National Anthem Controversy
written by a member of the WCB
Evolving Christian Response to “The Star-Spangled Banner”
In 2025, the relationship between American Christians and the national anthem has become increasingly complex and fractured. What was once a unifying patriotic ritual has evolved into a multifaceted flashpoint revealing deeper theological and cultural tensions within American Christianity.
Historical Context: The Anthem’s Contested Legacy
The controversy surrounding “The Star-Spangled Banner” extends beyond mere political disagreements. The third verse of Francis Scott Key’s composition contains the lines “No refuge could save the hireling and slave / From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,” which some historians interpret as celebrating the deaths of the Corps of Colonial Marines—Black American slaves who fought for the British in exchange for their freedom.
This historical context has gained increased prominence in Christian discussions, particularly as congregations wrestle with questions of racial justice and historical reconciliation.
The Theological Divide
Christian Nationalist Perspective
For many conservative evangelical Christians, particularly those aligned with Christian nationalist perspectives, the anthem represents a sacred patriotic tradition worth preserving. Some Trump rallies have featured recordings of the national anthem sung by those convicted for crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, whom Trump called “patriots”—a conflation of religious and patriotic identity that resonates with many conservative Christians.
Justice-Oriented Christian Response
Conversely, a growing contingent of Christians—especially those in multiethnic congregations and progressive evangelical spaces—have developed theological critiques of the anthem. These communities question whether unqualified patriotic rituals align with Christian values of justice, reconciliation, and truth-telling about America’s complex moral legacy.
The 2025 Controversy
The current Christian discourse around the national anthem centers on several key tensions:
Historical Reckoning vs. Patriotic Tradition: Many churches are grappling with how to honor historical truth while navigating patriotic expressions.
Theological Loyalty vs. National Identity: The experience of Christians like David French illustrates how political differences—including positions on patriotic expressions—have become church-dividing issues, with French noting that “race and politics trumped truth and grace” in his church experience.
Prophetic Witness vs. Cultural Accommodation: Churches face difficult questions about whether critiquing national symbols constitutes appropriate prophetic witness or unnecessary cultural division.
Emerging Pastoral Approaches
In response to these tensions, various pastoral approaches have emerged:
Contextual Education: Some congregations are providing historical education about the anthem while continuing its use.
Alternative Expressions: Other churches are exploring alternative patriotic expressions that better align with their theological commitments.
Dialogue Facilitation: Many pastors are creating spaces for congregants to discuss these issues without immediate resolution, recognizing the complexity of the questions involved.
The national anthem controversy in Christian communities reveals much deeper fractures within American Christianity about the relationship between faith, national identity, racial reconciliation, and historical truth-telling. Rather than a simple political disagreement, it represents a profound theological struggle to define what faithful Christian citizenship means in contemporary America.