Patriotic music in church

[wnylib]

2. I would if I were you. I grew up in

the LCA, before it became the ELCA. I don't remember patriotic music in church for holidays like the 4th. We did sometimes sing the Navy hymn, as simply a hymn, not as a patriotic music choice.

I now split my time between a Presbyterian and an Episcopal church. A couple years ago, during the summer, the Presbyterians selected hymns from congregational requests at the beginning of the service, after announcements. Somebody chose America the Beautiful on the Sunday before the 4th. The pastor was visibly surprised and he frowned, but honored the request. As we sang it, I thought about the contrast between the words and the Trump administration and my eyes filled with tears.

I am surprised that a Lutheran church would use patriotic music. I remember in LCA confirmation class discussing Luther's principle of separating the spiritual from the temporal as a result of the Peasants' Rebellion.

I think that I would skip that service, but let a few people know why. Find another service to watch online.