believer can decide if they in good conscience say the pledge or refrain. Regardless, we must all unite under our supreme identity in Christ that transcends nationality. Our core citizenship is in God’s eternal kingdom as His redeemed people.
