Voluntary State Worship

China has finally allowed some state-run churches to reopen, but, notes Bitter Winter, “only those who commit to endorsing patriotism are permitted to open their doors to congregations.” Governments demanded that on the reopening day, “churches must promote patriotism, raise the national flag, sing the country’s anthem, and tell believers ‘moving stories about China’s battle with the pandemic.'”

Thanks for this to M.T., who comments: “In China, even government-run churches have to be forced to engage in state worship. In America, churches do it voluntarily—and enthusiastically.” What an indictment of American Christianity.

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