The Pledge of Allegiance

Dr. Couch, with all the evil that is now taking place in our government is it still appropriate to pledge allegiance to our flag?   That is a good question, but my answer would be yes based on what the apostle Paul says in Romans 13. Can you imagine a government as evil as the Roman government of Paul's day? No government is perfect, and to pledge the allegiance is not condoning everything done by the leaders of our nation. But it is a sign of respect, and even appreciation for the blessings of good government.    Paul's context in Romans 13 is about the "good" government carried out by the Romans. And that government is "established by God" (v. 1). Thus, "every person is to be in subjection to the government authorities" because that "good" authority comes from God (v. 1b). For "rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior but for evil" (v. 3). Government "is a minister of God to you for good" (v. 4a).    Paul's conclusion: "Render to all what is due them; tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor" (v. 7).    However, somewhere there is a line. We all must decide someday how far we can go if, overall, our government really turns evil. I believe that Christians will know when that day arrives!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch